- Main health benefits of pepper
- How to use the different types of pepper
- Pepper nutritional information
- How to use pepper to lose weight
- How to make pickled pepper
- Is pepper bad?
The types of pepper most used in Brazil are black pepper, sweet pepper and chilli pepper, which are added mainly to season meat, fish and seafood, in addition to being able to be used in sauces, pastas and risottos.
Peppers vary according to their origin and their spicy power, but all bring health benefits, as they are rich in capsaicin, a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory that helps improve digestion and relieve pain.
Main health benefits of pepper
The benefits of pepper are mainly due to the presence of capsaicin, which has important actions for the body such as:
- Relieve nasal congestion; Relieve pain, as it releases hormones in the brain that are the sensation of pleasure and well-being; Act as antioxidants, preventing changes in cells and cancer; Act as anti-inflammatory; Stimulate digestion; Increase libido; Favor weight loss as it increases metabolism; Improve itching and skin wounds in cases of psoriasis.
The stronger the flavor of the pepper, the greater its capsaicin content, which is present mainly in the seeds and in the ribs of the peel of the pepper.
How to use the different types of pepper
The types of pepper vary according to the region they are produced in, the size, color and strength of the flavor they bring. In the following list, the hotness of the pepper is rated from 0 to 7, and the higher the rating, the stronger the pepper.
- Cayenne or young finger: used mainly for the production of sauces and pickles. Spiciness: 6. Pepper-of-smell: indicated mainly to season fish and crustaceans, also being able to be used for dishes with chicken, risottos and sauteed vegetables. Spicy: 3. Black pepper: widely used in world cuisine, it can be used as a spice for all types of dishes. Picency: 1-2. Malagueta and Cumari: used to season feijoada, meats, acarajé, dumplings and pastries. Spicy: 7. Nobleman: used to season fish and make marinades from vegetables and canned foods. Spicy: 4. Cambuci e americana: sweet peppers, widely used stuffed, grilled, roasted or in dishes with pickles and cheeses. Picency: 0.
It is important to remember that despite bringing health benefits, the overuse of peppers can irritate the intestine and worsen symptoms of ulcers, gastritis and hemorrhoids.
Pepper nutritional information
The table below shows the nutritional information for 100 g of each type of pepper, which is equivalent to 10 medium sized peppers.
| Chilli pepper | Black pepper | Green pepper | |
| Energy | 38 kcal | 24 kcal | 24 kcal |
| Carbohydrate | 6.5 g | 5 g | 4.3 g |
| Protein | 1.3 g | 1 g | 1.2 g |
| Fat | 0.7 g | 0.03 g | 0.2 g |
| Calcium | 14 mg | - | 127 mg |
| Phosphor | 26 mg | - | 130 mg |
| Iron | 0.45 mg | - | 5.43 mg |
In addition to fresh fruit, capsaicin, the active substance in pepper, can also be found in capsules called Capsicum , which should be taken daily in doses between 30 to 120 mg, with 60 mg being the most used dose.
How to use pepper to lose weight
To lose weight, pepper should be used as a seasoning and added to all meals, especially at lunch or dinner, and can be used fresh, in powder or in the form of sauces. Another tip to enhance weight loss is to add a pinch of pepper in juices, vitamins and water, as this helps to increase metabolism throughout the day, burning more calories.
To speed up metabolism and lose weight faster, see 5 simple tips to lose weight and lose belly.
How to make pickled pepper
It is possible to plant pepper at home and make preserves to season meals. At home, pepper should be planted in medium-sized pots, about 30 cm in diameter, and should be watered whenever the soil is dry, preferably in the morning or late afternoon. If necessary, a thin stake should be attached to the side of the pepper plant to guide its growth. The following is a recipe for pickled pepper.
Ingredients
- 300 g of pepper of your choice300 ml of white alcohol vinegar2 tablespoons of saltLay leaves to tasteGarlic to taste
Method of preparation
Spread oil or oil on your hands to prevent the pepper from burning to the skin. Wash and dry the peppers well, then place them in layers in a washed and boiled glass container. If desired, add bay leaves and garlic cloves to add flavor to the canning. Then, mix the vinegar and salt in another container, and add to the glass with the peppers. Cover tightly and use the canned when desired.
Is pepper bad?
Frequent consumption of pepper with every meal or even consuming a large amount of pepper only at lunch or dinner can be harmful to the stomach. Thus, people who have a sensitive stomach and feel some discomfort when consuming pepper should consume this food in smaller quantities and sporadically so as not to develop gastritis or gastric ulcers.
In addition, excessive or frequent consumption of pepper increases the risk of hemorrhoids, which are small dilated veins in the anus, causing anal pain and difficulty in evacuating. Therefore, those who have hemorrhoids should not consume any type of pepper, especially during a period of crisis. Outside the crisis, their consumption can be sporadic because the excess of pepper can lead to the appearance of hemorrhoids.
