What Is Red Chilli?
Chilli is a fruit which belongs to Capsicum genus. It has many Varieties which are differentiated on its Pungency measured on Scoville Scale. Chilli fruit when Ripened and Dried becomes Dried Red Chilli, which is further Crushed and Grounded to form Red Chilli Powder. Dried Red Chillies are widely used in many cuisines as a Spice to add heat to dishes.
Chilli Plant and Cultivation
Chilli is a tropical and sub-tropical plant requiring a combination of warm, humid yet dry weather. During the growth stage it needs a warm and humid weather. However, a dry weather is suitable for fruit maturity. Chillies need moisture for growth. It has been found that black soil which retains moisture is ideal in case they are grown as rainfed crops. Under irrigated conditions, the crop needs well-drained sandy loam with rich organic content. They can also be grown in deltaic soil under irrigated conditions. Chillies can be grown both as Kharif and Rabi crop. In addition they are also planted at other times. Sowing months are May to June for Kharif crop, September to October for Rabi crops. If they are grown as summer crops then January-February months are chosen.
Uses of Chilli
Chilli is a spicy fruit used in cuisine preparations. It is mostly added as an ingredient in foods to make it spicy. As per the latest data, India tops the list in Chilli Production followed by China, Peru, Spain and Mexico. Indian Chillies are known for their Pungency and Color, especially the ones grown in Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh. Some of the chillies that are bigger in size are called bell peppers and are used as a vegetable.
5 Health Benefits of Chilli
1 - Improves Digestive Health and Metabolism - chili peppers, especially in its powder form, is rich in antioxidants and other compounds that can soothe other digestive issues, like upset stomachs, intestinal gas, diarrhea, and cramps. Peppers are able to accomplish this because they stimulate gastric juices and work against the acidity in your digestive tract. Chili peppers can also accelerate your metabolism. By speeding up your metabolism, you curb your cravings and improve the rate at which you burn fat. In general, it is thought that the consumption of chili peppers along with other healthy lifestyle practices can improve weight loss.
2 - May Reduce Risks of Cancer - Chili peppers also present a potential natural remedy for fighting cancer. According to the American Association for Cancer Research, the capsaicin and antioxidants in chili peppers can kill cancer cells in leukemia and prostate cancer. This is largely due to the high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of chili peppers.
3 - Fights Fungal Infections, Colds, and the Flu - The characteristic red color of chili peppers is an indication that it is rich in beta-carotene or pro-vitamin A. Vitamin A is key in maintaining a healthy respiratory, intestinal, and urinary system. Also, vitamin A and vitamin C in the chili peppers are vital in building up your immunity against infections and illnesses. If you suffer from congestion or allergies, a capsaicin nasal spray can help relieve your symptoms. Moreover, capsaicin has a number of antibacterial properties that can fight chronic sinus infections.
4 - Promotes Red Blood Cell Growth - In addition to maintaining heart health, chili peppers can also help with new blood cell formation. This is due to the fact that chili peppers are rich in copper and iron. As such, they are able to treat symptoms of anemia and fatigue. Chili peppers also contain folic acid, which is key to fighting anemia and producing healthy red blood cells. This is particularly valuable for pregnant women because a deficiency in folic acid could mean birth defects in newborn babies.
5 - Decrease Risks of Type 2 Diabetes - In addition to maintaining your heart health, chili peppers can reduce the risk of developing high blood levels of insulin, which is a common symptom of Type 2 Diabetes. According to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, a number of Australian scientists discovered that a meal containing chili pepper can result in the right amount of insulin to reduce blood sugar levels. This is a particularly useful fact for individuals with high BMIs or those who suffer from obesity. Lastly, remember that chili peppers are high in antioxidants, cartenoids, and vitamin C. These contribute greatly to insulin regulation as well.