Hot pepper has more vitamin C than oranges. Here are some other health benefits

Our body needs vitamins and nutrients to function optimally. We get all these nutrients from various food items, which in turn protect us from conditions including obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease and more. Though most nutrients have more than one function and fortunately we can get all these nutrients from the major food group we eat.

One such vitamin, which is essential for the functioning of our body and immunity is vitamin C. Since the onset of the pandemic, people have realised how important it is for them to consume enough vitamin C, in order to keep their immunity up and tight.

When we talk about vitamin C, oranges or lemons are the first things that come to our mind. But you will be surprised to know that hot peppers have more vitamin C than oranges. Yes, you read that right.

Not just this, hot peppers also have other benefits including stopping migraine pain, calming down the cold symptoms and extending your life. Hot peppers have three times more vitamin C than oranges.

Half cup diced oranges have around 107.8 mg of vitamin C.

Other benefits of chilli peppers

Chilli peppers are very high in vitamin C, which boosts your immunity and reduces your risk of chronic health conditions. Pepper is also packed with vitamin A, B, E and K and potassium and copper. Capsaicin, which gives the spice its pungent hot taste, is one of the most studied antioxidant plant compounds.

Studies have suggested that chilli peppers can help reduce weight by reducing the appetite and increasing the fat burning process.

A study found that capsaicin reduced the discomfort caused by arthritis and fibromyalgia by half in just a few weeks. Capsaicin is used as ingredients in many lotions, patches and creams.

Studies have found that the spicy chemical can kill cells linked with more than 40 types of cancer including colon, lung, pancreatic cancer.

Researchers have also shown that capsaicin can even change how some genes linked with cancer cells act and prevent them from growing.

Though more research is needed as some studies claim that consumption of chillies is linked with an increased risk of cancer.

Chilli peppers have been associated with having a longer life. As per a study, adults who consumed at least one fresh or dried hot pepper a month for 20 years reduced their risk of death by 13 per cent. Though researchers are not exactly sure of the reason how this happens.