Eating chili pepper could help improve your health

NUTRITION

KAMPALA - For 10 years, Justine Nabirye has been struggling with peptic ulcers and despite having recurrent medical treatment, the situation hasn't got any better.

Nabirye, a businesswoman in Natete and a mother of two, has heard testimonies of people who have got cured of ulcers but her condition seems not to change.

A friend recently told her that chili pepper cures all types of ulcers, but Nabirye is reluctant to give it a try because of its pungent taste.

'Will chili pepper solve my condition?' That is the question that keeps running through Nabirye's mind.

What do experts say?

Experts say chili pepper has both medicinal and health benefits.

Jamilu Mpiima, a nutritionist, emphasizes that chili pepper is feared by many because of its burning sensation caused by capsaicin that has the health benefits.

He notes that the capsaicin component generates the production of body hormones called endorphins which help in reducing pain. He adds that capsaicin components have been used by people who make cosmetics like lotions and creams that relieve pain.

Several studies worldwide have demonstrated that capsaicin speeds up the death of cancerous cells especially lung cancer, prostate cancer and blood cancer.

Mpiima says that according to scientific studies capsaicin has anti-bacterial, anti-cancer-causing, pain-relieving and anti-diabetic properties. It also found to reduce cholesterol levels in obese persons.

Nutritional value

Sanyu Josette, a nutritionist, notes that like any other fruit, fresh chili pepper is a rich source of Vitamin C.

She says that Vitamin C is very important for the body because it helps in building the body's immune system, protects the skin and other body parts from infections.

Consumption

Sanyu notes that chili pepper can be consumed in many ways; it can be mixed in different foods or soups when one is going to have a meal while others opt to swallow small pieces of it.

No matter the way it is consumed, Sanyu says when chili pepper is part of your diet it can do wonders.