Pepper, chili, red

Pepper, chili, red

The substances that give chiles their heat are the alkaloid capsaicin (8-methyl-N-vanillyl-6-nonenamide) and four related chemicals, collectively called capsaicinoids. Each capsaicinoid has a different effect on the mouth, and variation in the proportions of these chemical is responsible for the differing sensations produced by different varieties. Capsaicin causes pain and inflammation if consumed to excess, and can even burn the skin on contact in high concentrations (habanero peppers, for example, are routinely picked with gloves). It is also the primary ingredient in pepper spray, which is used as a "less-than-lethal" weapon.

The "heat" of chile peppers is measured in Scoville units. Bell peppers rank at zero Scoville units, jalapeños at 3,000–6,000 Scoville units, and habaneros at 300,000 Scoville units. The record for the highest number of Scoville units in a pepper is assigned by the Guinness Book of Records to the Red Savina Habanero, measuring 577,000 units. However, a recent report was made of a pepper from India called the Naga Jolokia measuring at 855,000 Scoville units. Both the Red Savina and the Naga Jolokia claims are disputed as to their validity, and lack independent verification.

Red chili pepper Nutrition Facts: Calories, Carbs, and Health Benefits

The composition of red chili pepper is 88.02% water, 8.81% carbohydrates, 1.87% protein, 1.5% dietary fiber, and 0.44% fat. If you consume one red chili pepper you will get 3.965 grams of carbohydrates. It is equal to 3.05 percent of the 130 grams of carbohydrates you should include in your daily diet. That same it has an energy value of 166 kJ (40 Calories) in a 100 g (3.5 Oz) amount and is a very rich source of Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) (191.6% and 38.92% of the Daily Value, respectively). So if your diet contains red chili peppers, it helps your body to reduce probability of heart disease by fighting cholesterol, reduce the risk of anemia as this vitamin absorbs iron, improve the efficiency of lymphocytes (or white blood cells) to heal wounds and it is effective against dementia since vitamin C impacts memory positively, high blood pressure and the occurrence of cancer. With this it contains a good amount of Copper (14.33% DV) and Manganese (10.39% DV).