Hot chilli, Fingertip, Pout? There are so many options, and it's hard to find someone who doesn't surrender to at least one type of pepper! With striking flavor, some more or less burned, peppers are right bet when giving a special touch to the most varied dishes, therefore, commonly used in cooking.
But beyond that: did you know that pepper can be an ally of good health, helping in digestion, the proper functioning of the circulatory system, the process of weight loss, among other advantages?
But in general, to enjoy the benefits of peppers, is the best way to consume fresh pepper? thus all nutrients are retained. The versions of sauce, preserves, jam, among others, are culinary interesting, but usually lose some of the nutrients.
That is, if the idea is to get more health benefits with the consumption of pepper, give preference to the fresh version, and include it in your daily diet (it is no use eating from time to time, right?) Or, preferably, according to with the guidelines of a nutritionist.
But if your main goal is to add flavor to your dishes, use your creativity and taste the various types of pepper (always remembering that some are very spicy)!
Also read: 15 Healthiest Supermarket Foods
Find out more about the benefits this important fruit can bring to your health, and see how to use it in different recipes!
7 Benefits Associated With Eating Peppers
Clarissa Fujiwara, nutritionist at Dr. Denise Lellis Clinic, and Master of Science from the University of São Paulo (USP), Nutrition Coordinator, HC-FMUSP Childhood Obesity League, member of the Brazilian Association for the Study of Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome (ABESO) and the American Society for Nutrition (ASN), explain that the benefits of pepper most extensively studied concern thermogenic action.
That is, does pepper raise body temperature and energy expenditure as a result of an active substance called capsaicin? responsible for the peculiar poignancy? "Other examples of foods with thermogenic activity are cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, guarana and green tea and mate," adds Clarissa.
Briefly, can be highlighted as the main advantages of pepper consumption, according to the nutritionist:
1. Help in weight loss: Clarissa explains that precisely due to the thermogenic effect and increased metabolism, peppers can be allied in the process of weight loss. "This is always with balanced diet, control of caloric consumption, physical exercise and quality sleep, for an effective and sustainable weight loss process," he says.
Read also: 14 tips for changing your cooking habits and preparing healthier meals
2. Appetite inhibition: Additionally, Clarissa explains, experimental studies suggest that pepper may partly inhibit appetite and thus contribute to lower food intake due to action in areas of regulation of this behavior in the sympathetic nervous system.
3. Improvement of circulatory system: According to Clarissa, pepper can benefit the circulatory system, by the less formation of obstructive plaques in blood vessels, and antithrombotic action due to decreased platelet aggregation, thus helping to control blood pressure levels.
4. Improved cardiovascular health: "There is some evidence that pepper plays an adjuvant role in lowering the level of LDL-cholesterol in the blood, also contributing to better cardiovascular health," says Clarissa.
5. Best Digestion: There is evidence that peppers can stimulate the secretion and release of digestive enzymes, improving the digestion process, according to Clarissa.
6. Antioxidant Power: Does Clarissa remember that peppers are a good source of vitamin C? important antioxidant, neutralizing unstable free radicals that can cause damage to the body and aging.
Also read: 10 Foods That Can Prevent Cancer
7. Cancer Protection: Some studies suggest that capsaicin associated with the presence of antioxidant compounds, as well as vitamin C and carotenoids (responsible for reddish coloration), may be related to the induction of tumor cell apoptosis and, therefore, related to lower risk of development of some types of cancer ?, says Clarissa.
The types of pepper and their singularities
Below you know a little more about the types of pepper most commonly found in the country."It is noteworthy that the hotter the pepper, the higher the capsaicin content present," says Clarissa.
The nutritionist further explains that the Scoville Scale (or "Scoville Heat Units", SHU), which is used to measure the level of pungency in peppers, which can range from 0 to more than 1, is included in the description below. million for the world's spicy peppers. "As a matter of curiosity, the pepper considered the most spicy in the world is the American pepper called Carolina Reaper with about 2,200,000 SHU)," he says.
Chilli pepper ?????
It is one of the most ardent among the best known and used in Brazil, as Clarissa points out. "It has an elongated shape and, when mature, turns from green to reddish color," he says.
? This type of pepper is mainly used for fresh consumption and canning, and is especially present in Bahian regional cuisine, harmonizing with dishes such as feijoada, acarajé and moqueca ?, adds the nutritionist.
Read also: 10 Natural Soothing that Help Treat Anxiety, Insomnia, and Even Depression
It has between 60,000 to 100,000 SHU.
Young Girl's Pepper ????
One of the most popular in the country, is consumed in various forms from fresh, pickled or dehydrated and crushed? called pepperoni pepper. ? Harmonizes with seafood, poultry and red meat ?, highlights Clarissa.
It has between 5,000 to 15,000 SHU.
Pepper Biquinho?
It has a rounded shape that narrows towards the tip. ? It is widely cultivated in the Triangulo Mineiro region in Minas Gerais, being widely consumed in the form of preserves. The amount of capsaicin is quite low resulting in mild and aromatic taste, so it is considered a? Sweet pepper? and is commonly used in sauces, fish and meat ?, explains Clarissa.
It has about 1,000 SHU.
Jalapeno pepper ???
Originally from Mexico, it is aromatic and has medium burning. Succulent, it can be eaten raw when green, stuffed or served fresh in salads, and is eaten in a sauce, pickled and dehydrated when red. It is widely used in Mexican cuisine, in dishes such as nachos, tacos and burritos ?, explains Clarissa.
When dried and smoked, it is called a chipotle. It has between 2,500 and 5,000 SHU ?, adds the nutritionist.
Cayenne Pepper ????
Clarissa explains that it is a mixture of dried red peppers (chilli, finger and venison horn), and is widely used in Mexican and Thai cuisine, being very spicy.
It is usually used in the preparation of pickles and sauces. Is this type of pepper a good aid in regulating blood pressure ?, adds the nutritionist.
Tabasco pepper ????
Originally from Mexico, it has an elongated shape and a spicy taste. It is used in the form of sauce and freshly used in the preparation of meat and fish. It has between 30,000 and 50,000 SHU ?, says Clarissa.
Cambuci pepper?
It is also called a bishop's hat or a basking hat, and is bell-shaped. • Turns from green to red when ripe. It has a sweet taste and little pungency. It is used in varied salty dishes and salads. It has between 100 and 500 SHU ?, explains Clarissa.
10 practical recipes with pepper to taste and love
Do you like pepper but don't have much idea how to include it in your diet ?! Check out some delicious recipes!
1. Pepper Jelly: A recipe that proves that making pepper jelly at home is easy and very inexpensive. This jelly goes well with cheese, but it also goes well with meat and bread, not to mention that it always succeeds on a cold table.
2. Feijoada pepper sauce: feijoada is already a popular dish, right? So imagine when you get a delicious sauce made with pepper, the very broth feijoada, onion, tomato and chives!
3. Fish with cachaça vinaigrette and pepper pout: a "beach face" snack. You'll need yellow hake, flocked cornmeal, wheat flour, egg, salt, pepper and frying oil.
4. Pepper Stuffed with Cheese: A different and very tasty appetizer for pepper lovers. You will use black pepper, grated cheese, water, milk, margarine, flour, salt, black pepper, egg and breadcrumbs.
5. Pepper stuffed with dried meat and cream cheese: In addition to the main ingredients, you will use onion, garlic, parsley, salt, egg, wheat flour and breadcrumbs. The pepper used in the recipe is the finger.
6. Guacamole: The original guacamole is made with chilli, a red pepper not so easy to find in Brazil. In this recipe, however, the finger pepper is used. And in addition to making guacamole simply, easily and quickly, you'll learn to keep mashed avocado or guacamole in the fridge without darkening. Simple and valuable tip!
7. Mashed apricot with red pepper and ginger: An elegant and tasty recipe, ideal for accompanying pork, fish or poultry. In addition to the main ingredients, you will use water, extra virgin olive oil, onion and salt.
8. Brie cheese risotto and pimento pepper: In addition to ease and practicality, a good risotto can be served as a unique dish and, depending on the occasion, requires no accompaniment. This combination of pout pepper and brie cheese is very smooth and very tasty. A perfect recipe for the weekend!
9. Chocolate Truffle with Pepper: A truffle with intense, striking and spicy flavor. You only need three ingredients to make it, which are dark chocolate, fresh cream and cayenne pepper.
10. Strawberry pepper pink truffle: The combination may seem unusual, but pink pepper scents the truffle and helps break the strawberry white chocolate candy for a spicy finishing touch.
The recipes are mouthwatering, right? So it is not difficult to consume a little pepper daily!
Contraindications of pepper
People should be aware that excessive consumption of pepper can lead to intolerance to gastrointestinal disorders. Peppers are still contraindicated in individuals with gastritis and ulcers, according to Clarissa.
Moderate amounts of peppers can cause endothelial irritation and inflammation and worsening in individuals with hemorrhoids. And it is noteworthy that the excessive consumption of peppers? especially fresh? can cause burns or blisters in the oral mucosa (mouth), nausea and vomiting ?, concludes the nutritionist.
However, it is worth remembering: if consumed in adequate amounts, within a balanced diet, pepper can be a good ally, even in weight loss. Talk to your dietitian and learn how to include it in your diet!
Foods with No Carbs and No Sugar (May 2024)
- food
- 1,230
