Chili Pepper — Nutrients, Health Benefits, And Shopping Tips
Written by Listonic Team
Last update on September 4, 2024
Nutrients
Nutrition facts
Amount per 100 g
Calories
🔥 40 kcal
| Nutrition per: 100 g | Value | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Carbs | 9 g | 3.27% |
| Fiber | 2 g | 7.14% |
| Sugars | 5 g | 10% |
| Glycemic Index | 50 | - |
| Protein | 2 g | 4% |
| Sodium | 9 mg | 0.39% |
| Total Fat | 0 g | - |
*The % of Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
50
🟢 Low Glycemic Index
Key takeaways
Health benefits
- Boosts metabolism due to its capsaicin content, which can increase calorie burning and reduce appetite.
- Rich in antioxidants such as Vitamin C and beta-carotene, which help protect the body from free radicals and reduce inflammation.
- Supports digestive health by stimulating the production of digestive enzymes.
- May reduce pain due to its capsaicin content, which can act as a natural pain reliever by desensitizing pain receptors.
- Promotes cardiovascular health by improving blood circulation and reducing the risk of blood clots.
Health risks
- Potential for digestive irritation causing heartburn, stomach pain, or diarrhea, particularly in individuals sensitive to spicy foods.
- Risk of allergic reactions in some individuals, causing symptoms like itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing.
- Skin and eye irritation if chili peppers come into contact with sensitive areas, potentially causing burning sensations or inflammation.
- Interaction with medications such as blood thinners, as chili peppers can affect blood clotting.
How to choose chili pepper
Select chili peppers that are bright and firm, with a glossy skin. They should have a vibrant color corresponding to their variety. Ensure there is no softness at the tips, which can indicate spoilage.
Do not choose chili peppers that are wrinkled or have soft spots. Good chili peppers will have a uniform texture and be free of blemishes.
How to store chili pepper
Whole dried chili peppers should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. A spice cabinet away from heat and light is ideal. Properly stored, they can retain their potency for up to a year.
Heat and moisture can degrade chili peppers, causing them to lose flavor and color. It’s important to avoid storing them near the stove or in humid areas. Keeping the container tightly sealed helps preserve their spiciness and freshness.
✅ Extra Tip
How long does it last?
Chili pepper can last for 1-2 weeks in the refrigerator. For longer storage, chili peppers can be dried and kept for up to 6 months in an airtight container. Freezing chili peppers can also extend their shelf life up to 12 months.
What to do with leftovers?
Leftover chili peppers can be used in a variety of spicy and creative ways. In cooking, they add heat and flavor to dishes like salsas, curries, sauces, and stir-fries. You can also dry or pickle chili peppers to preserve them for future use.
Beyond cooking, chili peppers have some interesting non-culinary uses. They can be dried and ground into a powder to create a natural pest repellent for the garden, as the capsaicin in peppers deters many animals and insects. Chili peppers can also be used in a homemade muscle rub to help relieve pain due to their natural warming properties. Additionally, you can create a spicy homemade hot sauce or chili oil that makes for a great gift.
👨⚕️️ Medical disclaimer
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Listonic Team
Fact-checked
Our editorial team checked this article to make sure it was accurate at the time of publishing it.
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