Spices and chilies are the trademarks of Indian cuisine. These ingredients not only improve the taste of dishes but also help improve your health. From promoting gut health to preventing allergies, relieving pain, and helping weight loss, chili peppers are associated with several health benefits.

According to a new study of the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2020, the consumption of chilies or chili peppers may also help increase your lifespan by reducing your risks of cardiovascular and cancer mortality.

Nutritional facts 

Chilli peppers are full of vitamins A, B6, C, and K1, and minerals like potassium and copper. This is a rich source of powerful phytochemicals like capsaicin, capsanthin, lutein, and ferulic acid. Chilli peppers also contain a good amount of antioxidant carotenoids that can protect you from disease and enhance your immune system. Mature (red) chili peppers have higher antioxidant content than immature (green) peppers.

Uses

Weight loss – Extra use of chili peppers sets you on fire and this heat requires energy. This energy is created by using up the calories in your body. Thus, it is a superfood that helps in losing weight. 

Clears congestion – Consuming just a bite or two of chili pepper will get you to a runny nose. This heat stimulates secretions that help in clearing mucus from your stuffy nose and even congested lungs. Chilli peppers also contain vitamin A which is essential for healthy mucous membranes and also acts as the body's first line of defense.

Boosts immunity – These are high in vitamin C content, more than oranges. It helps in boosting your immunity. It is a must-have in winters as it keeps your immunity high and also provides warmth to the body.

Decreases inflammation - Chilli peppers contain a substance called capsaicin, which not only gives them their spicy flavor but also a pungent taste. It is very much useful against arthritis inflammation. It is an effective treatment for sensory nerve fiber disorders as well. 

Good for the heart – Chilli peppers are good for the heart. It reduces cholesterol thereby reducing the risk of getting a stroke. Studies also show that chili peppers can kill cells linked with more than 40 types of cancer including colon, lung, pancreatic cancer.

Increases lifespan – Study reveals that people who consume spicy food have a better chance of having a longer life. In other words, common spices have the potential to increase a person’s chance to live a longer, healthy life.