Here, we explore the potential health benefits of jalapenos, their possible side effects, and the ways you can include them in your diet. Keep reading. Other popular cultivars of C. annum include:
Bell peppers Cayenne peppers Paprika Serrano peppers
Find out more about the health benefits of bell peppers and cayenne peppers. Keep scrolling to know more about the nutritional profile of jalapenos.
Nutritional Profile Of Jalapeno
One raw jalapeno (14g) contains (1): The benefits of vitamin C are many. In fact, many of the health benefits of jalapenos are attributed to their high vitamin C content. Studies suggest that jalapenos exhibit better antioxidant activity with an increase in their vitamin C content (2). Jalapenos are also a good source of vitamin B complex, which is essential for cellular growth, brain and nerve tissue function, and gut health (3),(4). They also contain vitamins E and K that help maintain skin health and aid in blood clotting, respectively (5),(6). This long list of nutrients in jalapenos brings you as many benefits too. Here are the top seven ways jalapenos can improve your health.
Health Benefits Of Jalapeno
1. May Help You Lose Weight
Capsaicin is the most prominent capsaicinoid (an active component in chili peppers responsible for their heat) present in jalapenos. It induces weight loss, improves fat breakdown in cells, and promotes satiety (7). Besides, supplementing capsaicinoids for 12 weeks was found to decrease body fat and fat mass by around 5.91 percent and 6.68 percent, respectively (8). Research on jalapenos is limited, but chili peppers are closely related to jalapenos and belong to the same scientific family. A study suggests that Chinese adults who consume chili are less likely to become overweight or obese (9). Vitamin C present in jalapenos may also lower free radical levels, which cause fat to accumulate abnormally (10).
2. May Help Reduce The Risk Of Cancer
Dietary phytochemicals like capsaicin have anti-cancer effects. It targets cancer-associated genes in different tumor stages — initiation, promotion, progression, and metastasis (spread). It also interacts with other cancer-preventive medicines. Hence, it may be used in combination with other chemotherapeutic medications in cancer therapy (11). Several lab studies have also shown that capsaicin inhibits the growth of cancer cells. It has also been effective against skin, pancreatic, prostate, lung, liver, and colon cancers (12). However, more studies are warranted to understand the benefit of capsaicin in cancer treatment.
3. May Treat Urological Issues
Capsaicin present in jalapenos may control urine frequency. Besides, it may also reduce incontinence (inability to control urination and defecation) in people with unstable or hypersensitive bladders (13). Capsaicin therapy may also reverse or protect against kidney damage. Animal studies suggest that it may help treat kidney injury and reduce inflammation and oxidative stress. Additionally, capsaicin activates TRPV1 (a capsaicin receptor), which may prevent salt-induced kidney damage and high blood pressure in rats (14).
4. May Inhibit The Spread Of Infections
Researchers have found that capsaicin has antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. Jalapenos are particularly effective against food-borne pathogens like Listeria monocytogenes. These bacteria are able to survive and may even grow under refrigeration and other preservative methods. This ability of jalapenos is attributed to the presence of capsianosides (15), (16). Capsaicin may also effectively treat certain viral infections in guinea pigs, including herpes simplex virus disease (7).
5. May Promote Heart Health
Dietary capsaicin was found to improve vasorelaxation (reduction of vascular tension) and lower blood pressure in genetically hypertensive rats. Studies suggest that capsaicin may improve endothelial (thin membrane that lines the inside of the heart and blood vessels) function (17), (18). The research on jalapenos is limited. However, the rich nutrient content of jalapenos and the findings from the studies on other peppers suggest that they are capable of reducing inflammation and decreasing the risk of heart disease (19)(20).
6. May Prevent Liver Damage
Capsaicin was shown to reduce liver damage and reduce the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) in mice. HSCs are responsible for liver fibrosis (scarring of liver tissue) (21). Dietary capsaicin, along with antibiotics, shows great potential in the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. According to a study, mice treated with capsaicin and antibiotics gained the least weight and accumulated the least amount of fat in the liver. Additionally, this treatment improved insulin sensitivity (22). Wondering how do you reap these benefits? Continue reading to discover the ways you can include jalapenos in your diet.
How To Add Jalapenos To Your Diet?
You can add jalapenos to your diet in the following ways:
Add them raw in salads Blend them into smoothies Back them into cornbread or other egg dishes Have them smoked, as chipotle peppers Use them pickled, as a condiment
You also can try out these delicious recipes using jalapenos.
1. Baked Jalapeno Poppers
What You Need
10 medium jalapenos, halved and deseeded 4 ounces of cream cheese ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder Fresh cilantro, for garnish Avocado/olive oil spray for the dish
How To Prepare
2. Jalapeno Poppers
What You Need
12 jalapeno peppers (seeded and split lengthwise) 1/4 cup cream cheese 1/4 cup cheddar cheese (shredded) 1/4 cup panko bread crumbs 24 bacon slices
How To Prepare
2. Jalapeno Dip
What You Need
4 jalapeno peppers (seeded and diced) 1/2 cup cilantro (chopped) 1/2 cup lime juice 1 cup sour cream 1/4 cup mayonnaise 5 garlic cloves (diced) 2 tablespoons milk
How To Prepare
3. Jalapeno Jelly
What You Need
12 jalapeno peppers 1 green bell pepper 1 and 1/2 cups apple cider vinegar 4 and 1/2 cups sugar 1/2 cup liquid pectin 1 pinch salt
How To Prepare These are the simple yet delicious jalapeno recipes you may try. But can you consume them every day? Some believe jalapenos may also cause adverse effects. We will discover more in the next section.
Side Effects Of Jalapeno
May Be Contaminated With Aflatoxin
Aflatoxin is a mold that develops on certain foods, including dried peppers and spices, under certain circumstances (23). It appears gray-green or yellow-green. It may cause cancer and affect organ systems, especially the liver and kidneys. It also has the potential to cause birth defects in children and may suppress immunity too (24). You cannot remove the mold by washing jalapenos. It is always recommended that you discard such contaminated jalapenos.
May Cause Allergic Reactions
Spice allergies are quite rare. Approximately four to 13 individuals out of 10,000 adults are reported to have them. These allergies are more common in women due to the use of cosmetics. Besides, it is more likely that inhalation will cause respiratory symptoms and skin contact will cause cutaneous ones. Jalapenos may also cause nausea, diarrhea, migraines, swelling, and acid reflux (25), (26).
May Trigger Asthma
Inhaling chili peppers can trigger asthma attacks. Those with asthma who eat a lot of jalapenos are at a higher risk (27).
May Aggravate Heartburn
Hence, people with acid reflux (stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus) should avoid eating jalapenos (28).
May Cause Gastrointestinal Issues
Although jalapenos may protect the stomach from developing ulcers, it is possible to become nauseated, experience vomiting, or have abdominal pain if you consume too many hot peppers. The capsaicin in jalapenos stimulates the digestive system’s pain receptors. As a result, the capsaicin-sensitized gut speeds up to expel it. This causes diarrhea (29), (30), (31). Here are some tips to avoid or reduce this burning sensation:
Avoid Peppers With Scars: Some jalapeno peppers have small brown lines on them. These are known as scars. Avoid these peppers as they tend to be spicier. Wear Gloves: Wear gloves when handling peppers to prevent contaminating other sensitive areas of your body, such as your eyes. Remove Membranes: Remove the membranes from the inside of the jalapeno before cooking. These membranes contain the most capsaicin. Consume Milk: Drinking cow milk (full-fat) may help relieve the discomfort momentarily if the burning sensation gets too intense.
Can you eat jalapenos everyday? Yes, you can consume jalapenos regularly. However, it may cause heartburn or worsen symptoms in individuals with irritable bowel syndrome or other digestive issues. Are jalapenos a superfood? Jalapenos may be considered a superfood as they contain a plethora of essential nutrients and offer a wide range of health benefits. Are jalapenos good for the flu? Capsaicin, a compound found in jalapenos, may help thin mucus, relieve congestion and help sweat out a fever (32). However, further research is warranted to understand the effect of capsaicin on flu and flu-like symptoms. Are jalapenos alkaline? No, jalapenos have a pH value between 4.6 and 6, which make them mildly acidic.
