Green Chili Benefits: 10 Surprising Health Benefits

Green chilies are the bright center of Indian cuisine, adding a unique flavor and spice to dishes. Green chili benefits are significant to the rich diverse variety of flavors that define Indian culinary expertise.

These chilies are more than a culinary spice, it’s a nutritional powerhouse. They offer a metabolism boost, support the immune system, and add a burst of flavor to your dishes. 

So let us explore the many health benefits, side effects, and types of green chilies. Also, know why they should be a staple in your kitchen, through our blog. So let’s add some spice to your knowledge!

Nutrient Profile Of Green Chilies

Let us understand the green chili nutritional benefits as they are the highlight of your meals. These chilies offer a variety of health benefits in addition to flavor because they are a rich source of vitamins and are one of the foods rich in antioxidants.

Nutritional Component	Value
Carbohydrates	9.46 g
Proteins	2 g
Fats	0.2 g
Fibre	1.5 g
Sugar	5.1 g
Calcium	18 mg
Magnesium	25 mg
Potassium	340 mg
Sodium	7 mg
Manganese	0.237 mg
Vitamin C	242 mg
Vitamin B6	0.278 mg
Vitamin A	59 μg
Energy	40 kcal

10 Most Important Benefits Of Green Chili

From metabolism boost to immune support, chili is a must-have in your diet. Rich in essential nutrients, these chilies can positively impact your well-being. Understand the 10 essential green chili benefits given below:

1. Helps Treat Skin Infections: As green chillies are full of anti-bacterial properties, they help cure skin infections and acne. Moreover, it is considered one of the vitamin C rich foods, which gives healthy and glowing skin.

Therefore, remember to store the chillies in a dark and cool place as the chillies might lose vitamin C if kept in heat and light.

2. Good For Digestive Health: Green chillies are rich in dietary fiber, which helps smoothen bowel movement and improves digestive health.

However, eating green chillies may also prevent ulcers. It is advisable for people suffering from peptic ulcers to avoid consuming green chillies.

3. Green Chilli Benefits In Weight Loss: Adding green chilli to your diet helps burn off the excess fat in your body due to its thermogenic properties. Also, it helps increase the metabolic rate.

This is, therefore, one of the important benefits of eating green chili.

4. Controls Blood Sugar Levels: Consumption of green chillies regularly can prove beneficial for diabetic people. They also help prevent sugar levels from increasing in the body and balance it.

5. May Help Prevent Cancer: Green chillies are very rich in antioxidants, which further, protect your body against free radicals that increase cancerous cells.

6. Good For The Heart: Consumption of green chillies brings down cholesterol levels and triglyceride levels thereby preventing atherosclerosis. It further, reduces the chances of platelet aggregation.

These are some of the green chili benefits that help increase fibrinolytic activity which can prevent the formation of blood clots, a common cause of heart attacks.

7. Green Chilli Benefits Cure Cold: Green chilli contains capsaicin that has a stimulating effect on the mucous membranes of the nose.

So, it helps make it thinner, and thus mucus drains from the nose quickly and cures the common cold.

8. Helps Combat Mood Swings: Eating green chilies causes the release of endorphins, which improve mood and reduce mood swings. Pain relief is another benefit.

9. May Help Prevent Osteoporosis: Green chillies are rich in vitamin K, reducing osteoporosis risk. The capsaicin component in green chillies helps prevent the inflammation of joints.

10. Green Chilli Benefits Eyesight: Additionally, green chilies are high in beta-carotene and vitamin C, which support both the immune system and the eyes.

Types Of Chilli

Here’s a table highlighting different types of green chilli in India, along with their respective states, Scoville Heat Units, and their characteristics:

Chilli Type	State Grown	Scoville Heat Units	Characteristics
Kashmiri Chiles	Kashmir	1,000 – 2,000	Used for coloring, mild heat, and a bright red color
Bhut Jolokia	North East India	800,000 – 1,041,427	One of the world’s hottest chilly, intense heat
Jwala Chilli	Gujarat	30,000 – 50,000	Moderate heat, commonly used in Indian cuisine
Byadgi Chillies	Karnataka	50,000 – 100,000	Deep red color, used in spice blends and powders
Guntur Chilli	Andhra Pradesh	30,000 – 200,000	Varied heat levels, widely used in South Indian cuisine
Mundu Chilli	Tamilnadu	10,000 – 30,000	Medium heat, used in various South Indian dishes
Khola Chilli	Goa	50,000 – 100,000	Medium to high heat, commonly used in Goan cuisine
Kanthari Chilli	Kerala	50,000 – 100,000	Small, potent chili, known for its spiciness

Side Effects Of Green Chilli 

Green chili benefits offer various positive aspects of being healthy. But it’s essential to be aware of potential side effects, especially for specific age groups:

For Elders

Consuming too much green chili may worsen pre-existing gastrointestinal problems in elderly people, leading to discomfort and irritation in the digestive tract. Digestive discomfort and irritation are major consequences:

• Digestive Discomfort: Excessive consumption of green chilies may lead to digestive issues such as indigestion or acid reflux in some elderly individuals.
  
• Irritation: The spiciness of green chilies might irritate sensitive stomachs or increase existing gastrointestinal conditions.

For Breastfeeding Mothers

Green chili consumption by breastfeeding mothers may lead to potential discomfort for infants due to the transfer of spicy compounds through breast milk.

• Infant Sensitivity: Some breastfeeding infants may be sensitive to spicy foods, and the compounds in green chilies can transfer to breast milk, potentially causing discomfort for the baby.
  
• Digestive Upset: Introducing spicy foods like green chilies may lead to digestive upset in breastfeeding mothers and their infants.

For Kids

Excessive consumption of green chili may cause stomach discomfort and irritation in kids.

• Digestive Sensitivity: Children, especially younger ones, may have sensitive digestive systems, and consuming green chilies can lead to stomach discomfort.
  
• Spicy Tolerance: Kids may find the spiciness of green chilies overwhelming, affecting their overall enjoyment of meals.

General Caution

These are some common side effects of chilies:

• Allergic Reactions: Some individuals may be allergic to specific compounds in green chilies, resulting in allergic reactions such as itching, rashes, or swelling.
  
• Heartburn: Green chilies can contribute to heartburn or exacerbate symptoms in individuals prone to acid reflux. Moreover, you can read our blog on how to cure acidity permanently.

Note: Individuals in these groups must consult with a healthcare professional or a nutritionist before incorporating green chilies into their diet, making adjustments based on personal tolerance and health conditions.

A Word From Fitelo On Green Chili Benefits

Understanding the vibrant world of green chilies, the heart of Indian cuisine is renowned for adding unique flavors and spice. Beyond flavor delight, these chilies emerge as nutritional powerhouses, offering benefits from metabolism boost to immune support. 

We get to explore the 10 important benefits, including skin health, digestive wellness, and even mood elevation. There are various types of chilies across India with various unique green chili nutrition facts, which we get to understand in this blog.

However, while green chilies bring numerous advantages, it’s important to be aware of potential side effects, especially for elders, breastfeeding mothers, and kids. This is well explained in this blog for better health functioning. 

Frequent Aske Question

How Many Green Chillies Should Be Consumed Each Day?

Overeating green chilies can lead to acidity, a burning sensation in the gut, and diarrhea. So, one should not have more than 12 to 15 grams(3 chillies) of chillies in a day. 

Is Green Chili Good For Weight Loss?

Yes, green chili benefits weight loss due to its thermogenic properties that help burn excess fat and boost metabolism.

How Many Calories Are There In Green Chili?

Normally, calories in green chili are low, typically ranging from 18 to 40 calories per 100 grams, making it a calorie-friendly addition to meals.

Which Is Better Green Chilli And Red Chilli?

Well, green chilies are more healthy as compared to red chili powder as they have higher water content and zero calories. For people who are trying to shed some pounds, for them, green chilli is the best choice. 

Contact Us Today

Get in touch with our expert team at Fitelo to kick-start your transformative journey! Let us guide you toward your weight loss goals and help you cultivate sustainable and healthy eating habits. So, contact us today and take the first step towards a healthier, happier you with Fitelo!

Disclaimer

This blog was written to help you make healthy and better food choices. So, be aware and take care. The vital thing to consider is your health before starting a restrictive diet. Therefore, before starting, always seek advice from a doctor/dietitian if you have any concerns.

Eat Healthy, Live Healthy. Enjoy a long, happy life.