Green Chilli Benefits: 10 Surprising Health Benefits Of Green Chilli

Chilli pakora, chilli paneer, chilly potato, chilly mushroom!! Mouthwatering, isn’t it? You might wonder why almost all Indian foods start with the word ‘chilli?’ Well, Indian food is known for its spices, and chillies are what lend the food that special kick. Green chilli not only enhances flavour but also adds a lot of goodness to the food as it has many health benefits. While it might not suit everyone, once you start eating it regularly it can do wonders for your health. The best part is that you can grow green chillies at your home as well.

What Is Green Chilli?

Green Chilli, commonly known as ‘hari mirch’ in India, is a spice without which Indian cuisine would be incomplete. However, two types of chillies are, red chilli and green chilli, but the most commonly used is a green one. Moreover, they are used fresh, dried, powdered, pickled or in sauces. People in India usually eat it raw with their food, as it adds to the taste. Apart from adding spiciness and taste to the food, there are several health benefits of green chilli. Let us go through them quickly.

Green Chilli Benefits

Below are the essential benefits of green chilli:

1. Helps Treat Skin Infections

As green chillies are full of anti-bacterial properties, they help cure skin infections and acne. Moreover, it contains Vitamin c that 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 The Digestive Health

Green chillies are rich in dietary fibre, that help smoothen the bowel movement and improves the 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 chilli.

4. Green Chilli Benefits Include Control In 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. Green chillies also 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 chillies contain capsaicin that has a stimulating effect on the mucous membranes of the nose. So, it helps makes it thinner and thus mucus drains from the nose quickly and cures common cold.

8. Helps Combat Mood Swings

However, eating green chillies releases endorphins which help in elevating the mood and curbing mood swings. They are also helpful in relieving pain.

9. May Help Prevent Osteoporosis

Green chillies are rich in Vitamin K, which reduces the risk of osteoporosis. The capsaicin component in green chillies helps prevent the inflammation of joints.

10. Green Chilli Benefits Eyesight

Moreover, green chillies are rich in Vitamin C and beta carotene, which is good for the eyes as well as the immune system.

Side Effects Of Green Chilli

Mentioned below are some side effects of green chillies that you must be aware of:

• Eating too many green chillies may result in loose motions or diarrhoea as it has a good amount of dietary fibre.
• Overeating green chillies might cause rectal inflammation. Therefore, this can be especially painful if you suffer from piles.
• Green chillies may increase heat in your stomach which makes them harmful for pregnant women. Consuming too many chillies in your diet can irritate the stomach lining which further, can cause a burning sensation in your stomach.
• As chillies contain a high amount of capsaicin, therefore, eating too many of them may be toxic for your body.
• Consumption of too many chillies can cause your body temperature to shoot up. Also, body heat can cause mouth ulcers.

Types Of Green Chilli

Apart from green and red chilli, there are other types of chillies as well. Take a look.

Lesser-Known Chillies Of India

Chilli, which is commonly known as mirch in India is a South American fruit which was introduced to the subcontinent by the Portuguese 400 years ago. However, they are widely used in many cuisines as a spice to add heat to dishes. Moreover, chillies benefit the digestive tract, promote a healthy heart, relieve joint pains, promote weight loss, mitigate migraine, reduce cancer risk, prevent allergies etc.

Kashmiri Chiles, Kashmir

As the name indicates, they are grown in Kashmir and parts of Himachal Pradesh. They are known for their deep red color and are not too hot to taste. Because of this reason, people use them extensively to add color to dishes without making them too spicy. It is a very common household ingredient and is available in powdered form also across the market.

Bhut Jolikia, North East India

Bhut Jolikia holds a Guinness Book record as it is the hottest chilli in the world. It is also known as ‘ghost pepper’ and is cultivated in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Nagaland and Manipur. People commonly use them in combination with dried or fermented fish and pork.

Jwala Chilli, Gujarat

Jwala Chilli is commonly grown in southern parts of Gujarat like Mehsana and Kheda. Its taste is very pungent and is served as an accompaniment with samosa, vada pav, etc. However, Jwala is very popular in Indian households and is even used in pickles.

Byadgi Chillies, Karnataka

Byadgi chillies are named after the town of Bydagi, which is located in the Haveri district of Karnataka. They are one of the most popular chillies in India and an essential part of Udipi Cuisine. Moreover, Byadgi chilli offers a great shade of red color to the curries and is not very spicy. 

Guntur Chilli, Andhra Pradesh

Andhra cuisine is famous for its extremely spicy dishes and the secret behind it is Guntur chilli. It has several varieties that grow not only in Andhra but also in Madhya Pradesh. Moreover, known for its heat, Guntur has become so popular that it is exported all over the world.

Mundu Chilli, South India

Mundu Chillies are mainly grown in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh and are small and round with thin skin. It has a very unique flavour and is barely spicy. But they have a unique flavour which enhances the taste of many dishes.

Khola Chilli, Goa

The Khola chilli is grown on the hill slopes of Canacona in Goa and is known for its taste and colour. Moreover, it is a key ingredient of homemade condiments, including the famous ‘recheado’ paste used as a food stuffing, as well as used in mango pickles and to make red chilli sauce.

Kanthari Chilli, Kerala

Kanthari chilli is small whitish (when mature) chilly and has a high pungency. It is also known as Bird’s Eye chilli as it adds heat and lends good flavour to dishes.

How To Grow Green Chilli At Home

However, growing green chillies at home are pretty simple. Most people in India have a green chilli plant in their houses. 

Step 1- Check the Temperature

Temperature:

• Well, chillies grow best in warm and humid conditions. So, you can grow them at the ideal temperature which is between 22-25°C.

Sunlight:

• Your plant or pot in which you are growing green chilli should be placed in the area that receives partial shade. It is important to keep it under sunlight for 5-6 hours every day. 

Potting soil:

• You can get organic potting soil that is enriched with beneficial microbes and fosters the growth of the plant.
• Nourishing your seeds with the right kind of soil is, however, very important. As, it stimulates the process by providing essential nutrients, protecting the seeds and healthily retaining moisture.
• Also, you can mix some vermicompost in the soil for even better results.

Irrigation:

• Make sure you water only when the top layer of the soil looks dry.
• Therefore, these plants may rot as they cannot withstand water for a very long time. So, ensure that you maintain porous soil.

Fertilizers:

• It is although important to feed your plants with organic fertilizers like cow dung, tea compost, etc. at regular intervals.
• However, if the soil is rich in minerals, your plants will grow well. 

Step 2 – Start With A Seed Tray

• For the seeds to germinate well, take a seed tray up to 3 inches deep, fill it with soil and spread the chilli seeds on it.
• Add a thin layer of soil above the seeds and sprinkle some water.
• Keep the seeds warm and moist. You will see they have started germinating in a week or two.

Step 3 – Move Germinated Seeds To A Pot

• So, once the seeds have germinated in the seed tray, pick out the saplings and plant them separately in the pots that you have to grow. 
• Place the pot in a sunny location and water it whenever you see that the top layer of the soil is dry. 

Nutritional Facts Per 100 gm Of Green Chilli

Fat-0.2g

Protein-2g

Magnesium-25mg

Vitamin C-242mg

Potassium-340mg

Vitamin A-59 microgram

Calcium-18mg

Iron-1.2g

Fibre-1.5g

Weight Loss Green Chilli Pickle

Ingredients:

• 5-6 Lemon
• Ginger
• 10-12 Green Chillies
• Salt
• Rock Salt
• Sauf
• Dry Mango Powder

Method:

• Squeeze the juice of 3 lemons in a bowl and in another bowl cut the lemons into 4 pieces.
• Then with a help of a knife make a slit or cut the green chillies vertically and deseed them.
• In a bowl, add ginger, pieces of lemon, green chillies, all spices, and lemon juice.
• Mix all ingredients well, and store in a jar.
• Refrigerate for 2 days and make sure to shake the jar each day. After 2 days your weight loss pickle is ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Is Green Chilli Good For Health?

Ans. The vibrant colour of green chilli signals high amounts of the antioxidant beta-carotene, which supports the cardiovascular system, as well as helps maintain the health of the skin, eyes and immune system. Moreover, they also contain vitamins B and E and are a good source of iron and potassium. So, yes, they are healthy to eat.

Q. How Many Green Chillies Should Be Consumed Each Day?

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

Q. Which Is Better Amongst Green Chilli And Red Chilli?

Ans. Well, green chillies are more healthy as compared to red chilli 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. 

Q. Does Green Chilli Help In Weight Loss?

Ans. Yes, they help you reduce weight and you can eat green chillies anytime. Surely, they won’t add a single gram to your weight and will boost your metabolism by up to 50%. Therefore, better metabolism means you can shed extra kilos quickly.

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Contact Us Today

Your search for a weight loss consultant ends here. So, Contact us today if you are looking for a Diet Plan with cheat meals. Also, we will discuss how we can help you in achieving your weight loss goals.

Disclaimer

We Indians love green chillies, from adding them to curries to eating them raw, we like the spark they ignite in us. Moreover, they include vitamin C, vitamin B6, vitamin A and minerals like iron, copper, and potassium. and amino acids making it a high nutritional value food. Fitelo, thus tells about the benefits of green chilli and why you should add them to your diet.