Ground red pepper: useful properties and contraindications

Ground red pepper is one of the most popular spices. Today you can find it in any kitchen. It is and spice, and medicine, and a useful cosmetic - if you know how to apply it correctly.

What is the difference between paprika and ground red pepper

Paprika is a spice obtained from non-burned or mildly burned varieties of red pepper. There are different types, some hotter, some milder. Ground red pepper is a spice that comes from an entirely different plant. In order to produce it, dried chili peppers are ground to a powder. The stalk and seeds are removed from the fruit, as the latter contain a relatively large amount of pungent substance. So ground red pepper is a spicier spice than paprika.

Composition and Calories

Ground red pepper cannot be called a caloric product. Its energy value is only 21 kcal per 100 grams.

At the same time, the spice contains the same useful substances as the pods of hot pepper. These are, for example, vitamins B, A and PP. In addition, pepper has many useful macro- and micronutrients, such as phosphorus, iron, manganese, zinc (which, incidentally, is also responsible for anti-inflammatory properties), calcium, etc. However, the main "active ingredient" of this spice is capsaicin, the compound that gives it a pungent taste and is responsible for its medicinal properties.

What is ground red pepper good for?

General benefits

This spice has many useful properties:

1. Normalizes digestion.
2. Has a positive effect on liver health (but only in small doses), can even be used in the treatment of hepatitis.
3. It promotes the production of hormones of joy (endorphins), which helps to reduce stress levels.
4. Increases immunity and improves blood circulation.

Red pepper is considered a good tonic, it is used in the treatment of colds and bronchial asthma.

For women

Red ground pepper contains antioxidants - this is the reason for its anti-inflammatory properties. But they also slow down the aging process, and because of this action, this spice is a success for women. The moderate use of this spice has a beneficial effect on the reproductive system and helps to normalize the menstrual cycle. Protects red pepper and from infectious inflammatory diseases, including cystitis.

The spice is also useful for the fair sex because it helps reduce the risk of cancer of the reproductive system (such as ovarian cancer).

Finally, for women are important properties of ground red pepper, such as the normalization of metabolic processes and improving microcirculation, which allows you to use the product to combat cellulite.

For men

Red ground pepper is one of the favorite spices for men. And this is just the case when the pleasant is combined with the useful. The fact that this spice helps to increase the level of testosterone - the sex hormone, the production of which directly affects the male health. The red pepper is worth to use and to eliminate erectile dysfunction, and to prevent inflammatory diseases of the prostate gland.

This spice also helps to reduce the risk of atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases, which suffer more often in the stronger sex, because it reduces the level of "bad" cholesterol.

Finally, ground red pepper has another property that will interest men. It helps to prevent baldness (firstly - due to the effect on hormonal levels, and secondly - due to the improvement of the blood supply to the scalp).

Pregnancy

Many women believe that during pregnancy, spicy spices are completely excluded. In fact, this is not entirely true, and with proper use, red pepper will not only do no harm, but will also be most useful. All the more, many future mothers often feel a real need for something spicy, which is due to physiological reasons. The fact is that natural changes in the hormonal background lead to the fact that less gastric juice is produced. In this case, a small amount of ground red pepper stimulates the production of gastric juice and normalizes the digestive processes.

In addition, ground red pepper is useful for future mothers as a remedy against moping and depression - it is not customary to talk about it, but the same hormonal changes during pregnancy significantly worsen the emotional state (contrary to the established stereotypes about the happy nine months). At the same time, red pepper helps the production of hormones of happiness (endorphins), as a result of which the emotional background is stabilized.

A small amount of red pepper in meals helps reduce nausea attacks during toxicosis in the first trimester. Also, this spice helps to reduce the risk of thrombosis, which increases with increasing pressure on blood vessels.

However, you should keep in mind that abusing red pepper can lead to certain problems. First, there are such unpleasant things as flatulence, heartburn and diarrhea. Secondly, in large quantities, hot red pepper causes thirst, and excess fluid in pregnancy easily provokes edema, not to mention the fact that it puts a strain on the kidneys and cardiovascular system. So in the last month of pregnancy, it is better to give up this spice. And, of course, it should not be used by those expectant mothers who have problems with the liver and gastrointestinal organs.

When breastfeeding

As a rule, red pepper is added to dishes in very small quantities. If you use it in moderation, then it will not bring harm to the child, and an allergic reaction is unlikely to cause.

However, you should remember that, like any other spice, ground red pepper can affect the taste of breast milk. Of course, it will not become bitter, but it may be a little bitter. Often in such cases, babies refuse it, so this is another reason to be extra cautious when using this seasoning.

For kids

For kids under the age of 7, ground red pepper is contraindicated because their digestive system is not yet ready for such spices. Familiarity with spices begin with a much less spicy spice.

Older children can use it in small quantities - it is useful for strengthening the immune system and improving circulation. However, first you need to make sure that the child is not allergic to red pepper.

When losing weight

As noted above, red ground pepper contains capsaicin, a phenolic compound that gives it its pungency. But this substance also raises body temperature and helps speed up metabolism and lipid metabolism, which helps you shed extra pounds. In addition, red peppers dampen hunger, allowing you to limit your meals to a smaller portion. That is why it is recommended to add it to vegetable soups or meat dishes, even on a fairly strict diet.

Also, ground red pepper is used for home wraps, which can get rid of cellulite and reduce the volume of the thighs.

As an example, you can take a chocolate pepper wrap. For its preparation, 2 cups of black coffee and 1 tsp of red pepper are taken for 200 g of cocoa powder. Pour the cocoa over the coffee and add cosmetic clay and mix until the mixture has the consistency of thick sour cream. Then pepper is added and mixed again. Wraps are made according to the general rules - apply to clean skin, cover with plastic wrap, etc.

But you should take into account that capsaicin, which is part of the spice, is quite an aggressive substance for the skin, and to warm it up and not cause irritation, it should not be kept on the skin longer than 20-30 minutes. You should be guided by your own feelings - the composition should be washed away as soon as the strong burning begins. And in any case, such procedures should not be carried out after a chemical peel, can massage or tanning. And after washing the remedy, it is recommended to lubricate the skin with a nourishing cream.

Keep in mind that wraps with red pepper, despite all the benefits, have certain side effects. Contraindications for them are:

• pregnancy;
• diseases of the reproductive system;
• cardiovascular insufficiency;
• varicose veins;
• Various inflammatory diseases accompanied by fever.

It is clear that in the case of allergic reactions from the wraps with red pepper also have to abandon.

Ground red pepper in medicine

Since ancient times, red pepper is widely used in folk medicine as a medicine for headaches, bronchitis, radiculitis, various diseases of the musculoskeletal system. Well-known for its anti-inflammatory, analgesic properties, local warming effect.

Healing properties of ground red pepper is recognized by official medicine. It has been shown that it has bactericidal properties and is really effective in inflammatory joint diseases. On the basis of chili pepper pharmacological industry produces various means - for example, pepper patches, various creams and ointments, which have analgesic and warming properties. The fact is that the substances contained in this plant contribute to the production of hormones of joy (endorphins). It is their action that helps to dull the pain.

However, the potential of red pepper is actually much wider. There is research evidence that confirms that this spice can be used to prevent atherosclerosis, thrombophlebitis, and other diseases of the cardiovascular system. Doctors also pin their hopes on the anticarcinogenic properties of red pepper. There are a number of studies confirming that the substances in this spice can slow the growth of cancer cells.

Ground red peppers contain less ascorbic acid than fresh capsules, but they are still high in vitamin C, which helps boost the natural immune system. Also worth highlighting are the properties of red peppers:

1. Reducing blood glucose levels, which is useful for diabetes.
2. Normalization of the digestive process.
3. Relief for acute respiratory infections, flu, tonsillitis, bronchial asthma.
4. Reducing the level of "bad" cholesterol.
5. Improve blood circulation - both by increasing blood circulation and by strengthening blood vessels.

Ground red pepper improves cerebral circulation, so it is used as a prophylactic agent for a variety of diseases.

Spice also has diaphoretic and expectorant action. In case of colds, it is recommended to take this remedy - flower honey mixed with red pepper in a ratio of 1:1. The maximum daily dose - 1 tsp. In this case, the remedy is recommended to drink plenty of water.

Ground red pepper in cosmetology

This spice is often used in home cosmetology. Most often it is used in hair care products. Scientific studies have proven its effectiveness, because capsaicin, contained in pepper, helps to combat dandruff and promotes hair growth, including by improving blood flow to the hair follicles, which activates dormant follicles.

Although fresh pepper is considered more effective, many people do not tolerate its action, and in such cases, ground spice is the ideal option. Prepared on its basis masks should be applied to the root area of the head. It is not necessary to distribute them on the entire length of the hair.

The easiest variant is 1 tbsp. ground pepper to 3-4 tbsp. liquid flower honey. The product is left on the hair for a maximum of 35 minutes, then washed off. A good effect is given by adding ground red pepper to any hair oil.

Nails and cuticles also benefit from the vitamins and stinging substances contained in red pepper. To strengthen the nail plate and to accelerate its growth, you can make the following mask: 1 tbsp. of any nourishing hand cream take the same amount of ground pepper, add 0.5 tsp. of citric acid and the same amount of pure water. All these ingredients are mixed and heated in a water bath for about 10 minutes. When the mixture cools a little, it is applied to the nails for 15 minutes, no more. After that, the mask is washed off, and the hands and nails once again lubricate the nourishing cream.

Before this, it is advisable to check whether there is an allergic reaction to such a mixture and whether it causes irritation on the skin. If there are no allergies, but the composition feels too strong, the amount of cream should be increased.

The described mask is done 1-2 times a month. This is an ideal treatment for the fall and winter season, giving your nails a healthy shine.

Cooking use

Red ground pepper has a characteristic rich aroma and a pungent taste. It is for these properties that it is valued in cooking. This spice is used in various national cuisines - in Europe, Asia, and America. A classic example is Mexican cuisine, although chillies are more commonly used there. Ground red pepper is added to such dishes:

1. Spicy soups, typical of Eastern cuisine.
2. Warming autumn and winter soups (for example, pumpkin or carrot cream soup).
3. Sauces. These include such popular options as American Tabasco, African Arisa, and Indonesian Sambal. However, red peppers are also added to ajika, ketchup, and any tomato sauce.
4. Seasonal vegetable stew.
5. Spicy pasta and rice.
6. Meat dishes (mostly red meat), some fish dishes and marinades.

Ground red pepper is an ingredient in complex seasonings such as curry mixes. A small amount may be added to olive oil or vinegar used to dress salads. In addition, a little ground red pepper can even be added to desserts, especially chocolate desserts. This is exactly how chocolate was made in pre-Columbian America: in liquid form, without sugar, but with spicy spices.

At the same time you can regulate the spice of red pepper by pairing it with this or that spice. This spice combines well with turmeric, cumin, cardamom, fennel and coriander. All of the above spices give the dish an exquisite flavor, while the pepper is responsible for the taste.

Harms and Contraindications

Red pepper was once thought to lead to gastritis and stomach ulcers. However, recent studies have shown that gastritis is a bacterial disease. And a healthy person can safely consume red pepper in small quantities - it will even be beneficial. But since this spice causes increased production of gastric juice, it is contraindicated for gastritis, peptic ulcer disease and pancreatitis.

Also do not use ground red pepper in hemorrhoids, some diseases of the gall bladder, epilepsy and hyperexcitability of the CNS. In case of liver disease, as well as chronic kidney pathologies, it is recommended to consult a doctor beforehand.

How to choose and store

In the supermarket it is difficult to determine the quality of peppers, packaged in bright and attractive bags. Therefore, you will have to be guided by the brand name, giving preference to more expensive products of famous brands. The fact is that unscrupulous manufacturers, in order to reduce the cost, often add seeds and tails of peppers in the raw material, but even worse - they add spent, that is waste after the extraction of essential oils, which makes the taste more bitter. Some people mix hot peppers with paprika, which is not bad in principle, but reduces the spiciness. Finally, it is not uncommon to find mixtures colored with artificial pigments for appeal.

At home, you can test the pepper by brewing it the same way as tea - 1 tsp. per quarter cup of water. You need to see if an oily spot appears on the surface - it indicates the presence of a fat-soluble dye. Also, you should assess the color of the "brew" - in good quality it will be uniform, muted red-orange, without any extraneous flecks. Too bright red indicates the presence of pigment. The mixture should exude a peppery aroma. And, of course, it should be checked for taste - just the burning and no bitterness!

We recommend storing ground red pepper in a glass container with a tightly closing lid. Like all other spice powders, it should stand in a dry place where neither moisture nor steam can penetrate. And you can only pick it up with a dry spoon, otherwise lumps will appear in the mixture. It is also important to protect it from ultraviolet rays, which have a destructive effect on spices.

Interesting facts about chili peppers

1. Peppers are botanically classified as berries.
2. Bred 140 varieties of pepper.
3. In the list of popular spices, it ranks 2nd after salt.
4. It is considered a powerful aphrodisiac, can relieve toothaches, reduce fever and neutralize most bacteria in water and food.
5. It was first mentioned in writings of the peoples of Central and South America in the 3rd millennium BC.
6. Capsaicin, which is the main chemical component of pepper is used in warming and analgesic ointments and gels.
7. The spiciness of a pepper is inversely proportional to its size. The smaller the pod, the richer in flavor it is.
8. Chili peppers help reduce weight, speed up metabolism, and relieve cravings for uncontrollable food intake.
9. Red chilies are very high in vitamins A and C, exceeding those of lemons, currants and carrots.

Photo of ground red pepper