The chili pepper is a fruit pod from the plant belonging to the nightshade family; capsicum annuum originating in Mexico. According to laboratory studies, capsaicin has anti-bacterial, anti-carcinogenic, analgesic and anti-diabetic properties.
There are mild and hot chili peppers. Jalapeno is one of the mild peppers, and habanero is one of the hottest (as much as 50 times hotter than jalapeno). That's hot! Some chili peppers are so hot, people who eat them claim that "It's killing me." I'm guessing that's a tongue-in-cheek expression. In fact, peppers are a food with beneficial properties that prevent disease and promote good health.
Health benefits of chili peppers:
Fresh chili peppers are a healthy source of vitamin-C, a water-soluble antioxidant required for collagen synthesis. Collagen is a main protein for maintaining blood vessels, skin, organs and bones. Chili peppers reduce LDL cholesterol levels in obese individuals.
Both red and green chili peppers help protect the body against the effects of free radicals created during stressful moments. Something we can benefit from in difficult times.
Chilies contain a good amount of minerals like potassium, manganese, iron, and magnesium. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids that helps controlling heart rate and blood pressure.
Chili peppers have high levels of vitamins and minerals. Just 100 g provides (recommended daily allowance %):
240% of vitamin-C (Ascorbic acid),
39% of vitamin B-6 (Pyridoxine),
32% of vitamin A,
13% of iron,
14% of copper,
7% of potassium,
and... no cholesterol.
How to add jalapenos to your diet:
Jalapenos are full with flavor and definitely mouth watering. There are many recipes that could be enhanced with this chili pepper. My honey makes a hamburger and tops the meat with sauteed onions and jalapenos topped with a slice of Pepper Jack cheese. He serves it on fresh cut Italian bread. It is incredibly different and delicious.
Just about everyone has at least heard of jalapenos stuffed with cheese or a breaded mix of seafood or poultry. Jalapeno poppers are one of my favorite appetizers. Sliced jalapenos are good peppered over tortilla chips with cheese (nachos). If you've never bought a jar of green jalapeno jelly, you're really missing some happy mouth flavors; the jelly is good spooned with ham, beef, pork and eggs.
Add fresh chopped jalapenos to egg omlets, salads, soups, rice, beans, cold and hot dips. Here's a good cookbook: Jalapeno Recipes Galore
. Also find jalapeno recipes online from All Recipes; Food Network; Pillsbury ; Simply Recipes When you smoke jalapenos, the flavor is called chipotle. You can buy chipotle spice in the spice aisle and sprinkle it straight or make a marinade. Yum.
You can also find capsaicin in vitamins and rub-on creams.
As of 1999, 5,500 acres in the United States were dedicated to the cultivation of jalapeños. Most jalapeños are produced in southern New Mexico and West Texas. Over 40,000 acres of Jalapenos are grown in Mexico.
Are jalapenos good for you? Chili peppers like jalapenos are actually better than good for you. Studies claim that the health properties found in chili peppers might extend life.
* Sources: Wikipedia; Nutrition and You; capsicum annuum.