Arisa, salsa, chalpinio, sahug – some people like to add spicy seasoning to every meal. At the base of the spicy sensation is the hot pepper, of course. Spicy is not defined as a taste. In fact, there are five tastes: sweet, salty, sour, bitter and umami (Umami) which arises From the amino acid L glutamateor monosodium glutamate. On the other hand, spicy is a burning or burning sensation caused by chemical stimulation of substances found in pepper – the best known of which is called capsaicin, which is concentrated in the pepper seeds. According to the estimate, there are about 50,000 types of hot pepper in the world and there is evidence of its existence as far back as 9,000 years ago.Is hot pepper healthy for us?

The capsaicin found in the hot pepper is used for a variety of health purposes:

pain killer: Capsaicin is found as an ingredient in products for application to prevent pain from arthritis (arthritis), neuropathy caused by diabetes, psoriasis or other pain caused by the nervous system. It is also used as an ingredient in preparations for tight muscles. However, it is very important not to put hot pepper directly on the skin in such situations, but to apply the designated preparation.

Fights free radicals and inflammation: The most effective components in pepper are those that give the green color, which include carotenoids such as lutein, capsanthin and zeaxanthin and flavonoids such as quercetin and luteolin. These are extremely powerful antioxidants that fight free radicals that are at the root of many diseases.

Improves immune system activity: Hot pepper is an excellent source of the vitamin A and for vitamin C – Two antioxidants that strengthen the immune system. vitamin A Also important for eye health and a vitamin C Essential for iron absorption and the appearance of the skin.

Balances the population of bacteria (the microbiome) in the colon: Capsaicin has a positive effect on the population of bacteria in the large intestine that have an effect on every system in our body. From a review published in 2022, it was found that capsaicin works through several mechanisms to treat and prevent several dysfunctions in the digestive system.

Contributes to cleaning the sinuses: Spicy food is known to cause a runny nose. A review published that treatment with nasal drops with capsaicin helps to reduce nasal congestion.

Improves metabolism: Hot pepper works to improve metabolism through several mechanisms – the first is the production of heat from spicy food increases the metabolism, the second – studies have shown that capsaicin activates the brown adipose tissue (fat tissue responsible for the rate of metabolism). In addition, it was observed in the study that capsaicin improves the sensitivity of cells to insulin and thus contributes to the decrease in blood glucose values.

Anti-cancer: Studies have shown that cancer cells do not survive next to capsaicin. A published review found that the component works against several pathways from the prevention of cell growth to the activation of tumor suppressor genes. Capsaicin was found in a study to inhibit the growth of prostate cancer cells and was also found to help the immune response in patients being treated for cancer (the treatment causes the immune response to decrease).

Prevents heart disease: Two recently published reviews showed that there is a decrease in the risk of morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular diseases, apparently through the activation of one of the receptors that improves blood pressure, the sensitivity of the cells to glucose uptake, a decrease in inflammation indices and an increase in metabolism.

for brain health: A review found that capsaicin is effective in slowing the neurodegenerative damage in Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases and is also effective in the treatment of swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) after a stroke.

life extender: In cohort studies in which large populations were followed for years, it appears that those who eat spicy food reduce the risk of mortality from any cause. In a meta-analysis (a study that collects many studies) it was found that there was a 25% decrease in mortality from any cause with the consumption of hot pepper.

It is important to remember that for some people eating spicy food is harmful, such as those suffering from stomach ulcers. Those who suffer from heartburn, for example, should avoid eating hot pepper before going to bed, and you can try it earlier in the day. In any case, it is important to avoid contact with the eyes or sensitive areas of the skin after cutting a hot pepper.

The author is Dr. Siegel Frishman, the chief dietitian of the Hakhalit hospitals