5 Interesting Facts About Capsicum

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Did you know that Capsicum comes from chili’s, which are native to Mexico and South America? Initially, the word “Chilli” arrives for the Nahuatl word “chili” cultivated and harvested in Mexico’s Puebla and Oaxaca regions, with the earliest known cultivation as far back as 3000 BC.

There are approximately 27 species of Capsicum, but they all have one thing in common, capsaicin, the chemical responsible for producing the spiciness of the pepper.

Chili peppers were essential to Native American medicine, and today, capsaicin is used in many topical medications as a circulatory stimulant and analgesic.

Good for your heart and circulatory system:

Rich in vitamin B6 and flavonoids, Capsicum helps lower homocysteine levels improving cardiovascular health. In addition, because bell peppers are rich in antioxidants, they help protect the body against free radicals that can cause damage to blood vessels and cause cellular damage.

Naturally boosts immunity:

Capsicum contains vitamin C, with some species having as much as 300% daily value. Because vitamin C is a natural immune-supportive phytochemical, it helps strengthen the immune system, lower the risk of oxidative stress, and helps repair damaged tissues, decrease the risk of arthritis, and aids in boosting your body’s natural immunity.

Helps lower the risk of cancer:

Capsicum is high in anti-inflammatory nutrients and a unique antioxidant called capsanthin that may reduce the growth of cancer cells.

Relieves Pain:

Capsaicin affects the pain signals to the nervous system. It is believed to block the spinal cord’s pain transmission, so many herbalists have used it as an effective pain reliever topically and orally. 

Arthritis Relief:

Arthritis can be challenging to treat; a study examined over 2000 people who received topical capsaicin for their arthritic pain and concluded that topical capsaicin is effective for osteoarthritis pain when combined with a healthy diet and exercise. According to the Arthritis Foundation, capsaicin cream can also help treat rheumatoid arthritis.

SOME OF OUR FAVORITE CAPSICUM HERBS