Jalapeno Peppers Bring the Heat: Small Pepper, Huge Health Benefits

Jalapeno Peppers Bring the Heat: Small Pepper, Huge Health Benefits

Jalapeno peppers pack a strong nutritional punch within their 2-4 inch length. One cup of sliced jalapenos is just 27 calories, provides 66% of your recommended daily vitamin C, 23% of your daily vitamin B6, and yields a hearty dose of capsaicin, which is the compound responsible for the pepper’s many health benefits. So, what exactly can this small, but spicy, pepper do for you?

• May Help Fight Cancer by preventing tumor growth. Studies on breast cancer cells showed that capsaicin has the ability to turn off the protein that supports tumor growth, thus keeping tumors at bay.
• Aids Weight Loss because capsaicin boosts metabolism by raising core body temperature, according to a 2008 study in the Journal of Biological Chemistry.
• Prevents Bacteria Growth because capsaicin serves as an antimicrobial that has been shown to slow the growth of E. coli and other human pathogens. 
• Prevents Colds and Promotes Strong Immune System because it contains more Vitamin C than an orange. Vitamin C reduces the damage caused by free radicals in the body and causes the production of more white blood cells, both of which protect against the common cold and boost immunity.
• Treats Migraine Headaches as capsaicin releases pain peptides, which have been shown to reduce and even eliminate neuropathic pain.
• May Boost Eyesight because one serving contains 17% of recommended daily Vitamin A.

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