Jalapeno Health Pros and Cons – Is It Healthy?

Jalapenos can be an excellent ingredient to give your favorite dishes a delicious kick. Besides, it will add valuable points to your diet. Nevertheless, you should be aware of the jalapeno health pros and cons.

Jalapenos have uncountable health benefits. This certain type of pepper contains low calories, high vitamins, and minerals. Also fat-free and high in anti-inflammatory elements. However, some people experience digestive issues as well as skin issues after eating them. As a result stomach pain, diarrhea, and heartburn occurs.

This article will discuss both the health benefits and drawbacks of consuming jalapenos. We also share how you can avoid such cons of Jalapeno and enjoy its healthy purposes without hesitation. Without further ado, let’s get into the facts.

Jalapeno’s Beneficial Elements and Purposes 

Jalapeno contains a rich source of various elements. Each element of this amazing spice carries individual advantages. So let’s explore the elements and their good sides.

Capsaicin 

Capsaicin is the hero element of Jalapeno. Capsaicin has no direct dietary influence, but it is used in certain medications. You will be surprised to know capsaicin is a key element in various pain relief medications. It is available as cayenne powder pills or in the form of cream. Again, some studies say capsaicin is an antioxidant to protect your cells. Also, Jalapeno’s anti-inflammatory properties reduce inflammation by increasing oxygen consumption. Capsaicin has so many health benefits, including;

Helps to treat cancer: Capsaicin is considered the top cancer-fighting food. Surprisingly, it helps shrink tumors and can play a significant role in preventing 1st stage cancer. 

Decreases pains and cluster headaches: Capsaicin activates the TRPV1 receptor to relieve pain. Activating this, the nervous system produces a neurotransmitter called “substance P”.

This particular element is widely used in cream form. The cream treats osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, and other types of joint pain. Furthermore, this natural pain reliever relieves migraines, tension headaches, and cluster pain. 

Psoriasis Treatment: Capsaicin is a wonderful element to treat a variety of skin conditions. Likewise, psoriasis is itchy skin. According to research, using capsaicin cream regularly significantly reduces the amount of psoriasis breakout on the skin.

Treat diabetes: Capsaicin is beneficial to treat diabetes, just like bell peppers, which are suitable for diabetes. Consuming this regularly improves blood sugar and insulin reactions in both men and women, especially in women with gestational diabetes. Capsaicin cream also treats diabetic neuropathy to reduce pain responses.

Weight loss: Before stepping ahead to a weight loss journey; You may think  What Should I Eat for Weight Loss? Without any doubt, you may intake capsaicin. Through this single-element metabolism is accelerated, fat is burned, and appetite is suppressed. Supplementing capsaicinoids for 12 weeks decreases body fat and fat mass. 

According to the American Heart Association, jalapeno peppers can be good choices for diet because they are low in calories. A cup of sliced peppers carries only 26 calories. Moreover, they are fat-free too.

Improves bladder condition: Capsaicin treatment improves the condition of overactive bladder in women. Another study published in the Journal of Urology states that capsaicin treatment reduces urinary frequency in women. Also, incontinence in men with spinal cord injuries.

Interstitial cystitis has additionally been studied as a possible side effect of capsaicin. The condition of the bladder may improve because of its ability to neutralize the sensory nerves.

Protects the brain: Capsaicin helps the brain and nervous system in various ways. It reduces neuronal degeneration and cures Alzheimer’s disease patients. Again, It reduces the tendency to stroke and improves brain function.

Capsaicin is neuroprotective in Parkison’s disease. That is, fighting oxidative damage and alleviating behavioral impairment.

The Benefits Of Vitamins and Minerals In Jalapeno

The level of jalapeno vitamins and minerals are high. It’s rich in vitamins A and C. Also contains potassium. Again, it contains carotene. It’s an antioxidant that fights cell damage. Folate, vitamin K, and B vitamins are also essential elements in this pepper. 

Boost immunity: Vitamin C undeniably is an effective antioxidant. It boosts the immune system. Antioxidants in jalapenos can boost immunity by strengthening your body’s natural defenses. Moreover, it promotes the production of white blood cells. 

Improve skin condition: Vitamin A helps improve skin condition. An adult male needs 900 mcg RAE, and a female needs 700 mcg RAE. At the same time, Jalapeno fills up the 400 mcg of vitamin A demand by itself. 

Promotes healthy pregnancy: Vitamin C, B6, and folate are essential for supporting a healthy pregnancy and fetal development.

Reduce the tendency of blood pressure: Do jalapenos raise blood pressure? Yes! It’s true in the case of high consumption of sodium intake. But jalapeno pepper contains a small amount of sodium. Surprisingly, intaking less than 5 mg of sodium is good for reducing high blood pressure. In that way, sodium in this pepper reduces the high risk of blood pressure. 

Fiber 

Jalapeno is a good source of fiber. They have multiple beneficial purposes as follows:

Improve digestive health: Dietary fiber improves digestive health. It helps regulate blood sugar levels and lower cholesterol levels. 

Provide a complete feeling of intake less: It promotes a feeling of fullness after meals. Jalapeños help stimulate digestion and relieve constipation due to fiber content. 

Point to be noted, most of the carbohydrate of Jalapeno comes from fiber. As a result, the net carb is very low in these chilies. So if you plan for a low-carb diet adding Jalapeno to your meal will be great. 

Jalapeno’s Nutrition Facts and Benefits

When you are maintaining a balanced diet you should know the quantity of the elements that are remaining in the food you are intake. Therefore, here’s a table outlining the nutritional content per 100 grams of raw jalapeño peppers, as well as their potential health benefits:

Health Pros of Jalapenos at A Glance

Jalapenos’ benefits are uncountable. But what happens if you eat jalapenos every day? Well, here’s a list below so that you get a clear idea about the consequences you will face in taking this pepper every day. Check it out:

• Boost metabolism and aid in weight loss (Good for your immune system)
• Reduce inflammation 
• Reduce migraines
• Reduce other pains
• Control blood sugar 
• Fight with cancer
• Treat urological issues
• Inhibit the spread of infection
• Promote heart health
• Prevent liver damage
• Improve skin condition

Jalapeno Health Cons

As we know, the advantages to eating jalapenos, but What are the side effects of eating jalapenos? Unfortunately, it has some drawbacks that affect the digestive system, skin, and even medication. So now, let’s explore the side effects and how to handle them.

Are jalapenos bad for your digestive system?

While jalapenos can add a lot of flavor and spice to dishes, they can cause some digestive issues as follows.

Heartburn or acid reflux: Jalapeno causes heartburn or acid reflux. As it is too spicy, it irritates the lining of the esophagus and stomach. It is, finally, leading to discomfort and indigestion.

Gastric irritation: Jalapeno causes flatulence or gas. It happens mainly in those who have difficulty digesting spicy foods. This is because the capsaicin in jalapenos can stimulate the digestive system. That leads to increased gas production, digestive issues, such as stomach pain 

If you have a sensitive digestive system, consume jalapenos a little. Or it will be best to avoid them altogether. However, if you enjoy the flavor and spice of jalapenos and do not experience any negative digestive symptoms, they can be a healthy addition to your diet. However, to get rid of issues like acid reflux, intaking avocado can be a solution. Click here to know more about the contributions of avocado to reduce acid reflux.

What do jalapenos do to your skin?

While jalapenos have many health benefits, they have some negative effects on the skin as follows.

Skin irritation: capsaicin in jalapenos causes skin issues. This particular element causes skin irritation or even acne breakout when it comes into contact with the skin.

Skin burns: Capsaicin causes a burning sensation, redness, and even blistering on skin.

Allergic reaction: Individuals are allergic to jalapenos. It causes a lot of skin reactions like hives, itching, and swelling.

Sweating: consuming large amounts of jalapenos causes sweating. Finally, it leads to skin irritation in individuals who are prone to these issues.

However, skin burns, irritation, and allergic reactions are all caused by the one element capsaicin. This particular element is considered as the base side of the pH scale. So, to relieve such skin issues, apply acidic elements like vinegar or lemon juice. Applying this on the skin, you get relief from burning and irritations.

Does jalapeno interfere with medications?

It’s expected that such a question pops into your head, does the capsaicin in Jalapeno affect medication? Capsaicin is the active ingredient in jalapenos. It may interact with certain medications. Here are some possible interactions followingly:

• Capsaicin causes an increase in stomach acid, lessening the effect of medications. The following medicines are: 

1. cimetidine (Tagamet)
2. famotidine (Pepcid)
3. ranitidine (Zantac)
4. omeprazole (Prilosec)
5. esomeprazole (Nexium) 

• Using capsaicin cream on the skin increases the risk of cough associated with ACE inhibitors. these are medications used to regulate blood pressure
• Capsicum slows blood clotting. Combining capsicum with medications that also slow clotting may increase the risk of bleeding and bruising.
• This element decreases the effectiveness of aspirin in relieving pain. also, increase in the aspirin-related risk of bleeding
• It increases the chance of bleeding caused by specific blood-thinning medicines (like warfarin and heparin) and herbs.

What Happens if You Eat Too Many Jalapenos?

Consuming large amounts of capsaicin causes more severe symptoms. For instance, difficulty breathing, rapid heartbeat, and even seizures rarely occur. However, these extreme cases are uncommon. Most people will only experience mild to moderate discomfort after consuming excessive jalapenos.

If you get a burning sensation after eating jalapenos, drink milk or eat yogurt. These dairy products contain a protein that neutralizes its effects. Water and other beverages can provide temporary relief, but they will not help neutralize the capsaicin.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are pickled jalapenos healthy for you?

You can add pickled jalapenos to your regular diet. They contain vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and dietary fiber. Also, they are low in calories and fat-free. Dieters can add this to their regular diet without any doubt. Another thing is that it contains capsaicin. It has enormous health advantages. It also helps with pain relief and gut health promotions.

Is jalapeno healthier than bell paper?

Jalapenos contain more vitamin K than other chili pepper varieties. According to research, it contains 4 times extra vit-k compared to other peppers. Vitamin K increases bone mineral density and lowers fracture rates in people with osteoporosis. 

How much jalapeno is safe to eat?

Consuming small amounts of jalapenos is safe for most healthy adults. According to the growth of your tolerance, you can enhance the ingestion of jalapenos. But try a small amount when you start to consume this. Avoid consuming large amounts of jalapeno at a time. If you have any previous medical history, consult your doctor before adding jalapenos to your diet.

Conclusion

Overall, we have tried to tell you the ins and outs of jalapeno health pros and cons. We hope it will help you to decide whether you want to intake it or not. As we mentioned before, it has many beneficial facts, including a few drawbacks; However, with proper handling, you can avoid those uncertain issues and enjoy the beneficial sides of jalapeno.