Healthy Food Database

There are hundreds of different species of chillies grown all over the world. Chillies are enormously popular, particularly in the States. Some suggest they may be addictive, releasing endorphins when eaten and providing a feeling of relief and pleasure. Double pleasure could then be derived from chilli and chocolate - a drink made famous in the book "Chocolat".
Some are fiery hot and others less so. The small red ones are typically the hottest while the large ones are generally quite sweet.
Chillies are high in fibre and vitamin C although you don't (or can't) eat that much of them to benefit but even in small amounts they are a good source of antioxidants and beta-carotene. Because they heat the body internally they are known to raise the metabolic rate and assist in weight loss. Whether that's true or not remains to be scientifically proven. What is true however is that in large qualities chillies appear to have antibacterial qualities which is particularly handy in the third world countries which are hot and have poor refrigeration.
Chillies can be store in the refrigerator and if bought in large quantities, frozen or dried out.

Category: Spice

In Season: all year