What Are The Health Benefits Of Habanero Peppers?

Habanero peppers, also called Capsicum chinense, are one of the hottest peppers recorded in history. The rich antioxidant and phenolic compounds explain the benefits of habanero pepper. It is a member of the capsicum family and has many benefits. Habanero pepper may reduce cancer risk, promote weight loss, lower cholesterol levels, and protect against cardiovascular disease. We discuss the health benefits of habanero peppers, how to use and handle them, and their possible side effects in this article. Keep reading.

Know Your Ingredient: Habanero Peppers

What Is It?

Small fruit with a spicy taste, it is orange or yellow in color.

What Are Its Benefits?
It may help in weight loss, reduce cancer risk, lower cholesterol levels, prevent cardiovascular diseases, reduce blood pressure, fight diabetes, and help relieve pain.

Who Can Consume It?
Anyone over the age of 18, if they can tolerate spice, can consume these peppers in moderation.

How Often?
You can consume a little amount by adding it to your food every day.

Caution
Avoid consumption if you have high blood pressure, digestive issues, or a history of a heart attack.

What Are The Benefits Of Eating Habaneros?

1. May Reduce Cancer Risk

The active component of habanero peppers, capsaicin, was found effective in cancer treatment. A study conducted at the University of California at Los Angeles School of Medicine (USA) showed that oral administration of capsaicin inhibited the proliferation of prostate cancer cells (1). Capsaicin may also slow down the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) doubling time (PSA is a protein present in small quantities in the semen of men (2). But this is not an indicator of prostate cancer). The phenolic compounds in habanero exhibit antioxidant activity and may act against cancer (3). A review published in Molecules suggests that the consumption of peppers may offer antioxidant benefits as they are rich in vitamins C, A, and E (4).

In another study, capsaicin was found to inhibit the growth of human breast and leukemia cancer cells (5).

2. May Aid Weight Loss

As per the World Health Organization, approximately 13% (600 million people) of the world population is dealing with obesity (6). The capsaicin in habanero peppers may possess anti-obesity potential. Studies suggest that the consumption of capsaicin may increase thermogenesis (the process of heat production) in the body (7). This, in turn, may improve lipid metabolism and help in the treatment of obesity. Capsaicin may also make you feel full for longer and decrease your appetite. Dietary capsaicin intake may improve metabolic health that helps in the prevention and treatment of obesity (6). However, more human studies are warranted to understand this benefit of habanero.

3. May Lower Cholesterol Levels

In animal studies, capsaicin intake was found to lower plasma cholesterol levels and decrease intestinal absorption of lipids and triglyceridesⁱ  A type of fat in the blood that the body need not convert into calories right away due to excess energy. (8). Administration of 8 mg of capsaicin per day for five weeks showed a significant decrease in cholesterol levels. A review published in the Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism suggests that the bioactive nutrients in hot peppers may help reduce inflammation, lower cholesterol, and reduce oxidative stress (9). Intragastric administration (inserting the needle through the abdominal wall into the stomach) of habanero peppers could also reduce total cholesterol levels (10).

4. May Prevent Cardiovascular Disease

Intake of foods rich in capsaicinoidsⁱ  A component found in pepper responsible for its pungency. It is determined by the Scoville heat units used to measure its concentration. may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) (11). The carotenoids in peppers are also potential cardioprotective agents that help decrease the prevalence of atherosclerosis (build-up fats in artery walls) and myocardial infarctionⁱ  A blockage of blood flow preventing the heart from receiving enough oxygen. Commonly known as heart attack. (12). In a study published in Preventive Nutrition and Food Science, oral administration of red pepper extracts could help prevent atherosclerosis in mice (13). However, more studies are warranted to understand this phenomenon of habanero in humans.

5. May Help Fight Diabetes

The capsaicinoidsⁱ  A component found in pepper responsible for its pungency. It is determined by the Scoville heat units used to measure its concentration. in habanero are said to reduce insulin resistance and help treat diabetes (11). A study conducted by the University of Tasmania found that capsaicin may regulate insulin levels following a meal in overweight individuals (14). Also, the polyphenolic compounds, flavonoids, carotenoids, and antioxidants in habanero peppers may help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes (14 15). However, more studies are warranted to understand this phenomenon of habanero in humans.

6. May Reduce Blood Pressure

The bioactive compounds in red hot peppers, like capsaicinoidsⁱ  A component found in pepper responsible for its pungency. It is determined by the Scoville heat units used to measure its concentration. , may help lower blood pressure (11). Long-term capsaicin treatment was found to lower blood pressure in genetically hypertensive rats (16). However, limited studies are available in this regard.

7. May Help Relieve Pain

Capsaicin is a well-known ingredient in many topical pain relief creams. It has been used clinically to relieve many painful conditions. The extracts of peppers have anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce inflammation. Topical application of capsaicin creams was found to alleviate neurogenic pain (17). The gels and creams have analgesicⁱ  A drug used to treat different kinds of pain experienced in minor ailments, such as headaches as well as major conditions, such as arthritis. and anti-inflammatory properties. They can inhibit the production of Substance P, a compound responsible for swelling and pain associated with inflammation (18).

Anecdotal evidence suggests that habanero peppers have antibacterial properties and may help treat respiratory issues.

Trivia

Habanero peppers were recognized as the world’s hottest peppers in 1999 by the Guinness Book of World Records. However, they have now been dethroned by far hotter peppers like the Bhut Jolokia (Ghost Pepper).

Habanero Peppers Vs. Jalapeno Peppers

These are a few differences between habanero and jalapeno peppers. When it comes to habanero and jalapeno benefits in terms of nutrition, both peppers are pretty similar. They are rich in vitamins A and C, antioxidants, and capsaicin. The spiciness of the habanero makes it unique among hot chili varieties. Hence, one should be very careful while handling this type of chili that ranks high on the Scoville scale. Here are some important tips to keep in mind.

Tips For Cooking With Habanero Peppers

• Wearing gloves is a good idea while you handle habanero peppers. They are high in capsaicin, and working with them without wearing gloves can lead to burns on your hands. Also, avoid rubbing your eyes until you wash your hands.

Rene, a vlogger, shared his experience of consuming a red habanero pepper in his video. He said, “ My mouth is on fire, my tongue don’t really feel it anymore. I could feel it going down my neck. It is making my tongue burn more (i).”

•  A little amount of habanero pepper goes a long way. Hence, add little amounts of this spicy pepper to your food items.
• The spiciness of habaneros may burn your mouth if you consume large amounts at a time. Hence, know the remedy for pepper burn in advance (drink milk or eat sugar or chocolate).
• Use cold milk for treating topical pepper burns. Do not use cold water as it may spread the burning sensation
• Remove the skin of the habanero pepper before you start using it. Peeling the habanero pepper will be easier this way. Though the skin of habanero is thin, you can’t break it easily with your teeth.

Once you have taken all required safety measures, you can easily use this pepper in different recipes. Here’s how you do it.

Culinary Uses Of Habanero Peppers

• Add minced habaneros to fresh salsas to give tacos and grilled meats a colorful boost.
• Include diced habaneros to vinegar and olive oil marinades to add more flavor.
• Add chopped habaneros to stews and soups to give them more depth and warmth.
• Fill hollowed-out habaneros with cheese, rice, and beans to make a fiery-filled dish.

Now, let’s look at some wholesome recipes where habanero takes the center stage.

Easy Habanero Recipes

1. Habanero Salsa

Ingredients

• 3-4 fresh habanero peppers
• 2 ripe tomatoes
• 1 small onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/4 cup of fresh cilantro
• Juice from 1 lime
• Salt and pepper to taste

How To Prepare

1. Roast the habanero peppers, tomatoes, onion, and garlic until slightly charred.
2. Remove the skin from the tomatoes and garlic.
3. Blend the roasted ingredients with cilantro and lime juice.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve with tortilla chips.

2. Habanero Guacamole

Ingredients

• 2 ripe avocados
• 1 habanero pepper, finely minced
• 1/4 cup of red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup of fresh cilantro, chopped
• Juice from 1 lime
• Salt to taste

How To Prepare

1. Cut the avocados in half, scoop the flesh into a bowl, and mash.
2. Add the habanero, red onion, and cilantro to the mashed avocados.
3. Squeeze lime juice over the mixture and stir.
4. Season with salt to taste.
5. Refrigerate for 20 minutes before serving.
6. Serve with tortilla chips.

Trivia

Habanero peppers are named after the Cuban city of La Habana (also known as Havana in English) because they were traded prominently there. The habanero chili originated in the Amazon and expanded throughout the region, eventually reaching Mexico.

Intake of habanero peppers in excess amounts may cause some side effects. Scroll down to know in detail.

Are There Any Side Effects Of Eating Habanero Peppers?

Habanero peppers are very high in capsaicin. Eating it for the first time may cause pain in most. The spicy hot sensation can stay on your tongue for 20 minutes or more. Your stomach and intestines may also experience the heat. One may also experience stomach ache and digestive discomfort in some cases. A high dose of capsaicin may temporarily raise blood pressure and body temperature. Hence, those with high blood pressure or a history of heart attacks must practice caution while eating habanero peppers. However, these effects are based on anecdotal evidence. More research is warranted.

Infographic: Top 6 Reasons To Add Habanero Pepper To Your Diet

Habanero pepper is an extremely hot variety of chili that is widely used in Mexican cuisine for its flavor. It also has several health benefits, such as lowering blood pressure and insulin levels in the body. Check out the infographic below to learn the top 6 reasons to add it to your regular diet.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I eat habanero raw?

Yes, you can eat habanero raw.

Is habanero good for the immune system?

Yes, habanero contains polyphenols, which aid immune system functioning.

Is a habanero a natural antibiotic?

Yes, habaneros have antibacterial and antifungal properties that prevent bacterial and fungal infections.

Can habaneros make you sick?

Yes, habaneros are extremely spicy, which may make you feel nauseous.

Illustration: Habanero Peppers: Health Benefits And Possible Side Effects

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Unleash the fiery health benefits of Habanero peppers in this captivating video. Discover the incredible advantages of incorporating these spicy peppers into your diet, from boosting metabolism to supporting immune health. Watch the video below to know more.

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Dr. Pallavi SrivastavaClinical Nutritionist

   

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