Did you know that humans have been eating chili peppers for more than 6,000 years? Aside from that spicy kick that they add to food, these fruits also prevent spoilage. What’s more, some people regard them as an aphrodisiac.

Researchers have yet to discover if the last one is true or not, though.

What’s certain is that science has uncovered many health benefits of eating peppers. We’ve rounded up some of them in this guide, so be sure to keep reading!

High Vitamin C Content

As explained in this article from Vitacrate.com, vitamin C helps the body absorb more iron. Also known as ascorbic acid, this vitamin also gives the immune system a boost. Moreover, it protects the body from oxidative stress.

Citrus fruits, like oranges and lemons, are no doubt excellent vitamin C sources. However, peppers contain far more of this nutrient than those fruits. In fact, in a study of 66 vegetables, red and green chili peppers contained the most ascorbic acid.

May Help Boost Metabolism

Capsaicin is a chemical that occurs in the fruits produced by Capsicum plants. It’s the substance that gives peppers their heat. Spicy variants, such as chili and cayenne peppers, contain more of it, but it’s also in sweet bell peppers.

Studies found a link between capsaicin consumption and lower obesity prevalence. According to researchers, this may be due to how this substance boosts metabolism. As such, one of the potential benefits of eating hot peppers is that it may help in the treatment of obesity.

Rich in Other Healthy Bioactive Compounds

The health benefits of eating bell peppers also extend to the nerves. Studies found that the phenolic compounds in peppers have neuroprotective effects. In this way, they may help keep nerve cell damage or impairment at bay.

Bell peppers and chili peppers also have carotenoids, a form of antioxidant. Antioxidants are molecules that can help fight diseases and cell damage. All peppers contain carotenoids, but they’re most abundant in red peppers.

Peppers, especially yellow sweet pepper, are also rich in flavonoids. Flavonoids serve as antioxidants, too, helping rid the body of harmful toxins.

May Help Keep Your Cardiovascular System in Check

A study of 570,000 people looked at the cardiovascular benefits of eating chili pepper. The findings suggest that it may lower cardiovascular death risk by 26%. This is in comparison to people who don’t or rarely consume this spicy fruit.

May Be Helpful for Folks With Diabetes

Hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar, is a common side effect of having diabetes. That’s because it occurs due to a lack of insulin or if the body doesn’t use insulin properly. Unaddressed high blood sugar can lead to vision, nerve, and cardiovascular problems.

In such cases, eating peppers may help as these fruits seem to help lower blood sugar levels. Researchers associate this effect with the fruit’s capsaicin content.

Enjoy the Heat and Sweet Benefits of Eating Peppers

As you can see, many of the key benefits of eating peppers have to do with their antioxidant effects. Aside from their high vitamin C content, they also have many other healthy compounds. Plus, they make bland food taste awesome, making such meals more appealing to your taste buds.

Interested in more science-backed health and wellness guides? Then please feel free to browse our other educational news and blog posts!