Are chillies healthy

Answer 1

Clinical studies on this topic are divided. However, the majority of studies indicate consumption of chillies is beneficial in moderation. In this case, moderation refers to both the heat as well as the quantity consumed. The health benefits related to eating chillies include reducing prostate and stomach cancers; improving rhinitis (runny nose); assisting in the reduction of inflammation; and reducing the risk of acquiring Type II Diabetes. The University of California (Berkeley) showed that chillies can reduce the risk of stomach cancer. However, a study conducted at Yale shows the opposite. As with most things in life, I am of the opinion that the consumption of chillies in moderation yields moderate health benefits. Along with moderate consumption I would also speculate (and it is indeed mere speculation) that coming from a background where regular chilli consumption is a norm, one may be able to develop a genetic tolerance which would allow for a higher threshold. If you enjoy eating chillies then keep eating them! If your interest in chillies is related primarily or even exclusively to achieving health benefits then I would probably say don't bother. On another note, increasing one's chilli tolerance yields a certain amount of personal satisfaction, increases the sensitivity of the taste buds and allows you to relate better with a significant proportion of the world's population, so I would go so far as to say that is both mentally and socially healthy as well!