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Organic Capsicum Health Benefits

Capsicum is a genus plant designation in the family of plants known as Solanaceae or nightshade. It's a native plant of the Americas, and its presence has been traced back to at least 3000 BC. Plants of the capsicum genus are used as vegetables, medicines and spices. The fruit of this genus have different names depending on what kind they are and where you find them. Some of the members may be familiar to you; they include:

• Chili pepper
• Green and red pepper
• Capsicum
• Bell pepper
• Sweet pepper

Many of the capsicum plants contain a large amount of vitamin A, and this is considered part of the reason for the red color. The capsicum fruit is also high in vitamin C and rutin content. Rutin is a bioflavonoid. And, bioflavonoids have anti-inflammatory, anti-viral and antihistaminic properties.

Shocking Fact

Tests measured the presence of vitamins after drying peppers. They found that the process almost completely removed the vitamin C and practically doubled the vitamin A.

What can Capsicum Do?

There are several benefits that are attributed to capsicum related to the circulatory system. Capsicum has a stimulant effect on the circulatory system, as well as the sinus. Because of these reactions, the uses of capsicum have included:

• Headaches, cold and fever relief
• Obesity modification
• Blood pressure reduction
• Improvement of blood circulation to extremities
• Lessen pain of arthritis, varicose veins, menstrual cramps
• Cholesterol reduction
• Bowel stimulation
• Poor appetite improvement

How Capsicum Works

The active ingredients in capsicum are where the benefits are derived from. Oils called oleoresins are the beneficial active ingredients from capsicum plants. The oil capsaicin particularly is a counterirritant, which means that it can cause relatively harmless irritation on contact. This irritation causes an increased blood flow and elevated heat on the surface of the skin. This surface contact uses up substance P neurotransmitters (the primary pain transmitting conductors).

This reduction in pain transmitters is why it's used as a topical application for arthritis. The stimulation that causes increased blood flow is also a relief of arthritic inflammation. The heat capsaicin stimulates in the body is the reason some people add it to weight loss diets. When the body heat is elevated, more calories are being burned. Capsaicin also has a laxative property that makes it a good stimulant for sluggish bowels.

Look for Organic Capsicum

Remember to always buy organic fruit and vegetables. Having the best health means eating foods that have not been genetically modified, or saturated with toxic pesticides. Organic foods, naturally grown, will have the fullest complement of healthful ingredients. And they generally have a more robust flavor. These produce are not regulated by the FDA so it's up to you to shop for the healthiest foods for your family.

Visit local farmer's markets to shop for the freshest produce and to support your economy. Other than the farmer's markets, there are whole foods stores that offer good quality fruit and vegetables that are organically grown. And, a great option if you live in a relatively toxin-free environment is to grow your own foods. You can be in charge of the care and insure that your garden isn't sprayed with any toxic chemicals. And, you can be sure that you're not growing genetically modified foods.

†Herbal claims are generally not reviewed or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. Herbs are not standardized with regard to the active ingredients or contaminants that may be present. The information provided here is for you to be aware of the beneficial natural alternatives that are available.