Indian red chillies have many uses including food, cosmetics, confectionery, pharmaceuticals, and paint manufacturing, farm protection, liquor, and self-defense weapons.
Fresh red chilli is rich in vitamins, especially in vitamin A and C. It is also loaded with potassium, magnesium, and iron.
As they are known to inhibit pain messengers, chillies have long been used for pain relief. Extract of fresh red chilli pepper is used to get relieved from the pain of arthritis, headaches, burns, and neuralgia.
Red chillies are also claimed to be having the power to boost the immune system and lower cholesterol.
Chillies are also beneficial in getting rid of parasites of the gut.
Capsaicin present in chillies is a potent inhibitor of substance P, a neuropeptide associated with inflammatory processes.
Drinking water after eating chillies is an ineffective way of extinguishing the burning sensation and in fact, this will intensify it. Foods rich in fat, like milk or yogurt reduce the capsaicinoids present in chillies that create the burning sensation.
Studies have proved that chillies counteract on cholesterol build-up and reduce platelet aggregation thereby reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. It is also helpful in lowering high blood pressure and increase peripheral circulation.