Jalapeno peppers are low-calorie foods. A balanced diet is all about right amount of calories. And there are no other foods better than jalapenos to include in your balanced diet. It is recommended as a weight loss diet also. It is believed that jalapeno peppers detoxify carcinogens from the human body system. They are believed to be used effectively for alleviating medical conditions such as cancers (prostate cancer, skin cancer, lung cancer, stomach cancer), painful joints, toothaches, bronchitis, headaches, ulcers (stomach ulcers, peptic ulcers), arthritis, frostbite and psoriasis. Jalapeño peppers stimulate blood circulation, stop bleeding, and reduce cholesterol. Jalapenos have a soothing effect on the digestive system. Jalapenos are known for its heart stimulant properties also.

A detailed account of various health benefits of jalapeno peppers is given below:

Jalapenos in a Balanced Diet: A right diet is high in nutritional value and provides sufficient calories of energy for bodily functions. All foods, whether carbohydrates, fats or proteins, contain calories, i.e. provide energy. Calorie is a unit of measure of energy.  A successful diet program contains right measures of energy. It is all about balance-balance between the calories consumed and the calories required by a body to perform its functions. Surplus calorie consumption results in overweight and insufficient consumption of calorie results in underweight. Both the extremes need to be avoided while planning a balanced diet. Jalapenos are low-calorie foods and hence highly suitable for weight-reducing and health-promoting dietary programs.

Jalapenos are rich in dietary fiber: Dietary fiber is good for human body. Jalapenos are rich source of dietary fiber. High fiber foods is good for weight loss as they take long time to get digested and also make you feel full for a long period of time. High fiber food aids in digestion, cures constipation, lowers blood cholesterol, cleanses the gastrointestinal tract and may reduce the risk of developing diabetes and colorectal cancer.

Jalapenos are rich in Vitamin B6: Vitamin B6 is also known as Pyridoxine. It is essential for fat, carbohydrate and protein metabolism. It also helps in the production of red blood cells (RBCs) and neurotransmitters. Vitamin B6 facilitates proper functioning of estrogen and testosterone hormones in the body. Deficiency symptoms include depression, improper functioning of immune system and sores in mouth. According to US FDA (Food and Drug Administration), daily requirement of vitamin B6 for an average adult is 2mg. A 100 g edible portion of fresh jalapenos supply about 0.419mg of vitamin B6, which is about one-fourth of the daily requirement of this nutrient.

Jalapenos are rich in Potassium (K) mineral: Potassium is an essential mineral that plays an important role in lowering blood pressure. Other major functions of potassium are, carbohydrate metabolism, fluid balance, growth and development, heart function, muscle contraction, nervous system function and protein formation. 100g edible portion of jalapenos contain 248mg of potassium. According to US FDA (Food and Drug Administration), daily requirement of potassium for an average adult is 3500mg. It is clear from the above-mentioned figures that regular consumption of jalapenos contributes to a major portion of our daily requirement of mineral potassium.

Jalapenos are an excellent source of Vitamin C: Vitamin C is also known as ascorbic acid. It is a powerful antioxidant vitamin. Vitamin C helps in absorption of iron and calcium. It increases body’s natural immunity. Vitamin C deficiency results in a disease called scurvy. Major symptoms of scurvy are bleeding gum, joint pain, and hair loss. 100g edible portion of jalapenos contain 118.6mg of Vitamin C. It is much higher than the average daily requirement of Vitamin C. According to US FDA (Food and Drug Administration), daily requirement of Vitamin C for an average adult is 60mg.

Jalapenos are moderate source of Vitamin B3 or Niacin: Vitamin B3 is also called Nicotinic acid. It is essential for skin health, proper functioning of nerves, and digestion. It also reduces blood cholesterol level and therefore lowers the risk of heart attack. Its deficiency disorder is called Pellagra. Deficiency symptoms include rashes on the skin, dementia and diarrhea. The more severe case of the deficiency leads to death. According to US FDA (Food and Drug Administration), daily requirement of niacin for an average adult is 20mg. A 100 g edible portion of fresh jalapenos supply about 1.28mg of niacin.

Jalapeno peppers are an excellent source of Vitamin K (phylloquinone): Vitamin K is essential for blood clotting and for the formation of strong bones. It is also essential for preventing heart diseases, cancer, and osteoporosis. Vitamin K deficiency results in bleeding gums and bleeding nose. According to US FDA (Food and Drug Administration), daily requirement of Vitamin K for an average adult is 80 micrograms (mcg). A 100 g edible portion of fresh jalapenos supply about 18.5 micrograms of vitamin K.

Jalapeno peppers are moderate source of folate or folic acid or Vitamin B9: This vitamin is essential for energy production from food. It helps in synthesis of nucleic acids and proper functioning of immune system and blood production by facilitating functioning of iron and increasing production of red blood cells (RBCs). It also helps in controlling amino acid metabolism.

Jalapeno peppers are a good source of Vitamin A: Vitamin A is also known as Retinol. It is essential for eye health and vision. It also strengthens body’s natural immune system and is essential for growth and development. Vitamin A is also essential for reproduction, tissue building, and skin and bone health and for the formation of red blood cells. Vitamin A deficiency results in night blindness, and drying of skin and eyes. According to US FDA (Food and Drug Administration), daily requirement of Vitamin A for an average adult is 5000 international units (IU). A 100 g edible portion of fresh jalapenos supply about 1078 IU of vitamin A.

Jalapeno peppers are an excellent source of Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol): Vitamin E is essential for strengthening body’s natural immune system and cardiovascular system. It is a powerful antioxidant vitamin and hence protects the body from heart diseases and cancer. Vitamin E is also required for the formation of red blood cells. Vitamin E deficiency results in weakening of muscular system and nervous system. Other deficiency symptoms include lack of coordination and balance. According to US FDA (Food and Drug Administration), daily requirement of Vitamin E for an average adult is 30 international units (IU). A 100 g edible portion of fresh jalapenos supply about 3.58 mg of vitamin E.

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