Is red chilli powder good for health?

You cannot find even one house or a restaurant without chilli powder. It is such a significant and must-have spice powder not only in India but also in all other countries, irrespective of whether it is a South Asian or a Western country. Capsaicin is the compound in this spice that imparts a spicy and pungent flavor to this masala.

Color, flavor, and aroma of Indian red chilli powder

1. The color of chilli or mirchi is blood red. In Hindi, red is called by the terms ‘Lal’ or ‘Laal,’ thus, red chilli powder is referred to as mirchi lal powder in India.
2. The flavor profile of this spice depends on the level of heat or spice it contains, which is proportional to the capsaicin content. Red chillis coming from different parts of India have different capsaicin levels, leading to these varied flavors.
3. The dried and best red chili powder has a strong, pungent aroma owing to the presence of capsaicinoids. Like flavors, the aroma varies from one red chilli to another based on the quality and source.   

Besides, there is another factor—the intensity. Yes, the intensity of this spice’s flavor is also different based on the quality and duration of the dried chilli grinding. 

Did you know? There are different types of red chillies

India is the largest producer of red chillis as it has a favorable tropical climate in most parts of the country. As said earlier, each variety is unique and has a distinct taste, flavor, and spice level. Listed below are some of the popular varieties:

1. Kashmir red chilli (Kashmir)
2. Guntur red chilli (Andra Pradesh)
3. Kanthari red chilli (Kerala)
4. Mundu red chilli (Tamil Nadu)
5. Byadagi red chilli (Karnataka)
6. Khola red chilli (Goa)
7. Dhani red chilli (Manipur)

Lal mirch powder: Is it healthy?

The health benefits entirely depend on the red chilli masala powder compounds, their chemical contents, and the nutrition.

Undoubtedly, the only key ingredient of this masala powder is dried red chillis. The chemical composition of this red chilli powder 500g (C18H27NO3) includes:

1. Primary compounds of chilli masala
1. Capsaicin and Dihydrocapsaicin (Capsaicinoids) are responsible for the spice's heat levels. 
2. Carotenoids (Capsanthin, Capsorubin, and Zeaxanthin) are responsible for the bright blood-red hues.
2. Secondary compounds of organic red chilli powder
1. Vitamins: A, C, E, and K
2. Minerals: Potassium (K), Iron (Fe), and Magnesium (Mg)
3. Others: Proteins, oils, and fibers.

So, now it is clear that this spice powder is rich in compounds that can offer a huge set of health benefits, helping with different body mechanisms and metabolisms. Without further ado, let’s dive into the health benefits of consuming this spice powder. 

Health benefits of the red chilli masala

The compounds fight against harmful gut bacteria, clean the intestine, and help secrete digestive juices that prevent constipation and promote easy digestion.

Capsaicin in red chilli helps reduce the appetite and burns excess fat in the body. Thus, making them great for people undergoing weight loss programs.  

The secondary compounds, like vitamins and minerals in spicy red chilli powder, fight bacterial and viral infections, reduce the wandering and harmful free radicals, and promote immune health.

Capsaicin in this spice has the power to reduce bad cholesterol (triglycerides) in the blood and prevent the formation of blood clots that may lead to unnecessary heart diseases or illnesses, like stroke and heart attack. 

Vitamin C helps form collagen, which improves hair health. On the other hand, Vitamin A helps retain the moisture content in the skin and leads to plump skin.

Iron in kutti lal mirch is crucial for hemoglobin production and, in turn, is responsible for increased blood flow or circulation, aiding in improved brain functioning and cognitive abilities.  

Studies have shown that Vitamin A and antioxidants in mirchi powder can prevent various eye diseases, including night blindness, in many people when consumed regularly.

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Capsaicin tends to reduce inflammation and pain in the body joints by binding to the nerve receptors. In particular, doctors recommend red chilli consumption for people with Psoriasis.

Potassium in this spice powder helps secrete the vasodilators and loosen the blood vessels, promoting blood circulation. This boosts metabolism and regulates blood pressure.

Antibacterial properties of the lal mirchi components help the body fight nasal infections like sinus and cold, and help relieve the nose from mucus formations, leading to breathing freely.