Hot peppers are known for their spicy taste and their medicinal benefits. Similar to the cayenne pepper, the serrano pepper provides a bit of spice and a natural immune system boost. Serrano pepper benefits also include the ability to improve heart health, provide pain relief, cool the body down and even help relieve shingles.
Serrano Pepper Benefits
1. Boosts the Immune System
Serrano pepper benefits include the ability to boost the immune system. The pepper contains more Vitamin C than many other fruits and vegetables, including oranges. According to a 2015 study, serrano pepper benefits include the ability to give the immune system a natural boost thanks to the powerful antioxidants the peppers contain. Serrano peppers contain one particular antioxidant, carotene, that is known to help fight diseases like cancer and heart disease. (
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2. Improves Heart Health
Serrano pepper benefits include the ability to improve heart health and
reduce cholesterol. The peppers contain capsaicin, a heart-stimulating compounds found in chili peppers. Capsaicin works to lower cholesterol levels by reducing the accumulation of cholesterol in the body. Serrano pepper benefits also include the ability to prevent the arteries from contracting. This prevents the restriction of blood flow to the heart. Research has shown that eating hot peppers in moderation can help reduce the risk of coronary heart disease by improving the blood vessels. (
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3. Provides Pain Relief
Thanks to the capsaicin they contain, serano pepper benefits include the ability to relieve pain related to osteoarthritis,
rheumatoid arthritis and
fibromyalgia. Capsaicin is responsible for the heat in chili peppers. It provides pain relief by depleting a neurotransmitter that sends pain-related messages to the brain, known as substance P. According to a 2010 study, capsaicin cream decreased joint pain in about 50% of patients who used it.
4. May Help Relieve Shingles
Serrano pepper benefits may include the ability to help relieve
shingles. Shingles affect nearly one out of every three people in the United States, at some point during their lifetime. Capsaicin has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as a safe and effective form of pain relief for shingles. By depleting substance P, capsaicin is able to provide much-needed pain relief for those who are suffering from shingles. (
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5. Cools You Down
Serrano pepper benefits include the ability to cool the body down when it overheats. Capsaicin is responsible for the heat of a chili pepper, but it can also help the body adapt to hot climates by lowering body temperature. If you've ever seen someone eat a hot pepper, you may have noticed them sweating. This occurs because capsaicin induces a natural cooling method by sending messages to the brain that the body is too hot and needs to be cooled down. Thanks to these messages, serrano pepper benefits include the ability to induce sweat and help cool you down.
