The History and Benefits of Chili Pepper

Introduction:

munchrooms are a mushroom-based snack that are both flavorful and nutrient-dense all at once! The three flavors of mushroom jerky that are offered by munchrooms are the Asian-inspired five-spice, cracked black pepper, and spicy chili pepper. Each unique ingredient has a history that dates back centuries and many mental and physical health benefits. Today, we will be focusing on the history and benefits of chili peppers. 

The History of Chili Pepper:

Chili peppers originated in Mexico and the lowlands of Brazil. Christopher Columbus was the first European to discover chili peppers on his voyage to the Americas. Chili was brought to Europe and other parts of the world by Christopher Columbus who discovered America in 1493. They also came to Asia and other places following the Columbian exchange in the 15th and 16th centuries. Chili peppers were also introduced to China through the Silk Road by merchants traveling on a land route. Chili pepper is used in a variety of food and traditional medicine today. It first arrived in Indonesia in 1540, India in 1542, and China shortly thereafter. Chili pepper is used in a variety of cuisines across the world. 

The Health Benefits of Chili Pepper:

Chili pepper improves digestive health and metabolism (anti-irritant to the stomach and a great way to treat stomach ulcers). Chili pepper alleviates migraines, reduces risk of certain cancers, and fights many fungal infections as well as the cold and the flu. It provides joint pain relief while fighting inflammation. It supports cardiovascular health while drastically decreasing the risks of type 2 diabetes. Studies have shown that chili pepper improves cognitive functions, longevity, and promotes red blood cell growth. It improves ocular health in your eyes and vision. It keeps hair, skin, and nails healthy due to its large amounts of vitamin C. Eating chili pepper will cause your body to create and maintain more collagen.

Cayenne pepper is often mixed into face masks to deal with skin inflammation. Chili pepper treats wrinkles, acne scars, and dark spots as well. It helps to stimulate blood flow resulting in flawless skin. The capsaicin in chili pepper comes into contact with nerve endings. This trips a pain receptor whose normal function is to detect the kind of heat that is legitimately burning hot. The receptor, known as TRPV1, is designed to keep us from doing dumb things like touching fire with our bare hands, or biting into something so hot it would physically burn our mouths and temporarily ruin our taste buds. 

The next time you are hungry, go grab a bag of chili pepper munchrooms. Not only is it delicious and filling, but it also has tons of nutrients to keep you fueled throughout the day!