You've known that veggies are good for you ever since you were small and granny told you to eat all your greens.
But have you ever stopped to wonder what the specific benefits of veggies are?
Most vegetables are high in water and fibre, but comparatively low in calories. Thus they create a feeling of fullness without delivering the hefty load of calories delivered by high-fat foods.
And, like fruit, they're also fantastic sources of vitamins and minerals and cancer-preventing phytocemicals.
Chillies help fight pain, temporarily increases the metabolism and eases nasal congestion. It can also discourage blood clots and stimulate the circulation. It can be a digestive aid and have anti-inflammatory effects.
How much chillies should you eat?
Chillies contain capsaicin, which is the source of the chilli's heat. They are mostly concentrated in the seeds and ribs. Chillies can burn your mouth and stomach, so it is not wise to eat too much of them, as constant irritation of the stomach may increase your risk of developing stomach cancer.
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Maximising the benefits of chillies
The hotter the chilli, the higher the capsaicin content. Chillies can be eaten raw or cooked or in chilli sauce. Be careful not to eat very hot chillies inadvertently, as you will definitely regret it.