Food that aid in weight loss

Chillies

Chillies are a part of "Capsicum" Family and are used in savoury dishes all over the world. The amazing fact is that the chillies are highly nutritious. 

Chillies are usually used fresh, dried and also as ground powders. It is staple in most of the Asian countries and the highest production and consumption is in India. 

Calorie content

A 100 gms of chillies contain only 40 calories with the content of 9% potassium, 6% dietary fibre, 23% Vitamin A, 4% Protein, 404% Vitamin C, 6% Iron, 15% Vitamin B-6 and 6% Magnesium. It also contains little amounts of carotene and fat free making it a highly nutritious part of food. 

Medicinal Uses

The chemical Capsaicin found in green chillies are used as a remedy for relieving pain from arthritis, diabetes and headaches. 

They are also used as painkillers to relieve the pain caused after diabetic neuropathy and mastectomies for breast cancer. Capsaicin also prevents the fungal infection on skin caused by insects.

It improves and stimulates the blood circulation in the entire body and thus preventing the diseases caused by the poor blood circulation. 

It can also keep the body away from heart diseases and blood pressure by improving the circulation of blood to the heart. It is also know to ward off the bad cholesterol from the body.

The consumption of chillies increases the secretion of saliva and digestive juices improving the digestion and keeping colon healthy.

It is also good for lungs and stomach because of it's anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties. It detoxifies the digestive system.

Some of the studies even claim to have proved that it can also control the growth of cancer cells. 

Weight loss effects

Capsaicin in Chillies controls your appetite and hunger pangs. It gives you satiety and hence you will feel full for a long time. You will tend to eat less than usual.

The "heat" in the chillies is caused by the chemicals called capsaicinoids. These capsaicinoids activate the taste buds to sense "heat" in the food. The taste buds sends a signal to the brain and the brain responds to the signal by raising the heart rate and also increase perspiration.

So the temperature of the body increases and makes it burn fat 20 times faster than usual.

Cautions

With all these amazing health benefits, there are few cautions to be followed as well. Chillies in excess can cause stomach ulcers and inflammation.It increases the heart burn in people who are already suffering from it.  

Keep it moderate and stay healthy.