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Gerbs Pumpkin Pesto

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Gerbs Pumpkin PestoGerbs Pumpkin Pesto

Ingredients

1/2 cup Gerbs raw pumpkin seeds

(you can also substitute our ground pumpkin meal or unsalted roasted seeds)

2 tablespoons grated Parmesan

3 cloves fresh garlic

3/4 cup ​fresh basil leaves

3/4 cup fresh parsley leaves

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1/2 cup Extra Virgin olive oil

Gerbs Himalayan Sea Salt to taste

Gerbs Whole Black Pepper to taste

Pumpkin Pesto

Steps to Make Gerbs Pumpkin Pesto

Combine our pumpkin seeds, Parmesan, ground salt/pepper, and garlic in a food processor. Pulse on and off, for about 20 seconds, until the seeds are almost ground. If you substitute Gerbs Pumpkin Seed Meal, this step will be must faster. You can also use Gerbs Chia Meal; the high fiber content will serve as a natural thickening agent for soups or sauces.

Add basil, parsley, lemon juice, and olive oil, and pulse on and off for about 40 seconds (you may want to ​scrape down the sides with a spatula in between pulses), until all the ingredients are combined. The mixture should be more like a course paste than a liquefied sauce, so be careful not to over-process.

Transfer to a bowl, taste test and adjust the with salt & pepper. Be sure to taste this pesto throughout the process. Once you become comfortable with this recipe, you can make variations with other Gerbs seeds; sunflower, black & white chia, hemp hearts, golden and brown flax.  Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to two days.

Time Frame:

  • Total: 10 mins
  • Prep: 10 mins
  • Cook: 0 mins
  • Yield: Makes 1 1/2 cups (12 servings)

 

CELEBRATE NATIONAL PUMPKIN SEED DAY WITH THE ‘OG’ | GERBS PUMPKIN SEEDS

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The One and Only, Original and world famous – Gerbs Pumpkin Seed

Nutritional Value of Gerbs Pumpkin Seeds
Nutritional Value of Gerbs Pumpkin Seeds

We are in the fall feeling here at Gerbs, with our BOGO 50% Pumpkin Seed Sale. The first Wednesday in October offers up the seasonal delight, National Pumpkin Seed Day! As the temperatures cool and the leaves turn, snack on these delicious tidbits.

Many of us have fond memories of roasting these delicious nuggets after carving the Jack o’ lantern. However, we never realized just how good (and good for us) they were. Surprisingly, pumpkin seeds have been valued for their dietary and medicinal properties for thousands of years. In fact, pumpkin seeds have been traced back as far as 7000 BC, according to archaeologists excavating a tomb in central Mexico.

pumpkin seeds

Nutritional Value of Pumpkin Seeds

One of the best, most alkaline sources of nutrition you can eat. Pumpkin seeds are incredibly high in iron, and magnesium, and contain a larger amount of protein than chia or flax per ounce, boasting a total of 7 grams per ounce. They’re also rich in B vitamins and are the only seed to have an alkalizing effect on the body, though many others are considered alkaline in nature. This means pumpkin seeds help counteract acidity and at the same time, provide the support your body needs to feel its best. They even contain high amounts of anxiety-relieving tryptophan, an essential amino acid, which helps improve serotonin levels.

  • INSOMNIA?

Pumpkin Seeds are loaded with the amino acid tryptophan, which aids in the production of serotonin in the brain. A balance of the neurotransmitter serotonin is responsible for regulating mood, sleep, and appetite.

  • LOWERS CHOLESTEROL

Pumpkin Seeds have a high content of phytosterols, plant-based compounds that can reduce LDL “bad” cholesterol levels. Pumpkin seeds and other foods are naturally rich in phytosterols.

  • PROSTATE HEALTH

Pumpkin Seeds contain zinc and other antioxidants to reduce the risk of prostate disease.

lightly sea salted whole pumpkin seeds

GERBS ALLERGY STATEMENT

Do not trust your family’s safety and health in the hands of any other pumpkin seed company, because they simply do not go to the lengths Gerbs buyers & specialists go to ensure your safety & satisfaction. All raw, roasted, or mixed products are produced, packaged, handled, stored, and shipped by Gerbs specially trained staff in our family-owned & operated facility in Johnston, Rhode Island on dedicated non-GMO, 100% All-natural, Vegan, and Kosher Equipment. NO CO-PACKERS! NO SHARED EQUIPMENT! NO SHARED KITCHEN/OVEN SPACE! NO CO-MANUFACTURERS! 99% of our competition cannot make that statement. For anyone with a mild to severe food allergy or a family with one, we wish to assure you that Gerbs handles all aspects of production & operation, and we are among a handful of companies in the world that can claim with 100% confidence to be free from the Top 14 Food Allergies.

We are a dedicated top 14 Free brand, product line & facility, however if you have an allergy(ies) to any Gerbs ingredient, please email/call us first before ordering, so that we can answer any questions and talk about your ordering options in regards to cross-contamination in our manufacturing facility: sales@mygerbs.com (tel) 401 – 231 – 5181.

Gerbs owners

Galen & Sennen Conte – Brothers & Co-Owners

Gerbs Allergy Friendly Foods | Johnston, RI 02919 | USA | sales@mygerbs.com | Tel (401) 231-5181

lightly sea salted roasted pumpkin seed kernels

Gerbs Dark Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cookies

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Gerbs Dark Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cookies

As soon as cooler September afternoons and nights hit, there’s no better way to enjoy a crisp ‘fall’ day than in the kitchen with the kiddo’s, than baking up a fresh & food allergy friendly batch of Gerbs dark chocolate pumpkin cookies. Adding our flavor packed (new) pumpkin seed butter, fresh pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice to this basic chocolate chip cookie dough makes for an amazing fall treat. These will be a hit at any school bake sale or dinner party.

INGREDIENTS

  • 2 1/4 c. Gerbs all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp. baking soda
  • 1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 c. (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 c. brown sugar
  • 1/2 c. granulated sugar
  • 3/4 c. pumpkin purée
  • 3/4 c. Gerbs Salted Pumpkin Butter
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
  • 2 c. Gerbs traditional semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1/4 c. Gerbs raw pumpkin seed kernels (optional)

Gerbs Dark Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cookies Ingredients

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 375° and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.

In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and pumpkin spice.

In a large bowl using a hand mixer, cream together butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in pumpkin puree, Gerbs pumpkin butter, egg, and vanilla extract until combined, then add flour mixture. Beat on low until no raw flour appears, then fold in Gerbs chocolate chips. Refrigerate dough for 30 minutes.

Scoop 1” balls onto prepared baking sheets, press several pumpkin seeds onto top raw balls (optional, not in picture), 2 inches apart, and bake until puffed up and golden around edges, about 12-14 minutes. Set aside 2-3 minutes, then cool on baking rack.

Gerbs Pumpkin Seed Kernels

Coming Soon! We will be giving away a free Gerbs ‘Safe Snacks’ Wrist Band with each qualifying order (while supplies last) Watch our Website, Facebook & Instagram Page for rules & updates !

Gerbs Safe Snacks

About the Teal Pumpkin Project

The Teal Pumpkin Project is a movement to raise awareness of food allergies and to create a safer, more inclusive Halloween for all trick-or-treaters. Putting a teal pumpkin on your doorstep will let trick-or-treaters know that your house is food allergy-friendly. This can mean that you offer non-food treats or trinkets, such as glow sticks or small toys, and/or that you have allergy-friendly candy which is free of the top 9 allergens (including sesame). This simple act allows kids to enjoy the same allergy-friendly trinkets or treats whether they have food allergies or not. Teal is the new orange, and we hope you will join us in painting Halloween teal. Getting started is easy:

  1. Provide non-food treats and/or allergy-friendly candy (free of the top 9 allergens, including sesame) for trick-or-treaters
  2. Place a teal pumpkin in front of your home to alert trick-or-treaters that you have a food-allergy friendly home
  3. Add your home to the Teal Pumpkin Project map

Teal Pumpkin Project

Gerbs Super 5 Dried Fruit Mix – The Ultimate Superfood

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Gerbs Super 5 Dried Fruit Mix

This dried fruit mix is made up of equal proportions of Gerbs dried blueberries, cranberries, cherries, goji berries, and raisins. We selected this blend for the unique flavor profile it created when blended together. This product is perfect to enjoy right out of the bag, a balanced blend of sweetness, tang, and unique textures. This makes an excellent snack for those little kiddo’s in lunch bags, sporting events, camps, or overnight sleep overs! Plus our Super Five Fruit Mix is an amazing ingredient in many kid friendly recipes like, super fruit oatmeal cookies, jello, summer coleslaw, homemade trail mix, rice side dishes, holiday bread crumb stuffing’s, and the ‘best’ oatmeal breakfast bowl.

BLUEBERRIES

Blueberries

Gerbs Dried Blueberries are nature’s candies. With their bright sweetness and crunch, freeze dried blueberries make a tasty snack that is healthier than any processed, sugary treat you’ll find. And while there’s no guarantee that eating blueberries will offer the same health benefits to everyone, it’s surely tasty trying.

Gerbs Blueberries are the King of Antioxidant Foods! Antioxidants protect your body from free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can damage your cells and contribute to aging and diseases, such as cancer. Dried Blueberries are believed to have one of the highest antioxidant levels of all common fruits and vegetables. The main antioxidant compounds in blueberries belong to a family of polyphenols antioxidants called flavonoids. One group of flavonoids in particular — anthocyanins — is thought to be responsible for much of these berries’ beneficial health effects. Blueberries have been shown to directly increase antioxidant levels in your body.

CRANBERRIES

Super Cranberries

Gerbs Dried Cranberries have amazing robust red color, these tart berries have a unique New England flavor profile. They can be blended into smoothies, reconstituted with warm water, excellent yogurt or cottage cheese topper, made into juices or mixes into your favorite baked cookie or bread. They are one of the most popular berries, grown throughout Massachusetts and are enjoyed year-round, especially over the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. While you won’t find many dried cranberries without sugar added, because they are not edible due to their extreme sour, and tangy flavor.

Gerbs Cranberries are far better known for their bioactive compounds than their nutrients. These compounds are linked to a variety of health benefits and can provide protection against degenerative and chronic diseases. The compounds in these berries are good for your cardiovascular health, metabolism and immune system. Cranberries are also known for being able to help maintain the health of the urinary tract.

CHERRIES

Super Cherries

Gerbs Dried Cherries With their vibrant, deep red color and tart but sweet taste, dried cherries make for a flavorful addition to your diet. They provide fuel you need to get through the day — each quarter-cup serving of dried cherries contains 133 calories — and each quarter-cup serving of dried cherries makes up one-fourth to one-third of the daily recommended fruit intake for women and one-quarter for men, according to USDA guidelines. They also provide some essential vitamins and minerals that support your health. ANTIOXIDANT DELICIOUSNESS! Prepare to be astonished at how wonderful these taste. A perfect balance of sweet and not-too-tart, whole dried cherries. Out of the bag or in yogurt, cereal, any recipe or sauce.

GOJI BERRY

Super Goji Berry

Gerbs Dried Goji Berries also called the wolfberry, is a bright ruby-red berry that comes from a shrub that’s native to China. In Asia, goji berries have been eaten for generations in the hope of living longer. Gerbs goji berries boost your immune system and naturally protect against the flue. The vitamins in goji berries may be able to increase and support both.

A recent study compared the results of participants who consumed goji berries for 14 days to those who didn’t. People who drank goji berry juice reported an increase in energy, athletic performance, quality of sleep, ability to focus, calmness, and overall well-being. The same group also reported significantly better outcomes for issues of fatigue, stress, and digestion. Some health claims also state that goji berries can: increase life expectancy, lower heart risks, lower blood pressure, and reduce arthritis pain.

CALIFORNIA RAISINS

CALIFORNIA RAISINS

Gerbs Raisins are essentially dried grapes of  the “Vitis vinifera” Natural Seedless varietal type and are typically dried by the sun, whether it is on paper trays or dried on the vine. Natural (Sun-Dried) seedless raisins include the Thompson seedless and other newer cultivars such as Selma Pete, Fiesta and DOVine. Here are some benefits to eating raisins: Aid in digestion, Prevent anemia, Prevent too much acidity, Lower risk of heart disease risk factors, Fight against cancer cells, Protect eye health, Improve skin health, and Lower blood sugar.

 

Gerbs Pumpkin Butter Cran-Raisin Oatmeal Cookies Recipe

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Gerbs Pumpkin Butter Cran-Raisin Oatmeal Cookies Recipe

Ingredients

1 ½ cup Gerbs Light Salt Pumpkin Butter

1 large egg (substitute flax egg)

½ cup Brown Sugar (packed)

½ cup Stevia In The Raw

¼ tsp Baking soda

¾ cup Gerbs Rolled Oats

½ cup Gerbs Dried Cranberries (loosely packed)

½ cut Gerbs Raisins (loosely packed)

1 teaspoon powdered sea salt

Instructions

In a large ceramic (room temperature) mixing bowl, stir Gerbs Pumpkin Butter, brown sugar and Stevia vigorously until fully creamed. Add egg and stir well.

In a separate bowl whisk together the baking soda, Gerbs Rolled Oats, cranberries and raisins; then incorporate this into the large bowl and fold together until fully mixed.

Put dough/mixture in fridge for at least 30 minutes (or as long as 2 days).

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Scoop cookie dough with 1 and 1/2 tablespoon size cookie scoop, place into palm of your hand and roll into a ball (Hint: Use a small amount of cold water onto each palm). Place on a prepared cookie sheet and gently flatten with your fingers, a fork or the bottom of a glass. Space cookies 2″ apart on the sheet.

Bake cookies for 8 to 10 minutes or until golden brown.

Cool cookies on a baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer onto cooling rack to cool completely.

Gerbs Pumpkin Butter Recipe Ingredients

Gerbs Fried Green Tomatoes

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Gerbs Fried Green Tomatoes

Summer vegetables are right around the corner, home gardens and the bountiful farmers markets across the region, give you so many options! When these tomatoes are frying, Galen and I can close our eye’s and we are transported back to Dennisport Cape Cod, in a small cottage on the beach, the sound of waves, fresh percolated coffee, bacon, eggs, and our mother Lorraine frying a fresh batch of Green Tomatoes (she also did Zucchini Flowers)! Printable recipe images at the bottom.

Ingredients:

  • 4 large Green Tomatoes
  • 2 Eggs (substitute with Flax Egg)
  • 1/2 cup Milk (substitute flax milk)
  • 1 cup Gerbs All-Purpose Flour
  • 1/2 cup Gerbs Super 5 Seed Meal
  • 1/2 cup Gerbs Breadcrumbs
  • 2 teaspoons Gerbs Himalayan Sea Salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Gerbs Ground Black pepper
  • Pinch Gerbs Rosemary Garlic Seasoning
  • ¼ cup Parmesan Cheese (optional)
  • 1 quart Sunflower/Pumpkin Oil

Directions:

  • Slice tomatoes 1/2 inch thick. Do not include ends. Place on large board and coat with sea salt to extract natural juices, let stand 10 minutes.
  • Whisk eggs and milk together in a medium-size bowl.
  • Sift flour onto a large plate, set aside. Mix Super Seed Meal, breadcrumbs, rosemary garlic mix, salt & pepper on another plate. Dip tomatoes into flour to coat. Then dip the tomatoes into milk and egg mixture. Dredge in breadcrumbs to completely coat.
  • In a large cast iron skillet, pour sunflower oil (enough so that there is 1/2 inch of oil in the pan) and heat over a medium-high heat. Place tomatoes into the frying pan 5 or 6, depending on the size of your skillet. Overcrowding your skillet, allowing tomatoes to touch will decrease temperature and likelihood of getting a good crust. When the tomatoes are browned fork flip and fry them on the other side. Remove fried tomatoes and place on paper towels. Top with Parmesan cheese (optional).


Print Recipe
 Gerbs Fried Green Tomatoes
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Servings
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Gerbs Banana Date & Vanilla Smoothie

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Gerbs Banana Date & Vanilla SmoothieGerbs Banana Date & Vanilla Smoothie

Ingredients:

1 cup unsweetened Flax or Sunflower Milk

1 scoop vanilla protein powder (optional)

1 large frozen banana

4 – 5 ice cubes or another frozen banana

3 – 4 Gerbs Dates (pre-soaked in warm bath)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Gerbs Banana Date Smoothie

DIRECTIONS:

Soak Dates in very warm water for 30-40 minutes prior to use. Combine ingredients in high power blender and blend until smooth, about two minutes. Add a splash or two of stevia extract if you prefer a sweeter smoothie.

You may have visually small pieces of dates within the shake. That’s ok, and even with those I had no trouble using my straw without having to clear the bottom of it maybe once or twice….Those little chunks are so caramelly and delicious!

Serves 1

Gerbs Banana Date & Vanilla Smoothie

7 Health Benefits of Gerbs Dark Chocolate Chips

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Health Benefits of Gerbs Dark Chocolate ChipsHealth Benefits of Gerbs Dark Chocolate Chips

Dark chocolate is loaded with nutrients that can positively affect your health. Made from the seed of the cocoa tree, it is one of the best sources of antioxidants on the planet. Studies show that dark chocolate (not the sugary crap) can improve your health and lower the risk of heart disease. This article reviews 7 health benefits of dark chocolate or cocoa that are supported by science.

Dark Chocolate Beans

  1. Very Nutritious

If you buy quality dark chocolate with a high cocoa content, then it is actually quite nutritious. It contains a decent amount of soluble fiber and is loaded with minerals.

100-grams of dark chocolate contains:

11 grams of fiber

67% of the RDI for iron

58% of the RDI for magnesium

89% of the RDI for copper

98% of the RDI for manganese

It also has plenty of potassium, phosphorus, zinc and selenium. Of course, 100 grams (3.5 ounces) is a fairly large amount and not something you should be consuming daily. All these nutrients also come with 600 calories and moderate amounts of sugar. For this reason, dark chocolate is best consumed in moderation. The fatty acid profile of cocoa and dark chocolate is also excellent. The fats are mostly saturated and monounsaturated, with small amounts of polyunsaturated fat. It also contains stimulants like caffeine and theobromine, but is unlikely to keep you awake at night as the amount of caffeine is very small compared to coffee.

  1. Powerful Source of Antioxidants

ORAC stands for “oxygen radical absorbance capacity.” It is a measure of the antioxidant activity of foods. Basically, researchers set a bunch of free radicals (bad) against a sample of a food and see how well the antioxidants in the food can “disarm” the radicals. The biological relevance of ORAC values is questioned, because it’s measured in a test tube and may not have the same effect in the body. However, it is worth mentioning that raw, unprocessed cocoa beans are among the highest-scoring foods that have been tested. Dark chocolate is loaded with organic compounds that are biologically active and function as antioxidants. These include polyphenols, flavanols and catechins, among others. One study showed that cocoa and dark chocolate had more antioxidant activity, polyphenols and flavanols than any other fruits tested, which included blueberries and acai berries.

  1. May Improve Blood Flow and Lower Blood Pressure

The flavanols in dark chocolate can stimulate the endothelium, the lining of arteries, to produce nitric oxide (NO). One of the functions of NO is to send signals to the arteries to relax, which lowers the resistance to blood flow and therefore reduces blood pressure. Many controlled studies show that cocoa and dark chocolate can improve blood flow and lower blood pressure, though the effects are usually mild. However, one study in people with high blood pressure showed no effect, so take all this with a grain of salt.

Dark Chocolate Benefits

4. Raises HDL and Protects LDL From Oxidation

Consuming dark chocolate can improve several important risk factors for heart disease. In a controlled study, cocoa powder was found to significantly decrease oxidized LDL cholesterol in men. It also increased HDL and lowered total LDL for those with high cholesterol. Oxidized LDL means that the LDL (“bad” cholesterol) has reacted with free radicals. This makes the LDL particle itself reactive and capable of damaging other tissues, such as the lining of the arteries in your heart. It makes perfect sense that cocoa lowers oxidized LDL. It contains an abundance of powerful antioxidants that do make it into the bloodstream and protect lipoproteins against oxidative damage. Dark chocolate can also reduce insulin resistance, which is another common risk factor for many diseases like heart disease and diabetes.

5. May Reduce Heart Disease Risk

The compounds in dark chocolate appear to be highly protective against the oxidation of LDL. In the long term, this should cause much less cholesterol to lodge in the arteries, resulting in a lower risk of heart disease. In fact, several long-term observational studies show a fairly drastic improvement. In a study of 470 elderly men, cocoa was found to reduce the risk of death from heart disease by a whopping 50% over a 15 year period. Another study revealed that eating chocolate two or more times per week lowered the risk of having calcified plaque in the arteries by 32%. Eating chocolate less frequently had no effect. Yet another study showed that eating dark chocolate more than 5 times per week lowered the risk of heart disease by 57%. Of course, these three studies are observational studies, so can’t prove that it was the chocolate that reduced the risk. However, since the biological process is known (lower blood pressure and oxidized LDL), it is plausible that regularly eating dark chocolate may reduce the risk of heart disease.

Dark Chocolate for Heart

6. May Protect Your Skin From the Sun

The bioactive compounds in dark chocolate may also be great for your skin. The flavonols can protect against sun damage, improve blood flow to the skin and increase skin density and hydration. The minimal erythemal dose (MED) is the minimum amount of UVB rays required to cause redness in the skin 24 hours after exposure. In one study of 30 people, the MED more than doubled after consuming dark chocolate high in flavanols for 12 weeks. If you’re planning a beach vacation, consider loading up on dark chocolate in the prior weeks and months.

7. Could Improve Brain Function

The good news isn’t over yet. Dark chocolate may also improve the function of your brain. One study of healthy volunteers showed that eating high-flavanol cocoa for five days improved blood flow to the brain. Cocoa may also significantly improve cognitive function in elderly people with mental impairment. It may improve verbal fluency and several risk factors for disease, as well. Additionally, cocoa contains stimulant substances like caffeine and theobromine, which may be a key reason why it can improve brain function in the short term.

The Bottom Line

There is considerable evidence that cocoa can provide powerful health benefits, being especially protective against heart disease. Of course, this doesn’t mean you should go all out and consume lots of chocolate every day. It is still loaded with calories and easy to overeat. Maybe have a square or two after dinner and try to really savor them. If you want the benefits of cocoa without the calories in chocolate, consider making a hot cocoa without any cream or sugar. Also be aware that a lot of the chocolate on the market is not healthy. Choose quality stuff — dark chocolate with 70% or higher cocoa content. You might want to check out this guide on how to find the best dark chocolate. Dark chocolates typically contain some sugar, but the amounts are usually small and the darker the chocolate, the less sugar it will contain. Chocolate is one of the few foods that taste awesome while providing significant health benefits.

Happy Valentines Day Dark Chocolate

(Original Content: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/7-health-benefits-dark-chocolate. Written by Kris Gunnars, BSc on June 25, 2018)

Gerbs Chili Powders are Hot & Healthy

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Gerbs Chili Powders are Hot & Healthy

Gerbs Chili Powders are Hot & Healthy

Known for their hot flavor, chili peppers (Capsicum annuum) are primarily used for culinary purposes, as a spice added to various dishes and sauces. The chili is a fruit pod of the capsicum pepper plant belonging to the nightshade family (Solanaceae). Cayenne, jalapeno, habanero and serrano peppers are some of the most popular varieties of chili peppers.

Chili peppers were first cultivated by ancient farmers in Central and South America, regions whose cuisines are famous for their piquant flavor. Today, chili peppers are grown all over the world, but Mexico, China, Spain, Nigeria and Turkey are among the largest commercial producers.

Chili pepper contains a bioactive plant compound called capsaicin, which is responsible for its hot and spicy kick. Capsaicin is concentrated in the seeds and white inner membrane; the more capsaicin it contains, the spicier the pepper. Whether eaten fresh, dried or powdered (known as paprika), chili peppers can put fire on your tongue and perhaps even a tear in your eye.

Chipotle Pepper Powder

What Makes Chili Peppers Healthy?

Capsaicin offers more than just a pungent oral sensation in your mouth — experts say the endorphin rush it causes makes this chemical compound an effective remedy for pain and other medical conditions.

Dr. Ashwin Mehta, director of integrative medicine at the University of Miami’s Miller School of Medicine, said, “It’s used for all kinds of arthritis pain, as well as for neuropathic pain and dermatologic conditions that have a painful itch. “Aside from pain relief, capsaicin has shown promise in weight loss by helping reduce calorie intake and shrinking fat tissue. Chili also offers these benefits:

Ground Cayenne Pepper

  • Helps Fight Inflammation — Capsaicin has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and it has shown potential for treating inflammatory diseases and cancer. In fact, a research published in Future Oncology indicated that it can suppress the growth of human prostate cancer cells.
  • Boosts Immunity — Chili peppers are rich in beta-carotene, which is converted to vitamin A in the body. This vitamin is essential for maintaining healthy mucous membranes to help protect the body from invading pathogens (microorganisms that cause disease). Chili is also rich in vitamin C, and this helps the body produce white blood cells that fight germs.
  • Helps Reduce Insulin Levels — Another known benefit of eating chili peppers is how they help with blood sugar level management. A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition concluded that the regular consumption of chili may help reduce risk of hyperinsulinemia (high insulin levels in the blood).
  • Protects Your Heart — The compound capsaicin can help reduce triglycerides, cholesterol and platelet aggregation. Some studies have shown that it may assist the body in dissolving fibrin, which prevents the formation of blood clots. Additionally, cultures that use hot peppers regularly in cooking have significantly lower heart attack and stroke rates.
  • Prevents Sinusitis and Relieves Congestion — Another health effect of the compound capsaicin is its ability to address nasal congestion by helping clear mucus from your nose. It has antibacterial properties as well, and can help fight chronic sinus infections. Aside from capsaicin, chili also contains other beneficial bioactive plant compounds, including:

◦ Capsanthin — This is the primary carotenoid (antioxidant) in red chili peppers, giving them their red color and typically accounting for up to 50 percent of the spice’s antioxidant content.

◦ Lutein — Most plentiful in immature (green) chili peppers, it has been shown to help maintain and improve eye health.

◦ Volaxanthin — It is the main carotenoid found in yellow chili peppers, which accounts for 37 to 68 percent of their total content.

◦ Sinapic acid — Also known as sinapinic acid, this antioxidant is known for its neuroprotective potential.

◦ Ferulic acid — This compound has shown promise in protecting against diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular diseases.

Habanero Pepper Powder

The Other Uses of Chili

Chili doesn’t just offer culinary and health uses; it can also be used for self-defense. Oleoresin capsicum (OC), extracted from red hot chili peppers, is the active ingredient in pepper spray. OC is an inflammatory agent that makes the eyes and mucous membranes of the upper respiratory swell. Pepper spray causes breathing difficulties, runny nose, pain in the eyes and temporary blindness.

The capsaicin in chili can also be used to repel insects and wild animals, which is the reason it is often used as natural pesticide for gardens. If you want to use it to help repel pests, just mix 1 1/2 teaspoons of chili powder in a quart of water and add two drops of liquid dish soap. Take note that some plants are sensitive to chili powder sprays, so you need to test it first on a few leaves.

Original Source (https://articles.mercola.com/herbs-spices/chili-peppers.aspx)