What Are the Health Benefits of Crushed Red Jalapeños?

Most jalapeños are deep green and grow to about 2 to 3 inches long. Some turn red, purple, or other vivid colors after they ripen.

Longer Life

One study shows that people who ate hot peppers several times a week were 13% less likely to die during the 19-year study than those who ate few to no peppers. Researchers think capsaicin's role in promoting blood flow and preventing obesity may contribute.

Pain Relief

Capsaicin is a natural pain reliever, but only when you put it directly on your skin. That doesn't mean you should rub yourself with jalapeños. Anyone who's done that knows it burns.

If you want the pain-relieving effects of capsaicin, you'll need to use creams, ointments, or patches that have the stuff. You might use capsaicin if you're hurting from arthritis, sore muscles, and nerve trouble.

Weight Loss and Blood Sugar Control

You may have heard that spicy food helps you drop extra pounds. While peppers aren't a silver bullet for slimming down, studies show that eating them regularly can speed up metabolism, help burn fat, and curb your appetite.

Eating chili peppers before a high-carb meal may also help prevent blood sugar spikes.

Safety Warnings

Contaminated jalapeños have caused outbreaks of illnesses, including salmonella. It's important to wash all produce before you eat it. Talk to your doctor if you're pregnant or have a problem with your immune system, your body's defense against germs.

Some research shows that the capsaicin in peppers may make heartburn worse and cause problems for people with irritable bowel syndrome. You may want to avoid jalapeños if you have a digestive system condition.