Jalapenos: The Pepper Helps Prevent Colds, Headaches and Chronic Disease

May 19, 2017

Delicious in cornbread, mango salsa, stuffed with cream cheese or often enjoyed as poppers at the local pub, most everyone knows the jalapeno pepper can be one serious pepper. Even though jalapenos are usually fairly small in size coming in around two to four inches in length, they carry a rather powerful taste of fire — and it’s that powerful taste that makes them a power pepper nutrition-wise.

Jalapenos contain a compound knowns as capsaicin. This compound gives way to its ability to help you fight cancer, lose weight, prevent bacterial growth, fight the common cold through its antioxidants, help stop migraine attacks and can improve eyesight. (1) Let’s dig in to this hot pepper and explore the benefits of jalapenos.

Nutrition Facts

One cup of sliced jalapenos (about 90 grams) contains about:

27 calories
5.6 grams carbohydrates
1.2 grams protein
0.6 gram fat
2.5 grams fiber
39.9 milligrams vitamin C (66 percent DV)
0.5 milligram vitamin B6 (23 percent DV)
719 IU vitamin A (14 percent DV)
8.7 micrograms vitamin K (11 percent DV)
42.3 micrograms folate (11 percent DV)
0.2 milligram manganese (11 percent DV)
0.1 milligram thiamine (9 percent DV)
194 milligrams potassium (6 percent DV)
0.1 milligram copper (6 percent DV)
1 milligram niacin (5 percent DV)
0.6 milligram iron (4 percent DV)
17.1 milligrams magnesium (4 percent DV)

Health Benefits

1. May Help Fight Cancer

Jalapenos contain a special natural plant compound called capsaicin. This compound is pretty unique in that it puts the jalapeno as medium in heat on the Scoville scale, which lends itself to a good bit of healthy benefits.

A study conducted at Luohe Medical College in China identified capsaicin as a possible natural treatment for cancer since it stops the growth of tumors by turning off the protein that promotes their growth. Specifically, breast cancer cells were tested using capsaicin to see if it would inhibit growth. The study found that it did, indeed, inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells, which may be one way to keep cancer at bay. (2)

Further research from the Department of Nutrition and Food Science, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Maryland notes:

Capsaicin has been shown to alter the expression of several genes involved in cancer cell survival, growth arrest, angiogenesis and metastasis. Recently, many research groups, including ours, found that capsaicin targets multiple signaling pathways, oncogenes and tumor-suppressor genes in various types of cancer models. (3)

2. Aids Weight Loss

If losing weight is something you’re trying to do, you may want to give jalapenos a try. The capsaicin found in the peppers has the ability to help boost your metabolism by raising the core body temperature, according to a June 2008 study in the Journal of Biological Chemistry. Additionally, the hot flavor of jalapenos may diminish your appetite a bit, causing you to eat less at meals. (4)

Another study reported the same thing, though it used the capsaicin from a different, milder source. Apparently, it works by burning more calories after a meal — about 100 calories for a 110 pound woman. Though the calorie burn is not significant and more studies are needed, it may help some lose weight by boosting metabolism and decreasing the appetite. (5)

3. Prevents Bacteria Growth

Capsaicin is gaining attention due to its potential as an antimicrobial. It was evaluated for its effect on the growth of bacteria, specifically Bacillus subtilis. Bacillus subtilis, known as the hay bacillus or grass bacillus, is found in soil and the gastrointestinal tract of humans and plant-eating mammals. According to the study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, bacterial growth was greatly inhibited due to capsaicin. The study also noted that the growth of E. coli was slower when treated with capsaicin. (6)

More research evaluated capsaicin and its effect against Streptococcus pyogenes (GAS), a major human pathogen. The study, published in Frontiers in Microbiology, showed that by “inhibiting intracellular invasion and haemolytic activity, capsaicin could thus prevent both formation of a difficult to eradicate intracellular reservoir, and infection spread to deep tissues.” This is great news and more evidence of its antimicrobial and antibacterial abilities. (7)

4. Prevents Colds and Promotes a Strong Immune System

Vitamin C is an antioxidant that can help reduce the damage caused from free radicals found in the body. It’s most famous for its ability to help prevent or reduce the effects of the common cold. The jalapeno pepper lays claim to having more vitamin C than an orange, making it one of the top vitamin C foods. One serving of jalapenos contains 66 percent of the daily recommendation of vitamin C. Vitamin C gives the immune system a boost by producing white blood cells, which helps the body stave off illness.

Studies show that vitamin C may eliminate and even prevent infections, such as the common cold, caused by bacteria, viruses,= and protozoa. While we know that vitamin C does not necessarily decrease the number of colds, it actually reduced the number of colds in physically active people by about 50 percent according to one study, and consistent intake of the powerful antioxidant shortened the duration of colds. It can even help loosen up mucous caused by colds.

Historically, a lack of vitamin C is associated with pneumonia. In terms of research, three controlled trials found that vitamin C actually prevented pneumonia, while two controlled trials found that it helped patients who had pneumonia recover faster as well. (8)

5. Treats Migraine Headaches

The capsaicin found in hot peppers may help get rid of migraines. Capsaicin can release pain peptides, and when topically applied by way of a capsaicin jelly-like product, it’s been found to reduce and even eliminate neuropathic pain.

Studies show that greater than 50 percent of those tested had pain reduction during attacks of mild to moderate intensity. Topical capsaicin may relieve arterial pain during a migraine attack in those experiencing scalp arterial tenderness as well. (9)

6. May Boost Eyesight

Just one jalapeno pepper contains 17 percent of the recommended daily allowance of vitamin A for men and 22 percent for women, making it a great option for enhanced eye and skin health. One way to get it is by way of the chipotle pepper, which is a smoked jalapeño. This spicy little gem contains important phytonutrients called lutein and zeaxanthin.

They’re important because they make their way to the retina, offering good health for the eyes, and according to the American Optometric Association, getting a healthy dose of these nutrients could help reduce the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration, chronic eye diseases and cataracts. (10)

Comparisons

Want to know the difference between jalapenos and other peppers?

Jalapeño or Chipotle Pepper

Commonly stuffed with cream cheese and deep-fried as a bar snack called jalapeno poppers or chopped up in salsa
Best-known pepper in the United States
Name comes from Jalapa, also spelled Xalapa, the capital of Veracruz, Mexico
Harvested at both its green and red stages
Spicy, but you can remove heat simply by removing the seeds and inner membrane
When dried and smoked, it’s called a chipotle chile
About two to three inches long
Spiciness level: 2 to 3

Poblano Pepper aka Ancho

Great for grilling and stuffing
Popular in chiles rellenos
Poblanos grow about four to five inches in length
Sold fresh, while younger and dark green
Once red/mature, usually dried and are then called ancho chiles
Spicy level: 2-3

Guindilla Verde Pepper

From Spain
Sweet
Works well with lamb or pork
Similar in flavor to a Hatch chile but not as hot
About six inches long
Very mild with a spiciness level of 1

Anaheim Pepper

Named after the city in Southern California, Anaheim
Big in size but mild chile pepper that’s good for stuffing
The skin is a little tough but peels easily if you roasted
Best roasted, cut into strips, and thrown into a salad; stuffed with meat and grilled; used in salsa verde; or added to cheese enchiladas
About five to six inches long
Very mild with a spiciness level of 1

Cayenne Pepper

Bright red pepper usually consumed in its dried, powdered form, known as cayenne pepper
Cayenne chiles are long, skinny and very hot.
Related to wild chiles from South and Central America
About two to six inches long
Spicy rating at about 4 to 5

Hot Banana Pepper

Found as sweet and hot varieties
Often used in a dish of stewed peppers and eggs, pickled, or served grilled with meats
About six to seven inches long
Spiciness level of 2

Serrano Pepper

Hotter than the jalapeno
Small Mexican pepper with thick, juicy walls
Great for hot-salsa pepper
Usually sold in its green stage when it is younger
You can find serranos pickled or dried as well
About 1.5 to 2.5 inches long
Spiciness level of 3

Habanero Pepper

Native to parts of Central America and the Caribbean
The Indian bhut jolokia, or ghost chile, is the hottest habanero with the Red Savina habanero next in line
Usually rather hot
Ranges from red to white-yellow and even brown, but orange is the most common
Great for salsa, hot sauces or a fiery jerk chicken
About two inches long
Spiciness level of 5

Types

There several types of jalapenos out there. Here are the some of the most common: (13)

Senorita Jalapeno Pepper

Dark green in color, eventually turning purple and finally red if left to mature
The plant grows to nearly 2 feet high
The pod of the pepper grows 3 inches long and 1.5 inches wide
Maturity period is 80 days from seed to harvest
Registers 5,000 SHU on the Scoville scale, making it very hot

Fresno Chile Jalapeno Pepper

Closely related to the senorita pepper
Takes less time to grow to maturity but produces smaller, milder fruit
Measures about 2 inches in length
Scoville scale registers this pepper as mild reaching only 300–400 SHU

Sierra Fuego Jalapeno Pepper

Hybrid producing a large amount of peppers per plant
Starts as dark green changing to red
Measures 3.5 inches long and 1.5 inches wide when mature
Maturity is at about 80 days
The pepper is mildly hot

Mucho Nacho Jalapeno

Fast-maturing hybrid
Reaches full maturity in 68 days
The peppers are about 4 inches
This pepper is mostly known for its large size and flavor without extensive heat

How to Use

If heat gives you anxiety, you may want to cook your jalapeno peppers before eating them. Cooking helps reduce the fire. Roasting them is a great way to add a little smoky flavor. However, finely chopped, adding a little bit to your favorite salsa recipe, is a great way to put just the right touch.

What part of the jalapeno pepper is most spicy? It is the white membrane found on the inside, which is also where the majority of the nutrition-packed capsaicin is found.

If you want to try some tasty jalapeno pepper recipes, here are some of my favorites:

Interesting Facts

Jan Timbrook, curator of ethnography at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, shares a little bit of history. You’re likely familiar with the popular tabasco sauce found in most restaurants and grocery stores. It’s composed of the pepper species Capsicum frutescens, which is closely related to the mild bell peppers and hot jalapenos, which are the fruits from different varieties of one plant species, Capsicum annuum. There are about 27 species of Capsicum, and we consume about 50 percent of those.

These peppers are members of the nightshade family, but chile peppers are not related to black pepper, and using the term pepper for these pungent, fleshy fruits has caused confusion for over 500 years. Some think that calling them chiles would be a better option; regardless they’re from the Aztec name referencing pungency, and for the British, they refer to the mild forms called capsicum.

Originated in the New World, chiles have been essential elements of both food and medicine among indigenous peoples from the American Southwest to South America since ancient times. Chile seeds have been found in cultural deposits and are more than 9,000 years old in the Tehuacan Valley, Mexico. It’s probably no surprise that Columbus would be a part of this history, bringing seeds from the Caribbean islands to Western Europe, where for hundreds of years, peppers were grown as ornamental plants.

It didn’t take long for them to catch on in nearly all other parts of the world, making them popular in local cuisines, Indian curry, Thai peanut sauce, Chinese hot and sour soup, Hungarian goulash, Italian pepperoni, Cajun jambalaya and more.

The Aztecs and Mayas ate chiles and found them to help cure colds, strengthen the body and relieve depression. However, fasting was a part of their religious standards that required they abstain from chile and salt. The power of the jalapeno led to its use as a fumigant, actually punishing misbehaving children. Interestingly, among the Tarahumara, chiles were used to prevent witchcraft and illness, and if someone did not eat the hot peppers, they were suspected of being a sorcerer.

Wild chiles are dispersed by birds, as well as humans, who helped spread the pepper plants from their South American homes into Central America, Mexico and the Caribbean. Chile peppers became popular among the staple crops corn, beans and squash in Mesoamerica, and over time, new varieties surfaced.

The name capsicum comes from the Greek kapos, which means “to bite.” The heat is actually rather concentrated in the inner membranes, more so than the seeds or flesh. As previously noted, the pungent characteristic comes from a group of alkaloid chemicals called capsaicinoids, principally capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin.

It’s important to be aware that some chiles are so hot they can actually blister the skin. Wearing gloves when handling them can help prevent a problem, and it’s crucial to avoid the eyes. The oily compounds are soluble in fat and alcohol but not in water, which means drinking a glass of water will not help if you have too much heat on your tongue. Dairy products work better due to the protein compounds they contain that act like a detergent to strip the capsaicin from its receptor binding sites.

So why are some chiles so hot? This is so they can protect themselves from predators whose digestive tracts would destroy the seeds. However, the best way to measure the pungency of peppers is to use what’s called high-performance liquid chromatography. Another test involves diluting a sample until the blistering heat can no longer be detected, known as the Scoville heat units. Check out this list is for fresh chiles with their Scoville numbers:

Bell pepper 0
Anaheim 500-1000
Pasilla 1,000–1,500
Jalapeño 2,500–5,000
Serrano 5000-15,000
Yellow wax 5,000–15,000
Cayenne 30,000–50,000
Chile pequin 30,000π50,000
Chipotle (dried) 50,000–100,000
Habanero 100,000–300,000

Risks and Side Effects

Know your pepper! Keep in mind that some jalapenos are not for the faint at heart. What I mean is that it’s best to stay on the safe side if spicy foods cause any negative reactions for you. Most peppers are safe to eat, but since everyone tolerates different levels of heat, they can cause various reactions.

Make sure to be extra careful with children as the jalapeno can cause unexpected reactions for them. Their taste buds may not be prepared to experiences such heat that some peppers may carry.

Be careful not to touch your eyes when handling peppers. Wash your hands after handling, and you may want to wear gloves while working with hot peppers as it can burn the skin, often referred to as pepper burn. You may try to wash your hands or the burning area in white vinegar, milk or yogurt.

While time may be the best option, if you experience any reaction of concern or this does not help, see a doctor immediately. (15)

Final Thoughts

A good jalapeno offers many benefits. As long as you’re careful and aware of the level of heat of your peppers, enjoy them in your favorite soups, stews, salsas, cornbreads — whatever creative dish you may be preparing.
In particular, jalapenos have been shown to aid weight loss, fight cancer cells and tumors, prevent bacteria growth, prevent colds, boost immunity, treat migraines, and improve eyesight. All of this is thanks to the heat-producing capsaicin they contain.
So if you can stand the heat, start consuming jalapeno peppers today.