Health benefits of bird’s eye chilli / kanthari mulaku

By : admin | 0 Comments | On : June 9, 2022 | Category : Health, Health Benefits

Health benefits of bird’s eye chilli – Bird eye chilli / Thai chilli/ kanthari mulaku is a slow growing perennial which has a short life. It is a traditional spice especially used in Kerala dishes and known as kanthari mulaku (Capsicum frutescence). It is one of the distinguished cultivar groups of Capsicum annum. Birds love to pick the ripe chilli and spread, so they are called by the name bird’s eye chilli. Chillies are very small in size, but pungent and hot. The variety of chilly plant is grown as a part of kitchen garden in some homes. The bird eye chilli is
a main ingredient in some pure Kerala traditional dishes and the traditional people daily used this as a evening dish in villages.
Green chillies are unripe, so they are not as hot as red ones. The active ingredient is capsaicin, most of which comes from the seeds and the veins. The chemical compound present in bird’s chilli which results in burning sensation is called Capsaicin.

Nutrients in Bird’s eye chilli

• Vitamin A, C, E
• Beta-carotene
• Folic acid
• Potassium

Medicinal values of bird’s eye chilli

As a medicine it is used as a counter irritant in Lumbago, Neuralgia and rheumatic disorders. Capsicum has a tonic and carminative action. The enzyme isolated from chilly is used in the treatment of certain types of cancers. Oleoresin capsicum is used in pain balms and vapo rubs. Dehydrated green chilly is a good source of vitamin C. Kanthari helps in increasing appetite by stimulating the gut and is very effective in controlling cholesterol levels. People used this chilli to treat bruises and swelling. Bird’s eye chilli is also traditionally used to ease arthritispain.Chillies can also be used as an insect repellent when crushed with water. Green or ripe chillies can be used for cooking or can be eaten raw with other dishes. It has a very distinct smell and imparts great flavor to the food.

Surprising health benefits of bird’s eye chilli

Chilli contains up to seven times the vitamin C level of an orange and has a range of health benefits, including fighting sinus congestion, aiding digestion and helping to relieve migraines and muscle, joint and nerve pain. Chilli has long been used to reduce food micro-contamination and is also considered a potential metabolism booster for weight loss. It may also play a role in treating lung and prostate cancer and leukaemia.

To flight inflammation

Inflammation inside our bodies and cells, the kind that can be seen, preventing diseases like arthritis and diabetes, and possibly cancer. Studies have shown that those who consume plenty of bird’s chillies have lower rates of certain types of cancer, including colon and stomach cancer.

For better sleep

Recent studies prove that consuming a little chilly each day helps us fall asleep and stay asleep longer. Adding a little fresh cut chilly to your evening meal may also help you feel more awake the next day.

Healthy heart

Eating chilli regularly helps keep your heart healthy by lowering cholesterol, keeping your blood pressure in a healthy range, and
allowing more blood to reach the heart.

Weight loss

Capsaicin is thermogenic in nature, which helps to activate metabolism adipose layer of the body there by helps to melt fat to a
certain extent.

Fight against Migraine and Sinus

Researches have proved that chilli can combat headache, migraine and sinusitis owing to capsaicin control neuro peptide substance P that is the harbinger of migraine. Heat due to capsaicin helps to clear mucous from the nasal passage and also fights sinuses.

Rich in Antioxidents

Bird’s chilli is abundant with anti – oxidants such as vitamin A, flavonoids, beta- carotene, lutein, zea- xanthin and cryptoxanthin. All these anti- oxidants helps to fight against free radicals thereby save the body from many diseases. Vitamin A is good for healthy mucous membrane.

Helps to increase appetite

These chillies help in increasing appetite and thus improves the digestion through capsaicin content present. It will stimulate the action of stomach and speed up the movement in the intestinal tracts. It also helps to get relief from flatulence when used at moderate levels.

Other benefits

• Reduces cholesterol, blood sugar and blood pressure.
• As a medicinal plant, antimicrobial, antifungal and antibacterial activities.
• Prevents blood clots, reduces heart diseases and tuberculosis.
• Capsaicin is same time a very powerful pain reliever.

Side effects

• People suffering from ulcers or heart-burn, are not supposed to have this chilli since it may cause stomach irritation.
• Capsaicin can increase the stomach acid levels making certain drugs less effective.
• Extremely hot ones can burn inside of the mouth and can also be irritating when excreted