There are various kinds of peppers all over the world which vary in color, size and even spiciness. That is their nature, after all – adding a kick to your food. All of these types of peppers contains many essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals which boost overall health. One of the best types of peppers is the jalapeno pepper. Not only are these healthy for you, they also aid in weight loss. Yes, you read it right – jalapeno peppers for weight loss is a thing! If you want to know more, give this article a read!
Jalapeno Peppers: What Are They?
The jalapeno pepper is one of the chilies that the Aztecs used way back when. Today, it is one of the most cultivated chillies in Mexico, and even the US widely uses jalapeno peppers in their own cuisine. Jalapenos are named after Jalapa, the capital of Veracruz, Mexico.
Unlike other members of the pepper family, jalapeno peppers can be picked when they are fully ripe, which is right before they begin to change colour from their prime green stage. Jalapenos are a member of the fiery hot pepper group also containing cayenne, tobacco and cherry peppers. They grow best in loamy soil and sunny weather, germinating in 65-80 degree weather (Fahrenheit). Therefore, it is best to grow them in tropical climates, as the warm environment can help jalapeno seeds grow and sprout.
Jalapeno Peppers: Nutritional Facts
Jalapeno peppers are packed with a wide range of vitamins and minerals, as well as several phyto-nutrients, electrolytes and other nutrients. A single serving of jalapenos contains a good amount of vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin K, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, folates, pantothenic acid, niacin, riboflavin, thiamin and pyridoxine. It also has a great level of minerals such as copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, selenium, calcium, phosphorous, and zinc.
The electrolytes in jalapeno peppers include a good amount of potassium and sodium, which help the body balance fluids. Jalapenos are also packed with nutrients such as protein and carbohydrates. All of this in a single spice? That’s what makes up the astounding health benefits of jalapeno peppers!
| Principle | Amount | % Daily Value |
| Energy | 29 Kcal | 1.5% |
| Carbohydrates | 6.50 grams | 5% |
| Protein | 0.91 grams | 2% |
| Total Fat | 0.37 grams | 2% |
| Cholesterol | 0 milligram | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.8 grams | 7% |
| Vitamins | ||
| Folates | 27 µg | 7% |
| Niacin | 1.280 milligrams | 8% |
| Pantothenic acid | 0.315 milligrams | 6% |
| Pyridoxine | 0.419 milligrams | 32% |
| Riboflavin | 0.070 milligrams | 5% |
| Thiamin | 0.040 milligrams | 3% |
| Vitamin A | 1078 IU | 36% |
| Vitamin C | 118.6 milligrams | 198% |
| Vitamin E | 3.58 milligrams | 24% |
| Vitamin K | 18.5 µg | 15% |
| Electrolytes | ||
| Sodium | 3 milligrams | <0.5% |
| Potassium | 248 milligrams | 5% |
| Minerals | ||
| Calcium | 12 milligrams | 1.2 % |
| Copper | 0.046 milligrams | 5% |
| Iron | 0.25 milligrams | 3% |
| Magnesium | 15 milligrams | 4% |
| Manganese | 0.097 milligrams | 4% |
| Phosphorus | 26 milligrams | 5% |
| Selenium | 0.4 µg | <1% |
| Zinc | 0.14 milligrams | 1% |
| Phyto-nutrients | ||
| Carotene-ß | 561 µg | — |
| Carotene-α | 67 µg | — |
| Cryptoxanthin-ß | 105 µg | — |
| Lutein-zeaxanthin | 861 µg | — |
Uses of Jalapeno Peppers
There are a lot of ways you can enjoy jalapeno peppers. You can make a hot and fiery sauce out of them, which can make every meal even more appetizing and satisfying. You can use them for a filling the next time to experiment with frying something. You can even roast them and toss them into your favourite salad recipes. Chillies are flexible when it comes to food, so don’t be afraid to try mixing them into your next concoction! The above example are just a short list of possibilities; there are a lot of other things you can do with jalapeno peppers!
Jalapeno Peppers for Weight Loss
Jalapeno peppers are considered the best pepper to add spice to your dishes. Not only that, they are also good for weight loss, being low in calories but rich in nutrients like fiber, which is essential for weight management.
Here are the reasons why jalapeno peppers are good for weight loss:
- Jalapeno peppers are low in calories. In fact, one cup only has about 26 calories, an amount which can be burned off in 7 minutes!
- The peppers are low in fat content. This is one of the reasons why jalapeno are efficient for weight loss.
- They also have a low carbohydrate content, but are rich in fiber. This is essential in keeping cholesterol levels in check. It also has a direct effect on feeling satiated and full.
- The pepper are a rich source of vitamin C, beneficial in protecting the body against various infections and helping with weight loss.
