Hot Peppers have been found to have been eaten in their native lands of South and Central America in 7500 BC. Hot peppers were introduced to South Asia in the 16th century by Portuguese and Spanish explorers via trade routes from South America, and India is now the largest producer of chillies in the world. In the south of India, it is customary to hang a few chillies with a lemon over the threshold of a residence to deter evil. Chillies are also used to ward off the evil eye; some chillies and other condiments such as curry leaves and ashes from the hearth are passed over a person’s head to create a shield against curses and bad spells.

Hot peppers contain the active ingredient Capsaicin, which is clinically proven to relieve headaches and sinus inflammation. It may also help your heart and blood pressure as well as increasing metabolic activity to promote natural weight loss. It may help prevent gastric and colon cancer and is a very effective pain reliever and can stimulate release of endorphins. It may also protect your stomach from damage from alcohol use and may kill the bacteria that causes some ulcers. Peppers contain antioxidants as well as Vitamins A, C and K. Some studies have shown that capsaicin reduces the amount of triglycerides (stored fat) in the blood cells and fat deposits in the liver.