Properties Of Pipes

Piparras are a type of chilli that is grown in very specific climatic and geographical conditions. Thanks to this, it acquires a particular flavor and aroma that make it a highly appreciated variety in gastronomy. In addition, they give it interesting properties for health.

Piparra (C apsicum frutescens) is a shrub of the Solanaceae family. Originally from Central and South America, it spread throughout all continents and is known almost all over the world.

Within the genus Capsicum we can find five species of domesticated plants, which provide us with many   varieties of chili or peppers more or less hot.  

All fruits are highly variable in shape, color, size, and chemical composition. But, in general, we can say that they stand out for their content of carotenes and antioxidants, two components that give it some of its beneficial properties for health.  

In addition, although they are usually eaten in moderate amounts, they provide us with other nutrients such as the following:

• Vitamins E and K.
• Provitamin A.
• Copper and potassium.
• Fiber.

Therefore, they can be ideal foods for a healthy diet, as well as having a preventive effect against some diseases.

How to introduce the seeds in the diet?

Piparras are very tender meat chili peppers. Most of them do not tend to bite, although finding or not spicy can be a lottery. However, late varieties tend to be the most itchy, as they have spent more time in the sun.

They can be recognized because they are a bit longer. The most common measurement is usually around 8 centimeters. The best known way to buy and consume the seeds is canned.

Making a pickle is useful to take advantage of the last of each harvest. Some dishes that we can prepare with them are the following:

• Tapas, skewers and appetizers.  
• They go well with olives, anchovies, aged cheeses or ham.
• Cut into slices we can add them to salads.  
• If we eat them alone they will help us whet our appetite.

On the other hand, lately it’s also easy to find   the fresh chillies Piparra or gagging. These are a delicacy that can be served raw as another ingredient in a salad or as an accompaniment to a meat dish.

And if we prefer them cooked, we can add them in   any vegetable stew, or dare to cook one of its star dishes, such as fried piparras.  

The properties of piparras

Beyond delighting our palate, piparras have a good nutritional composition and are healthy food, so they are ideal to be part of a healthy diet.

In addition, it is known that the plants of the Capsicum family have other nutrients that make them good allies of health.  

1. Food with carotenes

Carotenoids are pigments present in plants that are responsible for giving them color in a natural way. Piparras and all the fruits of the Capsicum family have abundant amounts of this pigment.

In recent years, it has been discovered that, in addition, they provide us with a series of beneficial properties for human health. We will detail it below.

• They are antioxidants.
• They help in the care of cardiovascular health.
• They have provitamin A activity, necessary for correct night vision and to keep the skin in good condition.  

2. Presence of capsaicin

Another of the phytoactive components of the seeds is capsaicin, responsible for a large part of its uses for medical and pharmacological purposes. In numerous studies, this substance has been shown to be good for the following:

• The treatment of pain in general, especially in the case of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
• Gastrointestinal and digestive problems.  
• Weight loss treatment, as it appears to help reduce appetite and increase energy expenditure.

However, it must be borne in mind that most studies were carried out with controlled intakes of capsaicin supplements, and reaching the same doses through food is often difficult.  

3. Antioxidant activity

The antioxidant property of many vegetables has been the focus of many scientific studies in recent years. A diet in which vegetables abound helps us prevent the appearance of some chronic diseases; Furthermore, it also protects cells against premature aging.

Variable amounts of different phytochemicals with antioxidant activity are found in all plants of the genus Capsicum, such as piparra. Among them, phenols, flavonoids or proanthocyanidins stand out.  

We can take advantage of the properties of the seeds in the diet

Piparras and other fruits   of the genus Capsicum are vegetables that have been known for hundreds of years. Its content in flavonoids, carotenes and phenolic compounds give it a very valuable nutritional wealth and make it very suitable vegetables to consume in the usual diet.