6 reasons why WHL loves chillies

We’re big fans of all things spicy, and the best news is chilli is actually really good for you – which is why we’ve put together 6 reasons why WHL loves chillies. To help us out, Pod London nutritionist Kate Skerritt shares her expert knowledge.

1.       Chilli peppers can help to reduce cholesterol through boosting circulation and thinning the blood.

2.       The inflammatory properties in chillies provide pain relief in joints through altering your plasma proteins.

3.       Spicy foods help to ease depression and stress because they boost the production of serotonin, which is the ‘feel good’ hormone – so make sure you add a dash of chilli to everything and help get rid of that blue feeling.

4.       Chilli peppers have a bad – and unjustified – reputation for contributing to stomach ulcers. Not only do they not cause ulcers, they can actually help prevent them by killing bacteria you may have ingested, while stimulating the cells lining the stomach to secrete protective buffering juices.

5.       They are good for a stuffed-up nose, as capsaicin thins nasal mucus and clears your sinuses – great for anyone suffering with hay fever or dealing with the AC office war!

6.       Chillies really can aid weight loss. All that heat you feel after eating hot chili peppers takes energy – and calories – to produce. Even sweet red peppers have been found to contain substances that significantly increase thermogenesis (heat production) and oxygen consumption for more than 20 minutes after they are eaten.