Capsicum (Shimla Mirch): Uses, Benefits, Side Effects By Dr. Smita Barode
By Dr Smita Barode +2 more
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By Dr Smita Barode +2 more
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I am edible. I am green. I am yellow. I am red. Sometimes you may find me in orange too! What may this coloured food item be? Capsicum! Capsicum, with the scientific name Capsicum annuum, is a member of the Solanaceae family. Capsicums are known as bell peppers in America, shimla mirch in India, and peppers in the United Kingdom. Capsicums originated from northern Latin America and Mexico and are available in various colours ranging from green, red, yellow and orange. These varieties are not only delicious when eaten as a topping on a pizza or cooked as a veggie, but they are also very healthy. Let us find some interesting benefits of this vegetable.1
In my view, it’s fascinating how modern studies are now catching up with the facts some cultures have known for ages! Capsaicin, a compound found in capsicum, has been traditionally used to ease pain. While studies have shown promising results, it’s important to note that more research on humans is needed to fully confirm its pain-relieving benefits.
Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)
Capsicum (Shimla Mirch) contains various nutritional components that are given in the table below. It is rich in a variety of phytochemicals like vitamins, anthocyanins, flavonoids, phenolic acid, capsaicinoids and carotenoids.
Nutritional components | Value per 100g |
Energy (Kcal/K) | 26/111 |
Total carbohydrate | 6.03 g |
Dietary fibre | 2.1 g |
Protein | 0.99 g |
Total fat | 0.30 g |
Calcium | 7 mg |
Magnesium | 12 mg |
Phosphorus | 26 mg |
Potassium | 718 mg |
Sodium | 4 mg |
Vitamin C | 127.7 mg |
Niacin | 0.9 mg |
Pyridoxine | 0.29 mg |
Vitamin A | 3131 IU |
Vitamin K | 4.9 micrograms |
Vitamin E | 1.58 mg |
Table 1 shows the nutritional value of capsicum2
I would suggest adding capsicum to your diet if you’re looking to manage your food intake. Capsaicin, found in capsicum may have short-term effects on your body. When you consume capsaicin orally (like eating spicy foods), it might make you feel more satisfied, leading to a decrease in your food intake.
Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS
Literature has shown capsicum to have numerous properties as those mentioned below:
Based on my observations, the application of intranasal capsaicin might help reduce nasal problems. In a study, people who received capsaicin experienced a possible decrease in nasal symptoms, such as runny nose and nasal blockage. They also showed improvement in sensitivity to cold dry air, which lasted for up to 9 months after the treatment. Thus, intranasal capsaicin might be safe and effective in reducing nasal symptoms.
Dr. Smita Barode, B.A.M.S, M.S.
Some of the potential benefits of capsicum are described as follows:
Dyslipidemia is characterised by a reduction in good cholesterol or high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and an increase in low-density lipoprotein (LDL), total cholesterol and triglycerides. Studies have shown that red capsicum and one of its important constituents, capsaicin, may potentially control the altered parameters in dyslipidemia. Zafar et al. conducted a study in 2012 on male rats to assess the effect of an aqueous extract of red pepper on the lipid profile. Rats that were administered an aqueous extract of red pepper (200mg/kg) showed a reduction in total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and triglycerides and an increase in high-density lipoprotein (HDL). This may indicate that the consumption of capsicum may help in managing dyslipidemia. However, more studies on humans are needed to support these claims.3
Capsicum contains phytochemicals like capsaicin and capsiate (capsaicin analogue), which may exhibit a hypoglycaemic effect (reduction in blood glucose). Sanati et al. conducted a study in 2017 to assess the effect of capsaicin on blood glucose in rats with Type-I DM. The rats were administered 6mg/kg capsaicin and capsiate for 28 days. The study results showed that capsaicin and capsiate might help reduce blood glucose. This may indicate that the consumption of capsicum may help manage blood glucose. However, more studies are needed to confirm these results in humans.4
Capsicum has a high amount of capsaicinoids, which may help improve metabolism. Capsaicinoids are known to stimulate vasodilatation (increased blood flow) which increases thermogenesis (heat production). An increase in thermogenesis increases the rate of metabolism. This may indicate that the consumption of capsicum may help in improving metabolism. However, more studies are needed to support these claims.5
Capsaicin is a bioactive phytochemical which is abundant in capsicum. A literature review by Chapa et al. conducted in 2016 states that capsaicin can alter the gene expression in various stages of cancer cell survival, angiogenesis and metastasis. Therefore, there is a certainty that the consumption of capsicum may help manage cancers, but we need more human studies to support these claims.6
Capsicum contains phytochemicals like capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin, traditionally used for wound healing. However, scientific evidence for this is limited. Ekom et al. conducted a study in rats in 2021 to assess the antibacterial potential of capsicum extract as a support to wound healing process. The results of this study claimed the use of capsicum as an antibacterial ingredient. However, more studies are needed to confirm these claims in humans.7
Capsicum is rich in Vitamin C, a biologically active phytochemical that can help strengthen the immune system. It may be possible that regular intake of capsicum may help boost immunity. However, scientific evidence supporting these claims is limited. Therefore, more studies are needed to support these claims in humans.1
Capsicum is a good source of Vitamin B6 and magnesium, both of which play an important role in maintaining the normal function of the nervous system. Thus, this can relieve anxiety and manage panic attacks. Additionally, magnesium in capsicum may help relieve muscle tension caused by anxiety. This indicates that the consumption of capsicum might positively impact anxiety. However, scientific evidence to support these claims is insufficient, and more studies are needed to support these claims in humans.1
Though there are studies that show the benefits of capsicum in various conditions, these are insufficient and there is a need for further studies to establish the true extent of the benefits of capsicum on human health.
Also Read: Jalapeno Pepper: Exploring Its Research-Backed Health Benefits
In my perspective, capsaicin, found in capsicum has a superpower. Capsaicin in small amounts might help protect the stomach from damage caused by alcohol or certain drugs. It does this by possibly activating the sensory nerves, which helps in case of gastric injuries.
Dr. Anuja Bodhare, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)
Capsicum can be used in the following ways:
You must consult a qualified doctor before taking any herbal supplements. Do not discontinue or replace an ongoing treatment of modern medicine with an ayurvedic/herbal preparation without consulting a qualified doctor.
A few side effects related to the consumption of capsicum include:
However, if you experience any adverse reactions to capsicum, immediately contact a doctor or your Ayurvedic physician who has prescribed it to you. They will be able to guide you appropriately for your symptoms.
Like every other fruit and vegetable, intake of capsicum is okay in moderate amounts. However, general precautions must be followed while consuming capsicum, most important of which are:
There is a lack of data regarding the interaction of capsicum with other drugs. However, you must always seek the advice of your Ayurvedic physician about the possible interaction of capsicum with other drugs, and follow the prescription thoroughly, as they will know your health condition and other medications you are taking.
Also Read: Is Cayenne Pepper Good For You? Understanding Its Health Benefits and Uses
Capsicum may help in managing blood glucose, dyslipidemia, cancers, and healing wounds. Additionally, it may help in boosting immunity, metabolism, preventing cataracts, and may provide symptomatic relief in arthritis, Crohn’s disease and yellow fever.3-7
Capsicum is scientifically known as Capsicum annuum.
When consumed in excess, capsicum can cause stomach pain, sweating and allergies in allergy-prone individuals.9
Capsicum is rich in capsaicin, although animal studies have shown consumption of capsicum has a positive impact on dyslipidemia, more studies are needed to support these claims. Therefore, it is recommended to consult a doctor for a proper treatment.3
Literature studies support the use of capsicum for managing cancers. However, more studies are needed to confirm these results in humans. Therefore, it is recommended to consult a doctor for a proper treatment.3
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