Bell Pepper, with Loads of Taste and Medicinal Values

Bell pepper is of three basic types - red, green, yellow and a number of more. Each has its own taste and medicinal value, plus the delicacy of being delicious too. Bell pepper is most usually known as the capsicum as it is derived from the capsicum plant. Bell pepper contains a recessive gene which eliminates the capsaicin in the fruit.

Capsaicin:
The chemical compound capsaicin (8- methyl- N-vanillyl-6-nonenamide) which is the active component of the chili peppers. It is an irritant to mammals and produces a burning sensation to the human tissues when brought in contact. Capsaicin and several related compounds are called capsaicinoids and are produced as a secondary metabolite, by chili peppers, probably as deterrents against herbivores. Pure capsaicin is a hydrophobic, colorless, odorless, and crystalline to waxy compound.

Medical:
Capsaicin is currently used in topical ointments to relieve the pain of peripheral neuropathy such as post-herpetic neuralgia caused by shingles. It may be used in concentrations of between 0.025% and 0.075%.

Herpes Zoster, colloquially known as shingles, is the reactivation of the virus varicella zoster, leading to a crop of painful blisters over the area of dermatome.

It may also be used as a cream for the temporary relief of minor aches and pains of muscles and joints linked to arthritis, simple backache, strains and sprains. The therapy typically involves the application of a topical anesthetic until the area is numb. Then the capsaicin is applied by a therapist wearing rubber gloves and a face mask. The capsaicin remains on the skin until the patient starts to feel the "heat", at which point it is promptly removed. Capsaicin is also available in large adhesive bandages that can be applied to the back.

The result appears to be that the nerves are overwhelmed from the burning sensation and are unable to report pain for an extended period of time. With chronic exposure to capsaicin, neurons are depleted of neurotransmitters and it leads to reduction in sensation of pain and blockade of neurogenic inflammation. If capsaicin is removed, the neurons recover.

Capsaicin is being explored as a cure for diabetes by scientists in Toronto, Canada.

After knowing about the values I would like to introduce a cuisine of this special fruit, which can be used in salads, deserts as well as a vegetable.


Posted by: Erica    Source