Bird's Eye Chilli Flakes

Health Benefits

Capsaicin is a chemical compound that helps to heal stomach ulcers and indigestion. It helps in controlling flatulence. Bird’s eye chilli also keeps blood pressure and cholesterol level in check. There are traditional remedies for arthritis pain which use a bird’s eye chilli. Eating this chilli increases the metabolism rate and hence helps in weight-loss. It is also used to treat bruises and swelling by some people.

Hot Chilli Peppers are known to have the following health benefits.

• Helps in losing weight: Hot peppers contain Capsaicin which can speed up metabolism and help the body burn calories faster. This is because Capsaicin increases your body temperature and contributes to an increase in your heart rate. Furthermore, studies have shown that people who eat spicy foods eat smaller portions which can reduce their calories intake.
• Good for heart: Known to help to improve heart health by improving the body’s ability to dissolve blood clots. Research has shown that low-density cholesterol (LDL or bad cholesterol) resisted oxidation for a longer period of time (which can clog your arteries) when chilli was added to the diet, thus reducing the heart stroke risk. The capsaicin in peppers also fights inflammation, which has been identified as a risk factor for heart disease. Additionally, statistics show that cultures that eat spicy foods frequently have a much lower rate of heart attack and stroke.
• Improved circulation: Can promote good circulation, and they appear to lower blood pressure. Your body’s temperature is raised; therefore, it increases your blood flow and gets your heart pumping. Peppers help strengthen the blood vessel walls as they are high in vitamin A and C.
• Anticancer: Many studies have shown that regular consumption of chillies decreases the risk of cancer. Capsaicin slows the growth of cancer cells and in some cases, even causes the cancer cells to die off without harming the surrounding cells. In countries where diets are traditionally high in capsaicin like India and Mexico, people tend to have lower rates of some cancers.
• Improved digestion: Spices also improve your digestion because they increase the hydrochloric secretion of your stomach. This, in turn, will increase blood flow to the stomach and even increase the mucous lining. Capsaicin also helps to kill bacteria like H. pylori and help to prevent or cure stomach ulcers.
• Cold and flu: Capsaicin promotes sweating and eases the discomfort of cold and flu symptoms. It also helps to open up the nasal passages. It may also reduce sinusitis and other flu symptoms.
• Improved Sleep Pattern: Researchers have found that people who regularly consumed spicy meals fell asleep more easily. They also woke up easier and had more energy throughout the day.
• Mood lifter: Chili peppers boost the level of endorphins and serotonin that dulls pain and give us a feeling of well being. It can act as a depression fighter and a powerful stress reliever.
• Improves breathing: Hot peppers act as an expectorant, therefore they can help people with asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, sinusitis, and other respiratory conditions breathe easier. Hot peppers can help you to breathe better by opening up clogged nasal passages.

How Will You Use the Bird’s Eye Chill

Bird’s eye chilli powder can be used for any curry-based dishes and give them a hot spicy punch

• Make your buttermilk more interesting by adding finely chopped chilli pieces to it
• North-East style pickle –Preserve the chillies in Mustard oil and experience the taste of pickle getting better each day for years

Recipes:

• 1 cup green leafy vegetables (Lettuce, spinach, cabbage, coriander etc.)
• 1 bowl of chopped boiled French beans
• 1 cup chopped capsicum
• ½ cup chopped onion or chives
• 1 tablespoon of bird’s eye chilli flakes
• 1 cup of mashed potato
• 1 cup of chicken shredded
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt to taste

Preparation:

1. Start by making your very own homemade mashed potato. Place the peeled potatoes in a large saucepan and add enough water to cover them. Bring the water to boil, cover the lid and cook for 20 mins. Check if the potatoes are soft and break apart easily when pressed with a fork. Drain the water and let the potatoes cool. Mash with a potato masher until there are no lumps and the texture is smooth and soft.
2. Blanch fresh green beans by taking a large saucepan of boiling water. Add the beans and cook for 4 minutes or until the beans are crisp and tender. Cut them into small pieces.
3. Take another saucepan with 2 cups of water and add the chicken breast into it. Bring it to boil. Cook on medium heat; simmer until the chicken meat is no longer pink. Allow the chicken to cool, place in a bowl and shred the meat using a fork.
4. Now you can add vegetables of your choice. But, for this unique chicken salad recipe, cut a handful of capsicum and onions or chives. Take a chunk of green leafy vegetables – for this, you can use lettuce, spinach, cabbage and coriander – and roughly chop them.
5. Add chilli flakes to it. You can always reduce the quantity according to your palate for spiciness and heat.
6. For the dressing – mix vigorously a tablespoon of olive oil and salt
7. Toss the salad till the dressing and the ingredients are mixed well and serve fresh.