Are Chipotle Peppers Bad For You?
Also Known As: smoke-dried jalapeños
Short answer
Chili peppers contribute to the nutritional value of any meal, and if incorporated regularly, Chipotle can have a number of long-term health benefits. Provided you can tolerate the heat associated with this dried pepper, it is a valuable addition to your diet.
Recommended Alternative
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
Traditionally used in Mexican cuisine and more recently in Tex-Mex fusion, the Chipotle is a red jalapeno pepper which has been smoked and dried – a process which both reduces its intensity and gives it its characteristic smoky flavor. It is touted as having many health benefits, with a role to play in everything from cancer prevention to decreasing the risk of diabetes.
Many of the health benefits derived from Chipotle come from Capsaicin, the organic compound which is also responsible the hot, spicy character of this dried pepper. The hotter the pepper, the more Capsaicin it contains, and Chipotle is loaded with this active ingredient. Capsaicin is a natural anti-inflammatory, as well as an anti-oxidant, and can help to reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels. It is also known to help dilate blood vessels, thereby contributing to reduced risk of diseases associated with circulatory problems. The kick which Capsaicin provides to a meal will also jump start your metabolism, helping to burn more calories.
Capsaicin aside, anyone who has eaten a meal containing Chipotle can attest to its immediate benefits. The heat generated from this pepper will help clear nasal congestion, and remove any mucus blockages associated with seasonal allergies. Introducing chili peppers into a meal will also increase its nutritional value - Chipotle is loaded with Vitamins A, E, K and B6, and is high in iron, potassium, and dietary fiber.
The heat in chili peppers is measured according to Scoville heat units (SHU), and Chipotle is high on this index. Although this means that it is also high in Capsaicin, the only downside is that for some people it is just too hot to handle! It can cause irritation in the mouth and throat, as well as heartburn and flare-up of pre-existing stomach ailments.
Possible short-term side effects
- inflammation of mucus membrane
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heartburn
Possible long-term side effects
- exacerbation of pre-existing stomach problems:
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irritable bowel syndrome
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ulcers
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acid reflux
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heartburn
Benefits
- promotes weight loss
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holds anti-inflammatory effects
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reduces cholesterol and triglyceride levels
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reduces risk of heart disease
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reduces risk of diabetes
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reduces risk of various forms of cancer
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helps to clear nasal congestion
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adds a spicy kick to any meal
Our Wellness Pick
(what is this?)
Mrs. Renfro's Green Salsa
- Intense heat level
- Flavorful condiment
- 16 oz value pack
- Perfect for dipping
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Written by Desmond Richard
Published on: 02-26-2016
Last updated: 12-01-2023
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Desmond Richard
Published on: 02-26-2016
Last updated: 12-01-2023
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