Bell pepper is of three basic types – red, green, yellow and many more. Each has its own taste and medicinal value, plus the delicacy of being delicious too. Bell pepper is most commonly 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 associated with arthritis, simple backache, strains and sprains. The treatment 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 researchers 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.
Some of the ingredients required are:
The main ingredient Bell pepper (Any) small slices.
Chopped union into small pieces – 50-75gms.
Chopped tomato too in small pieces -50 -75gms.
Chopped/sliced ginger – 50gms.
Oil/ghee as you require.
Jeera -a pinch of it.
Curd – two tea spoons.
Soya sauce, chilly sauce, vinegar according to your taste.
Preparation:
Take some oil/ghee in a pan and warm it.
Add Jeera and sliced /chopped ginger.
Add bell pepper .
Cook it for 5-10 min.
Add curd.
Add Soya sauce, chilly sauce, vinegar according to your taste.
Garnish with chopped tomato.
The dish is ready to be served.
