Oct 16, 2024
Do chillies with stems intact improve gut health? Experts weigh in
Siddhartha JanaChef Ajay suggests using chillies with their stems intact for better gut health, claiming it helps prevent digestive issues.
Source: Canva
Dr. Mahesh Gupta notes that chillies have anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce gut inflammation and support a balanced gut microbiome.
Source: Canva
Excessive consumption of chillies, especially in summer, can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort due to high capsaicin levels, which can irritate the stomach lining.
Source: Canva
Culinary experts like Chef Ashish Singh argue that there is no scientific basis for using chillies with stems intact, viewing it as merely a volume-increasing tactic.
Source: Canva
Dietitian Veena V explains that capsaicin, responsible for spiciness, is mainly found in the flesh and membranes of the chilli, not just in the stem.
Source: Canva
The stem may impart a bitter taste to dishes, which could negatively affect flavour, and it can be beneficial to remove it for better taste.
Source: Canva
To reduce spiciness, experts recommend removing seeds or using fewer chillies, with techniques like rubbing chillies to distribute seeds more evenly.
Source: Canva
Cooking methods and the type of chilli used can significantly affect spiciness levels and digestive impact, with some varieties being milder.
Source: Canva
How Indians are saving the planet — one dish at a time