Health Risks and Chili Peppers – Chili Pepper Dangers

Chilly peppers add spice and flavor to many common dishes. Many people claim that chilly peppers have numerous health benefits, such as assisting in weight loss and supporting pain management. However, chili peppers also have some potential health risks.

Chilly Peppers and Cancer
Some test-tube and animal studies indicate that chilly pepper consumption may be linked to stomach cancer. Researchers from Yale University School of Medicine and the National Institute of Public Health of Mexico conducted a study in Mexico City, where the average person consumes about one hot chilly pepper a day. As compared to non-consumers, hot chili pepper consumers had an increased risk of stomach cancer. While this study shows that chilly pepper consumption may be a significant risk factor for gastric cancer, further studies are still being conducted.

Conversely, other studies imply that chilly pepper consumption is actually beneficial for certain types of cancers. Some studies have shown that consuming chilly peppers leads to the death of cancer cells.

Chili Pepper Burns
The oil in many types of chilly peppers can be painful to the skin. If preparing chilies for eating or decorating, make sure to wear gloves and avoid contact with your eyes.

The pain from a chilly pepper burn — which feels much like a sunburn — can be relieved by washing the area thoroughly with soap and water. If the burning sensation persists, contact a health professional. Children, who tend to have more sensitive skin than adults, are particularly at risk for chili pepper burns

Intestinal Disorders
· Eating chilly peppers or consuming capsaicin (chilly pepper extract) as a health supplement may cause intestinal discomfort. Some symptoms include:

diarrhea
upset stomach
painful bowel movements.

People who have had recent anal surgery, ulcers, or any other laceration should choose to stay away from chilly pepper and capsaicin consumption.

Botulism
· Botulism is caused by the toxins released by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum. While very rare, some cases of botulism have been caused by the consumption of home-jarred or canned chilly peppers.

Symptoms include double vision, nausea, and paralysis. Typically, symptoms set in 12 to 36 hours after ingesting the contaminated food. Botulism may also be contracted through an open wound. Small children and infants are most at risk for contracting botulism.

While many of these risks rarely occur and others are more common, each of these risks should be taken into consideration when eating chili peppers. Experts continue to research the health risks of consuming chilly peppers, especially concerning children.