What is capsicum to a lot of people who adore eating food that are smoldering with spiciness to make it savory, mouth-watering and really spirited? It is an ingredient that is passionately sought for. People who can’t get enough of chilies are known to take it a step further by adding some heat to almost everything they eat though odd. The Mayas and Aztecs of the Central America add chili as a flavor enhancer to their cocoa drink. It can get even odder than that.
What is caposicum and what accounts for its heat? Capsicum is a shrub that likes the sun so much that is why grows in the tropics abundantly. There are just as many names as the number of races that consumes it such as sweet peppers, paprika, cayenne, pimiento, bell peppers, etc. There are about 20 to 27 species with many cultivars or varieties per species. Except for the bell peppers, all Capsicum contains capsaicin that makes the peppers hot. Trinidad Scorpion Butch T pepper is the hottest capsicum pepper to date in the world .
The capsaicin and capsicidins found in capsicum account for the its many medicinal uses. The former has the property to improve the circulatory system and relieve fever from the body, while the latter can have an anesthetic effect on free nerve endings. It is also know to contain a significant concentration of vitamin C that makes it good immune system booster. It is also ideal as a topical liniment as it stimulates the circulatory system, enhance the absorption of nutrients and keeps continuous cleansing process through waste elimination. With its analgesic effects, it is useful in providing relief to pain and even diabetic patients who are suffering from shingles, nerve pain as well as arthritis and hemorrhoids. It is safe for most adults when taken orally except for those with sensitivity to capsaicin and capsicidins. Large doses, however, may cause gastric disturbances too.
Incidentally, Capsicum has found another use in the form of pepper sprays. This is used by many police officers around the world (being non-toxic) but serves its purpose well.
If there are still people asking what is Capsicum, you are in for a surprise because it is more than just a spice.