With or without the stem: The best way to have chillies for gut health is…

Chillies and gut: What’s the connection?

Dr Mahesh Gupta, senior consultant, gastroenterology, Dharamshila Narayana Hospital Delhi said in most cases, chillies have an anti-inflammatory effect that can be advantageous in reducing gut inflammation and potentially alleviating conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). “Their antimicrobial properties help maintain a balanced gut microbiome, crucial for overall digestive health,” said Dr Gupta.

However, in summer, the consumption of chillies must be balanced, as excessive intake can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort. “High doses of capsaicin can irritate the stomach lining, exacerbating conditions like gastritis or acid reflux. In summer, when hydration levels are critical, the diuretic effect of chillies can contribute to dehydration if not managed properly,” said Dr Gupta.

Are you eating too many chillies? (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

As such, does the hack work?

Chef Ashish Singh disagreed with the hack, stating that there is no culinary science behind it. “It’s just adding volume to the condiment you are preparing,” said Singh.

Chef and author Aanal Kotak also expressed confusion and said: “Any chilly eaten in excess will cause digestive issues and may also cause piles,” said Kotak.

Although eating a whole chilli with its stalk may slightly lower overall capsaicin intake, this method does not help to alleviate any burning sensation or indigestion due to spiciness, said Veena V, dietician, Aster Whitefield Hospital, Bangalore.

Capcasian, the substance responsible for the spicy feeling, is found all around the flesh and membranes of the pepper, not only in the stem. “In fact, there are some types of peppers that have even more capsaicin near their stems,” mentioned Veena.

Moreover, the stem itself may not be too hot; it can introduce a bitter taste into chilli, said Veena. “If you don’t like that bitterness, you can remove the stem so that your dish will taste better without affecting how hot it is,” said Veena.

Singh suggested removing the seeds or using fewer chillies to reduce spiciness and make it better for the gut if you are intolerant to spicy foods. “Before use, rub the chilly a bit so that the seeds are spread across. This hack evenly distributes the spiciness,” said Singh.

 

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Kotak added that removing the seeds brings the spiciness down to 50 per cent. “I won’t recommend using green chillies with stems. Rather, slit the green chillies vertically — which will remove the seeds from inside — and then fry them. This hack will bring down the spiciness,” Kotak said.

Veena shared that the method of preparation and the type of chilli also play significant roles in determining spiciness and digestive impact. “Cooking chillies can break down some of the capsaicin, while certain varieties of chillies naturally contain less capsaicin and are milder on the digestive system,” said Veena.

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.