Mexico is known for being a colorful, fun, and very friendly country, but above all for having a very varied and complex culinary tradition, as the combination of all kinds of flavors results in epic dishes like mole. 

In addition to using tomato, garlic, onion, and spices, the essential ingredient of Mexican cuisine is chile, a fruit that has been present in Aztec lands for thousands of years, so much so that it was also part of the milpa. Nowadays, Mexicans cannot eat our tacos, quesadillas, pambazos, gorditas, and other snacks without a touch of salsa, whether it’s green or red. 

It is worth mentioning that Mexico has a great variety of salsas, which are usually prepared with dried or fresh chiles, garlic, onion, tomato, cilantro, spices, and even pulque. Although for foreigners all chiles may seem the same, we know that each salsa is unique and adds a different flavor, but this is not the best part, as experts have discovered that chile has many health benefits, you'll be amazed! 

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10 reasons to eat chile all year round 

If you are a lover of Mexican food and salsas in all their varieties, then here are even more reasons to keep adding that extra touch of flavor to all your meals.  

1. Chile speeds up your metabolism 
According to experts from the WebMD, the capsaicin present in chiles, the substance that makes them spicy, is also responsible for “increasing the speed at which your body heats up. It also activates a sensory neuron called TRPV1, which helps prevent fat accumulation and controls appetite.” Although it is important to note that there are no miracle remedies for weight loss, scientists may in the future use chile to develop effective products to speed up metabolism.  

2. Chile for arthritis? 
Experts reveal that there is a secret ingredient in a wide variety of creams, ointments, and patches to relieve pain caused by diseases like fibromyalgia and arthritis; however, the WebMD portal mentions that these creams must be applied frequently to see results.  

3. A fruit rich in vitamins and minerals 
In addition to adding great flavor to salsas, stews, and snacks, chile also has impressive health benefits, as it contains three times more vitamin C than oranges. On the other hand, it also contains iron, fiber, potassium, and vitamins A, B, E, and K. 

4. They will help you heal faster 
This information will leave you speechless! As you know, chile is rich in vitamin C, a nutrient that, although it does not cure colds, does reduce the duration of infection, so forget about orange juice and instead load your tacos with plenty of salsa.  

5. Increases your life expectancy 
A study published in 2020 indicates that people who eat more chile are more likely to increase their life expectancy, as the consumption of this fruit is associated with lower chances of dying from cancer or heart disease.  

You can also read: 6 simple ways to relieve chile burn on your hands

6. Add flavor, but no calories 
If you want to add an extra touch of flavor to your meals, don't hesitate to incorporate chile into dressings, meats, salads, stews, and more, as each tablespoon of fresh chile contributes only 6 calories. 

7. Does chile fight pain? 
Capsaicin has pain-fighting properties, as it blocks pain receptors, and over time, eating a lot of chile could desensitize the receptors, thus reducing your ability to feel the heat, according to the Healthline portal.  

8. A ally against cancer 
The WebMD portal explains that, in laboratories, capsaicin seems to kill cells related to various types of cancer: colon, liver, lung, pancreatic, and leukemia. On one hand, a study indicates that capsaicin “changes the way some genes linked to cancer cells behave and even prevents them from growing,” however, other studies point to the exact opposite: that capsaicin could cause cancer, so we will have to wait for more scientific research to be conducted. 

9. Does chile help with weight loss? 
We already know that there are no miracle cures, but chile could become another tool for weight loss, as the WebMD portal indicates that capsaicin can reduce appetite, speed up metabolism, and burn calories while you eat, so don't forget to consult your doctor at your next appointment.  

10. Chile for migraine 
Strangely enough, chile could become an option to combat migraines. Currently, there is a nasal spray that contains capsaicin, which numbs the trigeminal nerve, where headaches and migraines begin.  

Now that you know the benefits, potential, and proven effects of chiles, don't hesitate to add a couple extra to your salsas and stews, all for the sake of health! 

You can also read: The benefits of eating poblano chile