Today’s popular Ghost pepper weighs in at a hot and spicy 855,000 to 1,041,427 Scoville units and is 15th on the hottest pepper scale in the world. This is 208 times hotter than the average jalapeño pepper!
The Origin of The Ghost Pepper
Originally from Northeast India, the ghost pepper has been around for generations. They have only been cultivated in the Western World since the turn of the century. The ghost pepper belongs to the Capsicum chinense family like Habanero, Scotch Bonnet, and Red Savina. The ghost pepper is also known as the Bhut Jolokia. The word Bhut, given by the Bhutias people of northeastern India, means “ghost.” The name was given because of the way the heat sneaks up on the whoever eats it.
Contributions to Good Health, Carefully!
Ghost peppers contain capsaicin, an anti-inflammatory compound found in high amounts in ghost peppers. It can reduce inflammation in joints and other areas of the body. Capsaicin energizes blood circulation, which decreases inflammation and prevents another flare-up. Peppers also contain an antioxidant called phytochemicals. These antioxidants help decrease free radicals in your body, preventing many illnesses and diseases. Research shows capsaicinoids make cancer cells destroy themselves and prevented new ones from forming. While it causes the cancer cells to die, it leaves normal, healthy cells undamaged. To benefit from this, one should eat eight large peppers each week. Don’t eat them whole! Other benefits are reducing headaches, aiding in weight reduction, and reducing sinus flareups.