Jalapeno peppers are one of the favoured varieties of chili peppers used in the North American cuisine, especially in the Southern states, where Tex-Mex cuisine is popular. Just as other chili peppers, jalapenos too originate in the Mexico. In fact, the name “jalapeno” is derived from provincial capital, Xalapa in the Eastern Mexican Veracruz state, where they cultivated by early settlers since centuries. Later, the crop was introduced to the rest of the world by Spanish explorers.

Botanically, jalapenos are fruit pods from the nightshade family (Solanaceae), in the genus, capsicum. Scientific name: Capsicum annuum.
 Jalapeno is a perennial small herbaceous plant with woody stem growing up to a meter in height. It grows well under fertile, well-drained soil conditions. Adequate sunlight and moisture requirements are the other main factors influencing foliage, flower, and fruiting conditions. The plant bears tiny, white colour flowers after about 45 days after transplantation and green pepper pods appear after about 60 days. Mature jalapenos generally exhibit small cracks around the shoulders of the fruit. Harvesting ripe red fruits (chipotle) may last over several months.

The pods measure about 4-10 cm in length and feature smooth shiny skin with blunt, slightly tapering tip. Inside, each fruit features numerous tiny, white, circular, and flat seeds. The seeds cling on around the central, white-placenta. As in other chili peppers, jalapenos also have a strong spicy taste that comes to them from certain active alkaloid compounds; capsaicin, capsanthin and capsorubin. On the Scoville scale hotness scale, jalapeños fall in medium-hot range 2,500-4,000 “Scoville heat units” (SHU). On comparison, sweet bell peppers have zero units, and Mexican habañeros have 200,000 to 500,000 units.

Health benefits

Chilies contain health benefiting alkaloid compound, capsaicin, which gives them strong spicy pungent character. Tolerance level of peppers in human beings, including jalapeno peppers, may have wide individual variations. Wherever feasible, they should be consumed in moderation to avoid any untoward experiences. Nonetheless, they packed with an impressive list of phto-chemical compounds that are known to have disease preventing and health promoting properties.

Capsaicin has been found to have anti-bacterial, anti-carcinogenic, analgesic, and anti-diabetic properties, at least in some early laboratory studies on experimental mammals. It also found to reduce LDL-cholesterol levels in obese individuals.

Fresh jalapeno peppers are rich source of vitamin-C. Ripe fruits have more of this vitamin than raw greens. 100 g provide about 118.6 µg or about 198% of RDA. Vitamin C is a potent water-soluble antioxidant. It is required for the collagen synthesis within the body. Collagen is the main structural protein required for maintaining the integrity of blood vessels, skin, tissues, organs, and bones. Regular consumption of foods rich in vitamin C helps the body protect from scurvy; develop resistance against infectious agents (boosts immunity) and scavenge harmful, pro-inflammatory free-radicals from the body.

Furthermore, they contain other valuable antioxidants such as vitamin A, and flavonoids like beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, lutein, zea xanthin, and cryptoxanthin. These antioxidant substances in capsicum help to protect the body from injurious effects of free-radicals generated from stress and disease conditions.

Jalapeno chillies characteristically contain more pyridoxine, vitamin E, vitamin K than other varieties of peppers. Vitamin K increases bone mass by promoting osteotrophic activity in the bones. It also has the beneficial effect in Alzheimer's disease patients by limiting neuronal damage in their brain.

Assist in losing weight: Capsaicin is a compound which is the cause for heat while consuming Jalapeno peppers. The research shows that which assist to lose weight so it has been used in the health supplements and weight loss pills. The intake of Jalapeno Peppers stimulates Capsaicin which burns the fat and calories if consumed on daily basis. The one who wants the natural ways to lose weight should add Jalapeno pepper in the diet.

Clear sinuses: Nasal congestion is the symptom of sinus which causes trouble in breathing. Jalapeno pepper should consume Jalapeno peppers to get rid of blocked airways and nasal congestion. The heat provided by Capsaicin helps to counteract the infection of sinus and clears airways of the chest. The daily intake of Jalapeno pepper eases the breathing and clears the airways.

Stomach ulcers: Jalapeno pepper helps to treat ulcers of mouth as well as stomach. Jalapeno peppers are loaded with antioxidants and also an excellent source of Vitamin C. It helps to eliminate the bacteria in stomach and mouth. It cures and prevent from mouth as well as stomach ulcers.

Treat migraine: The studies have shown that Jalapeno peppers helps to provide relief from the headaches causes by migraine. Capsaicin in Jalapeno peppers helps to prevent neuropeptide which is the major pain transmitter. One should intake Jalapeno peppers in order to reduce or prevent from migraine headaches.

Enhance nervous system: Jalapeno pepper has plentiful amounts of minerals, vitamin and amino acids which help to regulate the amino acids that are vital for the functions of nervous system. The studies have shown that low intake of folic acid or amino acid increases the chances of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease. The intake of Jalapeno pepper two to three times in a week helps to enhance the health of nervous system.

Pregnancy: Jalapeno pepper possess huge amount of Vitamin B complex which assist in formation of neural tube and assist the formation of red blood cells in prenatal babies. The deficiency of folate during pregnancy can lead to birth defects in infants and underweight infants.

Enhance immunity: The research has shown that about 60 to 70 percent of vitamin C is contained in one serving of Jalapeno pepper. Vitamin C helps to enhance immune system for the production of white blood cells which helps to counteract from minor to major disease. One should consume Jalapeno pepper to enhance immune system or prevent from infections or illness.

Cure arthritis: The research has proved that the intake of Jalapeno pepper helps to reduce the pain caused by arthritis naturally. Jalapeno pepper possesses Capsaicin which possesses anti-inflammatory properties and reduces the inflammation or pain on the joints which are caused by arthritis. A dose of Capsaicin helps to lower the symptoms of arthritis.

Cardiovascular health: Cardiovascular health is related with strokes, heart attack and high blood pressure. Capsaicin helps to reduce the level of bad cholesterol in the body and also lowers the aggregation of platelet. In addition, Jalapeno pepper is loaded with Vitamin C, Vitamin A and bioflavonoids which helps to reinforce blood vessels. It helps to adjust the changing level of blood pressure. The intake of Jalapeno pepper helps to balance the level of blood pressure and reduce the chances of heart attack and strokes.

Prevent cancer: Jalapeno pepper is an excellent source of nutrients, flavonoids and vitamins. The research shows that the intake of Jalapeno pepper destroys prostate cancer cells in the body. Jalapeno pepper contains antioxidants which prevents the damage caused by cancer cells. It helps to treat and prevent the cancer.