Chili Pepper

Chilli is an important cash crop of India and is grown for its fruits, which are used both green and ripe(the latter in the dried form) to impart pungency to the food. Green chillies are rich in vitamins A and C, minerals and proteins. Dry chillies are also rich in vitamins A and D. Chillies are an excellent source of vitamins A, B, C and E with minerals like molybdenum, manganese, folate, potassium, thiamine and copper. Chilli contains seven times more vitamin C than an orange. Ever since their introduction in India, chillies have been included in ayurvedic medicines and used as a tonic to ward off many diseases. Chilli is good for slimming down as it burns the calories easily. It stimulates the appetite, helps to clear the lungs and stimulates the digestive system. It is also used in beverages.