Practical Health Tips (last of a series)

Cayenne Pepper

(Capsicum Annuum)

This fiery chili pepper is a concentrated source of nutrients. Just one 45-gram hot red chili provides: 18 grams calories, 0.8 gram protein, 0.2 gram fat, 3.9 grams carbohydrates, 72% vitamin C, 48% provitamin A, 13% vitamin B6 and 5% vitamin K. It is also rich in potassium and magnesium which play essential roles in immune health, vision and growth. Other potential benefits include: pain relief, metabolism boost and blood sugar regulation.

Growing chili pepper is easy and a productive hobby. You can grow it in open furrow (elevated plot partially exposed to sunlight), using recyclable cans or black plastic bags filled with organic soil and even through the hydroponics system (which we learned from previous issues of SHARE).

It is a good source of additional income. Average market price per kilo ranges from 650 to 800 pesos.