According to the Secretary for the Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat) , there are 64 varieties of chilies in Mexico , which is one of the key ingredients in Mexican cuisine . But do you know why are they spicy ? Well, chilies contain a substance called capsaicin , which is the one that makes them so spicy ! The amount of capsaicin is measured through Scoville Heat Units .
In Mexico , the spiciest chilies are:
1. Habanero : with 100,000 to 350,000 Scoville units , this is the spiciest chili in Mexico . Habanero is key for Yucatán 's cuisine and in 2010, Yucatán was granted its designation of origin.
2. Chiltepín : This variety is popular in northern Mexico and has been placed in second place with 100,000 Scoville units.
3. Tabasco chili: It is related to habanero and it's also harvested in the Yucatán peninsula . It contains between 30,000 and 50,000 Scoville units .
5. Serrano : It is quite common in Mexican cuisine and used for everyday meals, guacamole , and sauces. It has 40,000 Scoville units .
6. Chile de árbol and chile piquín : both have 32,000 Scoville units.
7. Jalapeño : Also known as chile cuaresmeño , it has 24,000 Scoville units . When it is dried, it is called chipotle .
A healthy heart
According to the Semarnat , the sensation produced by the capsaicin is useful for blood circulation , it reduces the formation of blood clots and the hardening of arteries , which lowers the chances of suffering heart attacks .
No wrinkle cream needed
Capsaicin
is an antioxidant , which obstructs the action of the free radicals that cause aging.
Healthy mouth
Chilies contain vitamins A and C , which help prevent problems in gums and teeth. Chili has also been used to treat tooth pain.
Good digestion
Eating chili doesn't damage your stomach , it promotes good digestion by increasing the production of saliva and gastric juices.
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