Can Help Prevent Stomach Ulcers

Stomach ulcers can be caused by a number of factors, including:

• Growth of H. pylori bacteria within the stomach
• High levels of stomach acid
• Low blood flow to the stomach
• Taking too many NSAID pain relievers
• Drinking alcohol
• Smoking
• Stress

Contrary to popular belief, research has disproven the possibility that hot foods like jalapeño might trigger or aggravate stomach ulcers. In fact, the capsaicin in chili peppers may even prevent stomach ulcers from ever occurring. It might accomplish this by lessening stomach inflammation in H. pylori patients and even assisting in the removal of the infection. The amount of capsaicin in jalapeño may or may not be sufficient to produce this effect, though. Chili peppers can also help lessen the harm that alcohol and excessive use of NSAID painkillers do to the stomach, potentially delaying the onset of ulcers.