Including Chili Pepper And Paprika

Chili pepper and paprika are ground spices made from dried pods of the Capsicum genus of plants. They are closely related and can vary widely in heat, flavor, and color depending on the specific variety of pepper used and how they are processed.

These spices are primarily used to add flavor, color, and heat to a wide range of foods. They are common in seasoning mixes, marinades, sauces, processed meats, snacks like chips and pretzels, and many other savory dishes.

Chili pepper and paprika are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as spices. They contain capsaicin, the compound responsible for their heat, which may have some antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. International bodies like JECFA have evaluated these spices, but no specific health concerns are typically associated with their consumption at normal dietary levels. Some individuals may experience digestive upset from very spicy foods.