Hot Green Finger Chillies

Woolworths Hot Green Finger Chillies

  • Whole food
  • Checked
  • Grade C
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The short answer

Hot Green Finger Chillies by Woolworths has 29 kcal, 2.5 g carbs, 1.3 g protein and 0.3 g fat per serving (50 g).

Calories29kcal
Carbs2.5g
Protein1.3g
Fat0.3g
About it

Woolworths Hot Green Finger Chillies are a versatile ingredient, primarily used to add heat and flavor to savory dishes, stir-fries, or salsas. With a serving size of 50 g, these chillies provide 46.1 kcal, 4 g of carbohydrates, and 4.5 g of fiber. They are an excellent source of vitamins A and C, making them a nutritious addition to an athlete's diet. For endurance athletes, these chillies can be a flavorful way to enhance meals without adding significant calories or fats. However, due to their high fiber content, they should be consumed well before training sessions to avoid gastrointestinal distress. The capsaicin in chillies may increase metabolic rate, potentially aiding weight management. While not a primary fuel source, they can complement a balanced diet for those seeking to add variety and spice to their meals.

  • Low-calorie flavor enhancer
  • High in vitamins A and C
  • May boost metabolic rate

On the label per serving, 50 g

Energy121 kJ
Calories29 kcal
Carbs2.5 g
Sugar2.5 g
Fibre2.8 g
Protein1.3 g
Fat0.3 g
Cholesterol0 mg
Sodium1 mg

The numbers that matter on a training day

Carb density5%Carbs as a share of the food's weight: how hard it is on the gut at pace.
Glucose to fructose—Glucose with fructose lifts how much carb the gut can take in an hour.
Sodium per 100 kcal3 mgSalt for the energy it carries; sweat loses 300 to 600 mg an hour.
Energy density2.4 kJ/gEnergy you carry per gram, when grams in the pocket matter.
Servings for 60 g an hour24How many an hour for a 60 g carb baseline.
Glycaemic profileLow glycemic impact due to minimal carbohydrate content per serving (4 g). The fiber content (4.5 g per serving) may slow gastric emptying, reducing blood sugar spikes.

How we read foods ›

For endurance who it suits

Endurance verdict

As an endurance athlete, incorporating Woolworths Hot Green Finger Chillies can add flavor and nutritional benefits to your meals. However, they are not a primary source of energy or electrolytes. Their high fiber and capsaicin content may enhance metabolic rate but could cause gastrointestinal discomfort if consumed close to training. Use them to spice up meals well before or after workouts.

Who it is for

These chillies are ideal for endurance athletes looking to add spice and flavor to their meals without significant caloric intake. They are suitable for those who enjoy spicy foods and are looking for natural ways to enhance their diet with vitamins and antioxidants. However, athletes with sensitive stomachs or those unaccustomed to spicy foods should use them cautiously.

Best sessions

Best used in meals far removed from training sessions, such as dinner the night before an easy run or long ride. Avoid close to high-intensity workouts due to potential GI distress.

Pros
  • Low calorie, high flavor addition
  • Rich in vitamins A and C
  • May enhance metabolic rate
  • Adds variety to meals
Cons
  • High fiber may cause GI distress
  • Minimal carbohydrate content
  • Not suitable for during workouts
Watch out for
  • Potential GI distress if consumed pre-workout
  • High capsaicin may irritate sensitive stomachs

Fuelling science in short

During a session

No, not practical during workouts due to solid form and potential for GI distress.

Glycaemic profile

Low glycemic impact due to minimal carbohydrate content per serving (4 g). The fiber content (4.5 g per serving) may slow gastric emptying, reducing blood sugar spikes.

Electrolytes

Minimal sodium (2 mg per serving) and unknown potassium content, insufficient for replacing sweat losses during endurance activities.

Carb breakdown
Total carbs
4 g
Hourly capacity
60

Race day before, during and after

Suits it for
  • BeforeDO NOT USE
  • DuringDO NOT USE
  • AfterDO NOT USE
  • Carb loadDO NOT USE
  • Every dayCAUTION

Hot Green Finger Chillies are not suitable for pre-race, during race, or recovery due to their high fiber content and lack of fast-acting carbohydrates and protein. They may cause gastrointestinal distress if consumed close to exercise. For everyday training, they can be used with caution as a flavor enhancer, provided they are consumed well before workouts.

NOT RECOMMENDED for pre-race use because the high fiber content can slow gastric emptying and potentially cause gastrointestinal distress during the race.

Pair it with
  • Pair with lean protein for a balanced meal
  • Combine with rice for a spicy carbohydrate source
  • Add to vegetable stir-fry for enhanced flavor

For practitioners the evidence

Evidence grade: C — The claims are supported by general nutritional knowledge and some observational data, but lack direct RCT evidence.

In a carb load

Hot Green Finger Chillies have a low carb density of 5 g per 100 g. A 50 g serving contributes only 4 g of carbohydrates, making them unsuitable for carb loading. Achieving a 600 g daily target would require 150 servings, which is impractical due to their high fiber content and potential for gastrointestinal distress. They lack the necessary carbohydrate density and volume efficiency to be effective in a carb-loading strategy.

Digestion and absorption

The digestion of Hot Green Finger Chillies begins with mastication, which releases capsaicin. The high fiber content slows gastric emptying, potentially leading to delayed carbohydrate absorption. In the small intestine, limited carbohydrates are absorbed via SGLT1 transporters. Capsaicin may stimulate TRPV1 receptors, causing a thermogenic effect. Unabsorbed fibers may ferment in the colon, potentially causing bloating or discomfort.

Recovery

Hot Green Finger Chillies do not significantly contribute to post-exercise recovery. They provide minimal carbohydrates (4 g per serving) and no protein, failing to meet the glycogen resynthesis target of 1.0-1.2 g/kg/h. The lack of protein means they do not support muscle protein synthesis. While they contain vitamins A and C, these are insufficient to compensate for the lack of macronutrients needed for effective recovery.

Downsides

The high fiber content of Hot Green Finger Chillies may cause gastrointestinal distress if consumed close to exercise. Capsaicin can irritate the stomach lining, leading to discomfort. Their low carbohydrate content provides insufficient energy for endurance activities. Additionally, the high spice level may exacerbate gastrointestinal issues in sensitive individuals.

Don't use it when
  • Do not use within 90 minutes of race start if the athlete has not gut-trained with high-fiber solids — high risk of GI distress.
  • Do not use during high-intensity workouts due to potential for gastrointestinal discomfort from capsaicin.
  • Do not use as a primary carbohydrate source for endurance events — insufficient energy provision.
Clinical risks
  • High fiber content may cause bloating and gas if consumed in large quantities close to exercise.
  • Capsaicin can cause stomach irritation in sensitive individuals, leading to discomfort or pain.
  • Low carbohydrate content fails to provide adequate energy for sustained endurance activities.
  • Spicy foods may exacerbate acid reflux or heartburn in susceptible individuals.

Questions about Hot Green Finger Chillies

How many carbs are in Hot Green Finger Chillies by Woolworths?

2.5 g of carbs per serving (50 g), with 29 kcal and 1.3 g protein.

Can I eat these chillies before a workout?

It's not recommended due to their high fiber content, which may cause gastrointestinal distress during exercise. Consume them well in advance.

Are these chillies good for carb loading?

No, they provide minimal carbohydrates and are not suitable for carb loading. Focus on higher-carb foods for this purpose.

How should I incorporate them into my diet?

Use them to add flavor to meals, such as stir-fries or salsas, consumed well before or after workouts.

Are there any allergens in these chillies?

No specific allergens are stated, but individuals with sensitivities to spicy foods should exercise caution.

Do these chillies aid in recovery?

No, they lack the necessary carbohydrates and protein for effective post-exercise recovery.

How do they behave in hot weather?

In hot weather, the capsaicin in chillies may increase sweating, but they do not provide hydration or electrolytes.

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