Many benefits of cayenne pepper might influence you to include it in your diet. This pepper originates from Central and South America and has been widely used to spice up many culinary dishes. It contains vitamins B6, C, E, potassium, manganese, and flavonoids, providing numerous benefits to the body in various ways.
Cayenne pepper contains a high amount of capsaicin (which we will discuss further) that is responsible for most of its benefits. Capsaicin is what gives it its spicy flavor.
1. Boosts Metabolism
Everything depends on metabolism, right? Studies show that cayenne pepper can stimulate metabolism and even suppress hunger. For this, we must thank capsaicin (which is also known as a thermogenic chemical compound). It is known that this compound produces extra heat in our bodies and burns more fats and calories in the process. Research indicates that consuming foods rich in capsaicin can increase our body’s metabolic rate by 20% (for up to 2 hours).
2. Improves Digestive Health
It is said that health depends on the quality of digestive function.
Cayenne has the unusual ability to stimulate heart action and circulation, thus accelerating the digestive process. It also enhances the stomach’s ability to protect against infections and increases the production of digestive fluid.
3. May Lower Blood Pressure
Some sources say that the capsaicin in cayenne pepper can lower blood pressure overnight. Literally. Well, that might be a bit exaggerated (we don’t know for sure), but what is true is that cayenne pepper can certainly help with blood pressure issues.
The pepper dilates blood vessels, which increases blood flow. As the rate of blood flowing through your system increases, blood pressure naturally decreases.
Capsaicin also affects sensory nerves that work with neuro-hormonal systems, which lowers blood pressure.
Simply mix a teaspoon of cayenne pepper powder with half a glass of warm water and drink it the night before bed.
4. May Reduce Pain
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, capsaicin can reduce pain. The compound has strong pain-relieving properties and works remarkably well when applied to the painful area.
Here’s the science behind it: capsaicin reduces the amount of substance P (a chemical that transmits pain messages to the brain). As a result, you feel relief. This is why most pain ointments contain capsaicin as one of the ingredients.
It is believed that applying capsaicin to the skin reduces the concentration of substance P (a compound involved in pain transmission) and helps alleviate pain. However, more studies are needed in this regard.
Cayenne works well for migraines too. Oral consumption reduces substance P and stops pain transmission. More importantly, it reduces the platelet aggregation factor, known as PAF, which leads to migraines (by constricting blood circulation in the head).
The pepper is also used to treat cramps. Capsaicin can reset nerve-muscle communication by blocking the system in position. This can help alleviate cramps. Some sources say that cayenne pepper can relieve nerve pain, although we do not have adequate research in this regard.
5. May Prevent Cancer
In several studies, capsaicin has demonstrated the ability to induce apoptosis (the death of cancer cells). In fact, it also stops cancer cells from migrating throughout the body.
One study discusses how capsaicin can help manage prostate cancer. Another American study talks about the anti-tumor activity of capsaicin. The compound may be beneficial in treating lung, skin, colon, and prostate cancers.
6. Protects the Heart
Considering that cayenne pepper improves blood vessel health and lowers blood pressure, it certainly benefits the heart.
Additionally, cayenne pepper prevents blood clot formation, making it effective in preventing heart attacks. Capsaicin clears lipid deposits that narrow arteries.
Studies show that cayenne pepper is also effective in treating blood circulation issues, cardiac arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats), and palpitations.
As incredible as it may sound, one report suggests that cayenne pepper can stop a heart attack in just 30 seconds.
Cayenne pepper is beneficial in preventing heart diseases associated with diabetes. Interestingly, cayenne can help reduce plaques (and may lower cholesterol). It breaks down fibrin networks that hold plaques in place, thus reducing accumulation.
7. Treats Nasal Congestion
If you suffer from sinus congestion, cayenne pepper can help. The capsaicin in the pepper can thin mucus and stimulate the sinuses. Ultimately, this helps with airflow, providing relief.
Capsaicin may have a beneficial effect on rhinitis. Although we still need more studies, the future looks promising in this regard.
You can add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper to a cup of hot water and drink it three times a day. This dilates blood vessels in the nose, stimulates secretions, and drains the sinuses.
Cayenne pepper can help eliminate congestion caused by bronchitis. It also aids in treating sinus infections, sore throats, and laryngitis (you can use it as a gargle). It may even help treat colds, flu, and other associated allergies.
8. Aids in Detoxification
One of the most popular detox diets consists of cayenne pepper and lemon. This diet was developed in 1940 by Dr. Stanley Burroughs. This diet works by reducing calorie intake.
The detox diet lasts 10 days, during which you must drink 12 glasses of a tonic made from water, lemon juice, maple syrup, and cayenne pepper.
However, we do not really recommend following this detox diet. Because we, as humans, need a variety of nutrients to stay healthy, and this detox diet does not provide much. Although some anecdotal reports suggest that this diet makes someone feel healthier and more energetic, there is no concrete research. In fact, your body’s natural detoxification system is sufficient to keep you healthy. This detox tonic may just be a healthy alternative to sugary drinks from time to time.
Or better yet, add cayenne pepper to your regular diet to help with detoxification.
9. Relieves Joint Pain
We have already seen the pain-relieving effects of capsaicin. Studies have shown that applying creams containing capsaicin to painful joints improves their condition.
According to the Arthritis Foundation, capsaicin (which is also one of the capsaicinoids present in cayenne pepper) has anti-inflammatory properties that can help alleviate arthritis and joint pain. Topical capsaicin can be effective for osteoarthritis pain and fibromyalgia.
10. Has Antimicrobial Properties
Cayenne pepper can prevent infection in the case of a wound, due to its antibacterial properties. It also has antifungal properties.
11. Boosts Immunity
Although there are not many studies in this regard, the antioxidants in cayenne pepper may enhance immunity. Consuming cayenne increases body heat, and it is said that this strengthens the immune system.
12. May Relieve Tooth Pain
Using cayenne pepper for tooth pain is an old remedy that works. The pepper acts as a counter-irritant and reduces deeper dental pain. It also increases local blood flow.
13. Improves Skin and Hair Health
Although we have less research in this area, some reports promote the benefits of cayenne pepper for skin and hair. Capsaicin in the pepper can soothe skin redness (its anti-inflammatory properties) and treat acne-induced skin discoloration. But do not use the pepper alone. Mix a teaspoon of cayenne with some cocoa powder and half a ripe avocado until you obtain a paste. Apply it to your face and rinse after 15 minutes.
The vitamins in cayenne pepper can also improve hair health. Mix a part of cayenne with honey and apply it to your scalp. Cover your hair with a shower cap. Rinse after 30 minutes.
You can also add three eggs and olive oil to this mixture and follow the same procedure for stronger hair. This remedy can add volume and shine to your hair.
1. Spicy Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
What you need:
1 cup of raw pumpkin seeds
1 tablespoon of cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon of chili powder
1 tablespoon of coarse salt
2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice
Preparation method:
Preheat the oven to 180°C.
In a medium bowl, combine all the ingredients.
Bake until the seeds puff up or turn golden brown.
2. Cayenne Pepper Tea
What you need:
Water
Ginger
Lemon, honey, and cayenne pepper, as needed.
Preparation method:
Add all the ingredients, except for the water, to a cup.
Pour boiling water over them and let steep for 5 minutes.
Stir well.
Side Effects of Cayenne Pepper
Irritation
Cayenne pepper can cause irritation in some individuals. This may include skin irritation, irritation of the eyes, stomach, throat, and nose.
Also, do not apply cayenne to broken skin.
Liver or Kidney Damage
Excessive oral cayenne pepper can lead to kidney or liver damage.
Effects on Children
Children under 2 years old should stay away from cayenne pepper.
Bleeding Issues
Capsaicin can increase bleeding during and after surgery. Therefore, avoid using it at least two weeks before scheduled surgery.
