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Many people consider cayenne peppers to be the king of medicinal herbs. In fact, these peppers have been used for thousands of years to help treat many health problems. Not only do they have medicinal properties, but cayenne peppers are also great for cooking and contain several beneficial nutrients.
What Are Cayenne Peppers? Cayenne peppers are a type of chili pepper. They belong to the nightshade family of flowering plants and are closely related tobell peppersand jalapeos. They were originally grown in Central and South America, but brought to Europe in the 15th century by Christopher Columbus. Cayenne peppers are a popular spice used in many different regional styles of cooking, and they have been used medicinally for thousands of years. These peppers boast an impressive nutrition profile, which includes a variety of antioxidants that are beneficial for your health. One tablespoon (5 grams) of cayenne pepper contains the following Calories:17 Fat:1 gram Carbs:3 grams Fiber:1.4 grams Protein:0.6 grams Vitamin A:44% of the RDI Vitamin E:8% of the RDI Vitamin C:7% of the RDI Vitamin B6:6% of the RDI Vitamin K:5% of the RDI Manganese:5% of the RDI Potassium:3% of the RDI Riboflavin:3% of the RDI Health Benefits 1. Helps Digestion One of the major cayenne pepper benefits is the positive effect it has on the digestive system. Cayenne pepper helps produce saliva, which is important for excellent digestion as well as preventing bad breath.Research suggeststhat consumingcayenne pepper stimulates our salivary glands, which is needed to begin the digestive process. Cayenne pepper also stimulates the flow of enzyme production, which is essential for our digestive system to work properly. It alsostimulates gastric juicesthat aid the bodys ability to metabolize food and toxins. 2.Relieves Migraine Pain Researchers suggestthat cayenne pepper, due to its spice, is able to stimulate a pain response in adifferent part of the body. Once this happens, the brain puts its attention on that new site and will no longerconcentrate on the pain inthe head, which causes themigraine headache. After this initial pain reaction from the cayenne pepper, the nerve fibers have a depleted substance P, or pain chemical, and the sensation of pain is lessened. With cayenne compounds, youre basically tricking your body to feel pain somewhere else, so that the head is no longer the main focus for pain chemicals. 3. Prevents Blood Clots Blood clots are blockages in your arteries and blood vessels that limit blood flow through your circulatory system. Cayenne encourages fibrinolytic activity and helps prevent blood clots. This is also the reason why cayenne pepper is effective in preventing heart attacks. Studies indicatethat the capsaicin in cayenne pepper helps to clear away artery-narrowing lipid deposits, and dilates arteries and blood vessels to clear away clots. 4. Provides Detox Support Cayenne pepper benefits includeits ability to stimulate circulation and eliminate acidity. According toresearchpublished inCritical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, cayenne pepper restores the circulatory system by opening the capillariesandregulating blood sugar; it also helps the digestive system that moves bacteria and toxins out of the body. Research conducted in the Netherlandssuggests that cayenne pepper alsoincreases body temperature and boosts yourmetabolism. 5. Relieves Joint and Nerve Pain Cayenne powerhas very powerfulpain-relieving propertieswhen applied to the skin. It reduces the amount of substance P, a chemical that carries pain messages to the brain. When there is less substance P, the pain messages no longer reach the brain and you feel relief. Studies have foundthat cayenne pepper relieves pain after surgery, such as a mastectomy or an amputation. It also alleviates pain from nerve damage in the feet or legs from diabetes, lower back injuries, neuropathy, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, as well asfibromyalgia symptoms like joint or muscle pain. 6. Supports Weight Loss Astudy published inPloS Onefound that consuming cayenne pepper for breakfast creates lessappetite, so people eat less calories during the day. It also burns excess fat because its a metabolic booster. As one of the keyanti-inflammatory foods, cayenne pepper benefits also includeweight loss. Cayenne pepper has the power to soothe inflammation and bloating that comes from allergies, food sensitivities and infections. 7. Works as Anti-Irritant Cayenne pepper benefits include its anti-irritant properties, making iteffective in easing ulcers, upset stomachs, cough and even potentiallystop diarrhea. The common belief isthat cayenne pepper, whenconsumed in excessive amounts, leads to gastric ulcers because of itsirritant and acid-secreting nature. Peoplewith ulcers are actually advised to limit or avoid using cayenne pepper;however, investigations carried out in recent years have revealed that chili, or its active principle capsaicin, is not the cause for the formation ofulcer symptomsbut a benefactor. Studies have foundthat cayenne pepper does not stimulate, but inhibits acid secretion, stimulates alkali and mucus secretions and particularly gastric mucosal blood flow, which helps in the prevention and healing of ulcers. 8. Treats Psoriasis Psoriasis occurs when skin cells replicate too quickly, and itresults in swollen patches under the skin covered with whitish scales on top.The scaly patches are areas of inflammation and excessive skin production. Two trialsshowed that 0.025 percent capsaicin (cayenne pepper) cream used topically is effective intreating psoriasis. The first study showed a significant decrease in scaling and rednessduring a six-week period in 44 patients with moderate and severe psoriasis. The second was a double-blind study of 197 patients, which found that psoriasis was treated with the capsaicin cream four times daily for six weeks, with a significant decrease in scaling, thickness, rednessanditching. 9. Boosts Metabolism Cayenne pepper benefits also include its ability to regulate your metabolism, according to areviewpublished inOpen Heart. Ithas been foundto effectively suppress hunger and normalize glucose levels. It also keeps blood pressure levels normalized, and helpsthe bodylower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. 10. Fights Cold and Flu Cayenne pepper benefitsinclude being full of beta carotene and antioxidants that support your immune system. Itaids in breaking up and moving congested mucus, and once this nasty mucus leaves the body, the symptoms of the flu or cold will diminish. Besides helping as anatural remedy for the flu, cayenne pepper alsoraises your body temperature, which makes you sweat and increases the activity of your immune system. As avitamin C food,cayenne pepper may also help you to kick that nasty cold. 11. Source of Vitamin A Vitamin Aplays a critical role in maintaining healthy vision, neurological function and healthy skin; it is an antioxidant that reduces inflammation byfighting free radicals. Studies have repeatedly shownthat antioxidants like vitamin A are vital to good health and longevity; they benefit eye health, boost immunity and foster cell growth. Lucky for us, cayenne pepper is a great source of vitamin A; in fact, with just two teaspoons of cayenne pepper, you are getting your fill of vitamin A for the day! 12. Contains Vitamin E Vitamin E benefitsinclude helpingmany organs in the body function properly and is extremely useful in naturally slowing the agingprocess. This important and beneficial vitamin has the power to balance cholesterol, fight free radicals, repair damaged skin, balance hormones, repair damaged skin and hair, improve vision and increase energy levels and cayenne pepper is an important provider of vitamin E. 13. Prevents Allergies Because cayenne is an anti-inflammatory agent, it has the power toprevent allergiesand the symptoms related to allergies. A food allergy, for example, is a measurable response to consuming a specific food. Food allergies, or intolerances, can be caused by a condition known as leaky gut (intestinal permeability), when proteins and food particles pass through the gut and cause systemic body inflammation. Leaky gut is like having the gates broken from your intestines to your bloodstream so that toxins, microbes and undigested food particles can now get through. When this happens, it causes inflammation throughout your body, leading to a variety of diseases. 14. Possible Anti-Cancer Agent Studiessuggest that capsaicinmay have a role as a natural remedy for cancer, including in the management of prostate cancer. One studyconducted at University of California at Los Angeles School of Medicine found that this important ingredient in cayenne pepper is able to inhibit the growth of cancer cells and prevent the activation of new dangerous formations. There is also datafrom Californias Loma Linda University that suggests that cayenne pepper benefits include being effective in helping prevent lung cancer in smokers. Cayenne peppers high amounts of capsaicin serves as a substance that can stop the formation of tobacco induced tumors in the lung. Similar effects have also been found in liver tumors when they were exposed to cayenne pepper. 15. Anti-Fungal Properties The final cayenne pepper benefit is its ability to kill fungus and prevent the formation of fungal pathogens. Cayenne pepperwas investigatedto determine its in vitro antifungal activity, and the results found that it was active against 16 different fungal strains, including Candida. Candida is a fungus that aids with nutrient absorption and digestion, when in proper levels in the body. When it overproduces, however, the typical candida symptoms may appear. This includes hormone imbalance, joint pain, digestive problems and a weak immune system. How to Use Cayenne peppers are available year-round in supermarkets or health food stores. You can find them in fresh, dried or powdered form. Because powdered cayenne pepper is sometimes a mix a poorer quality herbs, its best to buy cayenne peppers fresh; however, if you are using dried or powered pepper, the health benefits are still awesome. Just be sure to buy your powder from a trusted company. Go for powders that are authentic and branded products there are even organic options. In the store, look for raw, fresh chiliesthat have a brilliant red color and ahealthy stem. Make sure there arent any spots, mold or spoiled tips. The pepper should lookwholesome and firm.Once at home, store your peppers inside the refrigerator in a plastic bag; they will stay fresh for about a week. Dry peppers are also available at the supermarket, especially health food stores. Dry peppers can be stored using airtight containers in a cool and dark place. Dried cayenne peppers can be milled to powder using a hand mill. Fresh cayenne chili peppers can be used to make spicy drinks, sauce, chutney or can even be used for pickling. Make sure you wash them well first you want to use any dirt, sand or fungicides. Heres a breakdown of some simple ways to use cayenne in your daily health regime: Add it to meals:Taking cayenne pepper that is dried or powdered, you can add to meals for a spicy (and healthy) kick. It can be added to meat, pasta, eggs, nuts and veggies there are a ton of options. Start with a 1/2 teaspoon or so, and then work your way up. Remember that it adds heat and can be too much for people who are spice-sensitive. Drink it: If you want a quick fix that will help you to experience these amazing cayenne pepper benefits, an easy way to get it in your body is by taking a cayenne pepper drink by mixing the powder with water and lemon, which is similar to the drink consumed during the cayenne pepper diet, so it will give you the same detoxifying results. Take capsules: Cayenne capsules or capsaicin capsules are also available for purchase. When taking cayenne pills, read the label carefully for dosage instructions. Its best to start with a lower dose to monitor how your body reacts. Apply it topically: There are also creams that contain capsaicin, the main component of cayenne pepper, that can be found in most stores. These creams are used to treat skin infections, sore muscles and tension. By rubbing a small amount of cream on the affected area, you will feel the pain and irritation subside. If you are using a cream, make sure to read the directions carefully so that you dont use too much. Also, be sure to wash your hands after applying capsaicin cream because it can cause a burning sensation on your hands; try washing with vinegar and water for the best results. . Interesting Facts The chili originated in Central and South America. Its named after the capital city of the French Guiana,Cayenne.From seeds found on the floors of caves that were ancient human dwellings and from ancient fossil feces, scientists have found that people were eating peppers as early as 7000 B.C. Cayenne is one of the main foods of the Hunzas in Asia, along with apricots and their pits, millet and other simple foods. These people live to over a hundred years of age,which some say is because of their natural immune-boosting andanti-inflammatory foods that they consume daily. Cayenne pepperswereeven growing in the Hawaiian Islandsin as early as1897; these smaller and more pungent fruits were called Hawaiian Chili Peppers. Today, you can find cayenne pepper all over the world, and it now has a reputation for its health benefits. An interesting and popular detox and weight loss regimerecently has been the cayenne pepper diet, which is a cleanse that flushes toxins from the body. The diet consists of a lemon and cayenne drink that is consumed about six times a day, and this lastsfor about 10 days. The drink recipe calls fortwo tablespoons of lemon or lime juice, two tablespoons of real maple syrup, a pinch of cayenne pepper and eight ounces of water. Risks, Side Effects and Interactions Medicinal lotions and creams that contain capsicum extract are known to be safe for most adults when applied to the skin and consumed. The active chemical in capsicum, capsaicin, is approved by the FDA as an over-the-counter product, so it can be sold without a prescription. When applied topically, cayenne pepper side effects may include skin irritation, burning and itching. It can also be extremely irritating to the eyes, nose and throat, so be careful when using cayenne pepper on sensitive skin or around the eyes. When consumed in moderate doses, side effects can include upset stomach and irritation, sweating, flushing and runny nose. Because cayenne pepper may increase bleeding during and after surgery, its best to stop using cayenne pepper as a natural medication at least two weeks before a scheduled surgery. Medications that slow blood clotting, such as anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs, interact with cayenne pepper and should be avoided if you are using cayenne pepper as a natural health remedy. Some medications that slow blood clotting include: aspirin clopidogrel diclofenac ibuprofen naproxen warfarin Capsicum can also increase how much theophylline a bronchodilator thatcan treat asthma and other lung problems the body can absorb. Therefore, taking capsicum alongside theophylline might increase the effects and side effects of theophylline. Its wise not to use cayenne pepper on children under the age of two. It can be irritating and may lead to a negative reaction, especially on the skin. Final Thoughts Cayenne is a shrub that grows long pods called chili peppers. The peppers active ingredient, capsaicin, is valued for its therapeutic effects. Cayenne pepper is consumed in whole and powder forms for its health benefits. Youll find capsaicin supplements or topical creams online or in health food stores. Some of the most well-known cayenne pepper benefits include its ability to aid digestion, relieve migraines, prevent blood clots, promote detoxification, relieve pain, support weight loss and metabolism.
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