Cayenne pepper provides heat to the dishes, but has many health benefits you may have not known about. The heat is produced due to its high concentration of capsaicin. Learn how to enhance your health with this amazing spice. We will also tell you about the side effects you have to be aware of.
- Reduces muscle and joint pain as well as inflammation – if you topically apply it you will be able to reduce pain and inflammation due to its counter-irritant effects – rub some of it on the affected spot and mild irritation will be caused, distracting the original severe pain. Capsaicin is a chemical which relieves pain by acting on the sensory nerves by hindering transmission of a neurotransmitter that is responsible for the transmitted pain signals to the brain.
- Treats psoriasis – ointment or gel that contains capsaicin applied topically will relieve psoriasis symptoms. One study showed that such gels relieved itching and skin lesions. The concentration of capsaicin can be different, higher concentration may cause burning sensation which will be improved the longer you use it. Sensitive areas like eyes and mucous membranes should be avoided. Wash your hands well after its application and avoid touching your eyes after that. First test the capsaicin cream on a small area of the skin before you use it extensively.
- Reduces nasal mucus – this spice affects the tissue lining mucous membranes in the lungs, sinuses and the nose. It thins the mucous in the nose and sinuses which make it easier to breathe if you suffer from seasonal allergies. Sinus infection and common cold. Add it to a tea if you have cold to stimulate drainage of the nasal mucus and reduce cold symptoms.
- Anti-cancer agent – capsaicin has the power to stop the growth of prostate cancer according to the American Cancer Society. This research was conducted in a lab and was tested on animals only. The potential use of cayenne pepper to treat cancer in people is still under investigation by researchers.
- Improves circulation – taking a ¼ tsp three times a day will help improve blood circulation. You can also place a poultice that has been made with cayenne pepper to boost circulation. The blood flow will also be increased if spicy foods high in capsaicin are consumed. For that reason lots of people become flushed when they consume certain spicy foods.
- Relieves migraine – once it hits the stomach, your brain starts releasing endorphin – the body’s natural painkiller. If you can stand its taste, just add 1-3 tsp in a glass of water (8 oz) to get an instant relief of migraine headache.
- Aids digestion – this spice improves the digestion process, makes it more effective and fast, stimulates the digestive tract, and increases the gastric juices and enzyme production flow. The ability of the body to metabolize food is improved with this. Make a drink of ¼ – ½ tsp of cayenne powder with a juice of ½ lemon and add warm purified or distilled water. Add 1 tsp of honey or other sugar substitute if you want to improve its taste.
- Improves heart health – capsaicin can lower blood pressure according to a research available in the U.S. National Library of Medicine. People that come from cultures where cayenne pepper is used often in cooking have lower rates of strokes and heart attacks. This spice reduces plaque in the blood vessels though breaking up the fibrin networks which hold the plaque in place. Moreover, it reduces blood clots formation and keeps the blood flow freely through the vessels. This reduces the risk of heart diseases.
- Treats ulcers – this amazing spice can prevent the development of gastric ulcer and eliminate the pain caused by it. Spices have bad reputation in the context of ulcers, but cayenne pepper has the power to destroy the invasive bacteria in the digestive system, reducing inflammation. One review from 2006 published in the journal Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition stated that capsaicin can slow down the production of stomach acid, stimulating blood flow to the stomach lining and enhancing the mucous release in the stomach. All this aids in healing. There are anti-bacterial properties in cayenne pepper which fight Helicobacter pylori bacteria which causes stomach ulcers.
- Boosts the metabolism – capsaicin increases the internal heat of the body, thus boosting the metabolism. Energy is needed to increase the heat and cayenne contributes to increased metabolism because of that. Moreover, capsaicin can also raise the metabolism through positively affecting proteins which break fat down.
Ways to use cayenne pepper
It is available in fresh or dried form, ground spice, capsule, ad creams for topical application. You can make a tea with it (1/4 or ½ tsp of it steeped in a cup of hot water), add it into your food, stir it into your juice, or milk. You may use it in cooking as capsaicin is not destroyed by heat.
Topical applications have 0.025%-0.075% of capsaicin which can be applied to the affected spot 4 times per day. The pain may worsen at the beginning, but will be improved in the next few days. Apply capsaicin regularly couple of times per day. You will need 3-7 days to notice substantial pain relief.
Precautions on when you use cayenne pepper
- This spice can interact with some meds like aspirin and blood thinners, so if you consider implementing it into your diet, consult your doctor;
- Stomach pain and irritation can result from eating too much cayenne pepper;
- If you have open wounds or cracked skin do not apply capsaicin cream;
- Even though safe for eating, pregnant and breastfeeding women should not take it as a supplement.
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