Cayenne Pepper Health Benefits
Capsaicin in cayenne pepper acts as a circulatory stimulant, causing blood vessels to dilate. This keeps your heart healthy and lowers your risk of cardiovascular disease.
Capsaicin in cayenne also alleviates migraines by depleting substance P, a neurotransmitter that increases pain. Its anti-inflammatory properties are effective in treating osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia.
1. Strengthens Bones and Teeth
Cayenne pepper contains calcium and magnesium, two essential minerals that help strengthen teeth and bones. It also helps ease arthritis and fibromyalgia pain. Capsaicin has hepatoprotective properties, meaning it reduces the risk of liver inflammation and protects against oxidative stress, which may cause cell death.
Add a pinch of this fiery spice to soups, salad dressing, or any of your favorite dishes. It is also an easy-to-find ingredient in a variety of health products.
A dash of cayenne pepper in your meals can help you feel full and curb cravings for junk food. It also boosts metabolism, helping you lose weight. However, be careful with the amount of pepper you add to your diet. Large doses can irritate your stomach, eyes, skin, and throat. It also interacts with some medications like blood thinners. Talk to your doctor about how much you should consume daily.
2. Strengthens Immune System
Capsaicin in cayenne pepper benefits the immune system by restricting disease-carrying microbes from entering the body. It is also said to stimulate antibody synthesis and help the body fight infections. Its anti-inflammatory properties have been shown to ease pain associated with arthritis and fibromyalgia.
Its vitamin C content boosts immunity and protects against colds and flu. It is also rich in potassium and manganese which support muscle function and help regulate fluid balance.
Add fresh or powdered cayenne to meals, especially savory dishes like omelets and salad dressings to get the health benefits of this spice. If you have preexisting health conditions, be cautious when adding capsaicin to your diet and start slowly. You may experience more sensitive pain receptors, and you will need to monitor any reactions. It is also wise to avoid this spice when breastfeeding. Capsaicin can increase mucus production and trigger contractions in the digestive tract, which may cause gastrointestinal distress.
3. Relieves Migraines
Cayenne peppers contain capsaicin, a thermogenic compound that speeds up your metabolism and reduces hunger. It also boosts calorie burning, helping you lose weight.
The capsaicin in cayenne pepper relieves headaches by reducing the levels of substance P, which carries pain messages to your brain. Moreover, it also prevents the release of platelet-aggregation factor that triggers migraines. Add a pinch of the powder to hot water and drink it to get relief from headaches.
Cayenne pepper has anti-fungal properties, which help in treating psoriasis, an autoimmune disease that causes red, flaky patches to appear on your skin and mucus membrane. The spice is also useful in preventing sinus infections by breaking down the fungus. You can make a tea using a mixture of fennel seeds, lemon slices, black peppercorns and cinnamon sticks, and sprinkle 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper in it to cure a painful sinus infection. The capsaicin in the pepper also heals ulcers, improves digestion and enhances circulation.
4. Helps Burn Calories
Cayenne pepper benefits include boosting the metabolism, which helps burn calories. Studies have found that capsaicin stimulates the stomach nerves to secrete gastric juices and promote healthy gut bacteria, contributing to weight loss.
The capsaicin in cayenne pepper has pain-relieving properties and is often used as a topical treatment for arthritis and joint pain. It can also lower itching during dialysis for people with kidney disease.
Capsaicin also has hepatoprotective properties, which reduce the risk of liver inflammation. It has also been shown to reduce oxidative stress and protect against alcoholic liver disease.
While there is some evidence that capsaicin can help lower blood sugar levels, it is important to consult a doctor before adding it to your diet. Additionally, the American College of Nutrition warns against following detox or cleanse programs that claim to remove toxins from the body or lead to weight loss. These programs are not supported by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health and can be harmful to your health.
