What Are the Health Benefits of Cayenne Pepper?
Cayenne pepper is a member of the Capsicum family of vegetables, which includes both chili peppers as well as sweet bell peppers. Like it’s hot and spicy cousins, cayenne is known as a remarkable healing food and herb because of the presence of capsaicin — a naturally occurring alkaloid compound that gives chili peppers their heat. Along with beneficial phytochemicals, this pepper is also a good source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. So, what are the health benefits of cayenne pepper?
Cayenne and Heart Health
As heart disease is the number one cause of death in the United States, making cayenne pepper a regular part of the American diet is not such a bad idea. Cayenne is a general tonic for the cardiovascular system, strengthening the heart and blood vessels and regulating blood flow. Eating this pepper, as well as other chilis, will help to naturally lower triglyceride levels and blood cholesterol.
A Natural Stimulant
Cayenne is a natural stimulant, warming the body and stimulating digestion, metabolism, and peripheral circulation. This action will help to
reduce gas and a minor upset stomach. Raising body temperature and speeding up metabolism, adding a little cayenne pepper to your food is a simple, natural way to burn a few more calories.
Reduced Risk of Stomach Ulcers
Yes, cayenne pepper benefits even extend to preventing stomach ulcers. How? By helping to destroy bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract while also stimulating cells in the stomach to secrete buffering juices that prevent ulcers from forming. Especially if you are at risk for an ulcer because of an unhealthy diet or stressful lifestyle, consider cooking with cayenne and other chili peppers.
Helpful for Inflammation
This food is also useful for treating inflammation. In fact, because of its capsaicin content, cayenne powder is an effective topical remedy for the pain and inflammation from rheumatoid arthritis. It stimulates sensation and draws blood from deep within the body to the surface. After a few moments of increased sensation, the pain is significantly reduced. Capsaicin also inhibits substance P, which is a chemical in the body that is related to inflammation.
Tonic for Well-Being
Cayenne pepper has many benefits, but it is also simply an overall tonic for well-being. Rich in carotenoids and vitamin C, it helps to boost the immune system and protect the body from infection. The stimulating effect addresses circulation, digestive health, and even increases the body’s natural release of toxins through sweating. For heart health, weight loss, arthritis, or simply well-being, enjoy the health benefits of cayenne pepper with a teaspoon or two of the dried powder added to your food. You can also try drinking a tea made from cayenne powder. Infuse one teaspoon in one cup of boiled water for ten minutes. Add one tablespoon of this solution to one cup of hot water. Cayenne is a great, simple, and safe healing tonic.
References
World’s Healthiest Foods https://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=140
Hoffmann, David. “The Complete Illustrated Holistic Herbal: A Safe and Practical Guide to Making and Using Herbal Remedies.” (Element Books, 1996).
photo by: Themissia (CC/flickr) https://www.flickr.com/photos/themissiah/3185224529/sizes/m/in/photostream/
photo by: Rick (CC/flickr ) https://www.flickr.com/photos/spine/309779630/sizes/m/in/photostream/