The Benefits of Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne peppers to most and myself are considered the masters of medicinal herbs. But to some, the benefits of cayenne pepper have been largely underscored and avoided by folks who avoid spicy food experiences. And I get that. But this spice may well be worth the minor agony. The benefits of cayenne pepper include weight loss, improved sexual function, and even digestive health. This pepper is often found in our top male enhancers supplement list for a reason, and it isn’t because supplements are aiming to be spicy.
These awesome peppers have been used for thousands of years in many cultures to treat a plethora of health problems. The Cayenne, not only used in medicine, can be a great way to spice up your cooking and contains a ton of nutrients that benefit the human body.
What is the Cayenne Pepper?
This popular pepper is more than just the subject of adolescent dares. The cayenne pepper is a type of chili pepper that belongs to the nightshade family. These flowering plants are related closely to jalapenos and bell peppers. Central and South America were the first places that these peppers were grown. Christopher Columbus then brought the pepper back to Europe in the 15th century. So in the event you don’t believe America should celebrate Columbus Day because you feel he didn’t discover America, you can take solace in the idea that he discovered a darn healthy pepper.
The nutrition in these peppers is no less than impressive and provides a lot of antioxidants that are a huge benefit to your health. Antioxidants are the enemy of free radicals that are linked to propelling cancer, among many other ailments.
In one tablespoon, equal to (5 grams) of cayenne the pepper contains:
- Fat: 1 gram
- Calories: 17
- Fiber: 1.4 grams
- Carbs: 3 grams
- Protein: 0.6 grams
- Vitamin E: 8% of the RDI
- Vitamin A: 44% of the RDI
- Vitamin B6: 6% of the RDI
- Vitamin C: 7% of the RDI
- Vitamin K: 5% of the RDI
- Potassium: 3% of the RDI
- Manganese: 5 % of the RDI
- Riboflavin: 3% of the RDI
The medicinal property of the cayenne pepper is known as Capsaicin (many supplements list this as the ingredient name, but thanks to this article, you now know what it really means!). This is also the feature of the pepper that gives them their spice. If you are familiar with peppers then you know that the more capsaicin there is in the pepper, the hotter it is, the healthier it is!
Cayenne Pepper Benefits
Cayenne as a Metabolism Booster
Slow metabolism means increased fat storage. And typically, we don’t like fat storage because fat storage makes us fat. The first benefit of cayenne has to be the fact that it can boost your Metabolism. The capsaicin in the pepper is what contains that metabolism boosting property. The heat produced inside your body increases, which in turn helps you burn more calories in a day. (1) The process in which the capsaicin can do this, is called diet-induced thermogenesis. If cayenne becomes a regular ingredient in your diet its hard to see the same benefits over a longer period of time. (2)
Cayenne Pepper and Reduced Hunger
Being super hungry leads to weight gain because when we are hungry, we eat (sound logic, I know). Cayenne pepper can help you to reduce that ravaging hunger. The pepper has a way to make you eat less and feel fuller for a longer period of time. A study showed that those taking the capsaicin supplement ate less then the people that didn’t take anything. The ones taking it reduced their food ingestion by 10%, where the ones that had the capsaicin beverage ended up reducing 16%. (3)
Cayenne Pepper Can Lower Blood Pressure
These days a big health risk is high blood pressure. 40% of those older than 25 have a higher blood pressure. The capsaicin can help relax blood vessels and that leads to lowering blood pressure. Most studies have been done on animals, and effects can differ in humans. More studies need to be done. (4)(5)
Cayenne May help to Relieve Pain
The capsaicin in the cayenne pepper has properties to provide pain relief when used as an ingredient in skin cream. Substance p is a neuropeptide that is produced by the body to signal the brain that you are in pain. If less substance p is produced then the signals can’t reach the brain and in turn that pain feeling goes away. The cream is usually recommended for conditions like:
- Lower back pain
- Pain after a surgery
- Muscle and Joint pain
- Pain caused by conditions such as shingles
Cayenne Pepper Is Easily Added to Your Diet
The cayenne pepper is a popular ingredient in many kitchens around the world. It comes in 3 main forms:
- As a supplement
- A spice
- The whole food
The cayenne pepper can spice up many different foods, like eggs or fries, and even sauces. Its just as easy to cut up the pepper and toss it into a salad. It is recommended that you become familiar with the taste of the cayenne before you go adding it to your meal, as it can be very spicy.\
The Risks
The pepper itself is, in general, safe to eat. Like every other food if you eat too much it can cause stomach pain or make you sick. If you take medicine for high blood pressure, like ACE inhibitors, I would consult your doctor before using the capsaicin cream. Also never apply the cream to open wounds. If you take blood thinners, consult a doctor before eat cayenne as it can increase the chances of bleeding. (6)
In Conclusion
The cayenne pepper is a super ingredient. It incorporates into many foods and diets. Capsaicin is the real power behind the pepper by helping to lower blood pressure and reducing appetites. It’s a great way to add a kick to your food and is loaded with nutrition. If you are concerned about mixing medications with cayenne always see a doctor first. I hope this review of Cayenne Pepper was helpful and knowledgeable. Thanks for reading! Hopefully, you are off to the store to buy an additional spice for the spice rack!