Cayenne pepper has been part of Native American cuisine and medicine for at least 9,000 years. Many of the benefits of pepper relate to the capsaicin ingredient. This pepper contains vitamin C, vitamin B6, vitamin E, potassium, manganese and flavonoids.
What it is?
Cayenne pepper in the photo above is a versatile spice that can be easily added to many different dishes.
It is closely associated with jalapenos and bell peppers and is a staple in southwestern American and Mexican cuisine. Delicate red peppers have a deceptively mild odor. But a powerful, fiery taste.
Peppers are often dried and ground to make a powdered spice used for seasoning. Cayenne peppers are also used in Korean, Sichuan and other Asian cuisines.
Capsaicin, the active ingredient in this pepper, gives the powder its spiciness. It is also used to treat muscle and joint pain.
Cayenne pepper properties are also used in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicines to help deal with circulatory problems and increase appetite.
Pain relief
Capsaicin, the active ingredient found in cayenne peppers, may have analgesic properties. This is confirmed by many scientists. Studies of cayenne pepper's ability to relieve pain have led to the conclusion that it can have benefits as a long-term pain reliever without bringing other sensory changes.
Capsaicin has also been shown to reduce the amount of substance P (a chemical that carries reports of pain in the brain). With less P, less pain reaches the brain and less pain is felt.
Capsaicin is currently used in topical ointments and creams to relieve pain from osteoarthritis, neuralgia, pain after surgery, lower back pain.
Capsaicin has been investigated for the treatment of cancer and the relief of pain associated with cancer. It appears to effectively reduce pain. However, conflicting results have shown that it can both help prevent cancer and promote tumor growth. Caution is advised.
Burning calories and suppressing appetite
There are many foods containing cayenne pepper that increase metabolism and promote weight loss. Researchers at Purdue University found that eating pepper slightly increased body temperature, which in turn burns calories.
A decrease in appetite was found in another study after taking 10 g of cayenne pepper. However, it was a large dose, and it had to be repeated at each meal.
The results of the study showed that those who mixed cayenne pepper with food burned an additional 10 calories 4 hours after eating, compared to those who did not add pepper.
Cold remedy
Cayenne pepper is often used as a home remedy for coughs, colds. One popular homemade recipe combines 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger, 1 tablespoon of honey, 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and 2 tablespoons of water to take a teaspoon of this mixture. Other people add cayenne pepper and apple cider vinegar to hot tea to clear the sinuses.
Vitamin A Source
Vitamin A plays an important role in maintaining healthy vision, neurological function and healthy skin. It is an antioxidant that reduces inflammation by fighting free radicals. Studies have repeatedly shown that antioxidants, such as vitamin A, are vital for good health and longevity, they benefit eye health, and enhance immunity.
Fortunately, cayenne pepper is an excellent source of vitamin A. In fact, only two teaspoons of pepper contain its daily rate.
Contains Vitamin E
Vitamin E benefits include benefits for many organs in the body and are extremely beneficial for naturally slowing down the aging process. This important and beneficial vitamin has the ability to regulate cholesterol, fight free radicals, repair damaged skin, regulate hormones, restore damaged skin and hair, improve vision and increase energy levels. Cayenne pepper is an important supplier of vitamin E.
Prevents Allergies
Since cayenne pepper is an anti-inflammatory, it has the ability to prevent allergies and allergy-related symptoms. Food allergies, for example, are a response to the consumption of certain foods. Food allergies or intolerances can be caused by a condition known as intestinal permeability (intestinal permeability), when proteins and food particles pass through the intestines and cause systemic inflammation of the body.
Anticancer agent
Studies show that capsaicin can play the role of a natural treatment for cancer, including the treatment of prostate cancer. One study conducted at the University of California at the Los Angeles School of Medicine showed that this important ingredient in cayenne pepper can inhibit the growth of cancer cells and prevent the activation of new dangerous formations.
There is also evidence from the University of California that says the benefits of this pepper include effective help in preventing lung cancer in smokers. The high content of capsaicin in cayenne pepper can stop the formation of tobacco-induced tumors in the lungs. And that’s not all. Similar effects were also found in liver tumors when they were exposed to cayenne pepper.
Antifungal properties
Another advantage of cayenne pepper is its ability to kill fungus and prevent the formation of fungal pathogens. This pepper was tested to determine its antifungal activity, and it was found that it was active against 16 different fungal strains, including Candida.
Structure
One tablespoon of cayenne pepper weighing 5.3 grams (g) contains:
- 17 calories
- 0.64 g of protein;
- 0.92 g of fat;
- 3 g of carbohydrates, including 1.4 g of fiber and 0.6 g of sugar;
- 8 mg of calcium;
- 0.41 mg of iron;
- 8 mg of magnesium;
- 16 mg of phosphorus;
- 107 mg potassium.
Other nutrients include vitamin C, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, and folic acid. It is also rich in flavonoids and carotenoids, which give it its red color.
Diet tips
This is a universal spice that can be added to everything: fish, eggs, soups, pasta.
Here are some simple tips:
- Add cayenne pepper to the spicy mixes. Such as curry or barbecue.
- Season your marinades by adding cayenne pepper.
Pepper is usually used in combination with lemon juice and water as part of a detox diet.
Gastrointestinal side effects
There are benefits and harms from cayenne pepper. Although people use this product to treat gastrointestinal diseases, this substance can cause stomach irritation in some. Anyone prone to heartburn should talk with a doctor before taking capsules with cayenne pepper. It may be dangerous. Individuals with irritable bowel syndrome or stomach or intestinal ulcers may not be able to safely consume cayenne pepper as an additive.
Allergic reaction
Some people may experience an allergic reaction to cayenne pepper. Most often this happens in people who are allergic to avocados, bananas, chestnuts, kiwis. Signs of an allergy include: shortness of breath, chest pain, tightness in the throat or chest, skin rash, hives, and itching or swollen skin.
Kidney and liver problems
Consuming too much capsaicin can cause damage to the kidneys and liver. People should not exceed the recommended dose, and anyone with kidney or liver problems should not eat cayenne pepper.
Breastfeeding Issues
Women who are breastfeeding should not eat this pepper or use capsaicin supplements. According to reviews of cayenne pepper, it is noted that some children developed a skin condition called erythematic dermatitis after breast-feeding mothers ate cayenne flavor foods.