Many societies, especially those of the Americas and China, have a
history of using cayenne pepper therapeutically. A powerful compound
with many uses, cayenne pepper is currently gaining buzz for cleansing and detoxifying regimes such as the Master Cleanse, which uses the spice to stimulate circulation and neutralize acidity.
Cayenne pepper has been used for a variety of ailments including indigestion,
confusion, tremors, gout, fever, flatulence, sore throat, hemorrhoids,
menorrhagia in women, nausea, tonsillitis, scarlet fever, and
diphtheria.[1, 2] Let’s take a look at some of the best health benefits cayenne pepper has to offer.
The Health Benefits of Cayenne Pepper
1. Anti-Irritant Properties
Irritation can happen in the body for any number of reasons — diet,
illness, and environmental toxins just to list a few. Ironically,
cayenne can help "put out the fire" and ease an upset stomach, sore
throats, coughs, and occasional diarrhea.[3]
2. Clears Congestion
Suffering from stuffed up sinuses due to seasonal illness or allergies? Cayenne pepper aids in breaking up and moving congested mucus.[4]
3. Resists Harmful Organisms
When it comes to defense against harmful organisms, cayenne is a
proverbial surgical flame thrower. In vitro tests have found that CAY-1,
a compound found in cayenne peppers, effectively suppressed the
development of 16 different fungal strains, while remaining completely
non-toxic to animal cells.[5]
4. Headache Remedy
This may be related to the pepper’s ability to stimulate a pain
response in a different area of the body, thus diverting the brain’s
attention to the new site. Following this initial pain reaction, the
nerve fibers have a depleted substance P (the nerve’s pain chemical),
and the perception of pain is lessened.[6]
5. Digestive Aid
Cayenne is a well-known digestive aid. It stimulates the digestive tract,
increasing the flow of enzyme production and gastric juices. This aids
the body’s ability to metabolize food (and toxins). Cayenne pepper is
also helpful for relieving intestinal gas. It stimulates intestinal peristaltic motion, aiding in both assimilation and elimination.[7]
6. Anti-Redness Properties
Many health ailments result in swelling and redness throughout the
body. Cayenne’s ability to soothe systemic cellular distress make it a
great herb for many occasional conditions.[3]
7. Helps Produce Saliva
Cayenne stimulates the production of saliva, an important component of digestion and maintaining optimal oral health.[8]
8. Promotes Cardiovascular Health
Cayenne pepper helps reduce atherosclerosis, encourages fibrinolytic
activity, and prevents factors that lead to the formation of blood
clots, all of which can help reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke.[6]
9. Detox Support
Cayenne is a known circulatory stimulant. It increases the pulse of
our lymphatic and digestive rhythms. By heating the body, the natural
process of detoxification is streamlined. Cayenne also induces sweating —
another important process of detoxification. Combined with lemon juice
and honey, cayenne tea is an excellent morning beverage for total body detox.[2]
10. Soothes Occasional Joint Discomfort
Extremely high in a substance called capsaicin, cayenne pepper sends chemical messengers from the skin into the joint, offering relief for occasional joint discomfort.[9] For this reason, many people with stiff, sore joints use creams and lotion that contain cayenne.
11. Helps Preserve Food
Cayenne is an excellent preservative and has been used traditionally to prevent food contamination from bacteria.[10, 11]
12. Promotes Longevity
A study using data collected from almost half a million people found
that those who ate spicy foods had a 14% chance of living longer than
those that didn’t. Researchers also found that regular consumption of
chili peppers aligned with reduced rates of death from respiratory
disease, heart concerns, cancer.[12, 13]
13. Encourages Healthy Body Weight
Scientists at Laval University in Quebec found that participants who
took cayenne pepper for breakfast were found to have less appetite,
leading to less caloric intake throughout the day. Cayenne is also a
great metabolic booster and aids the body in burning excess fat.[9]
14. Promotes Heart Health
Animal studies found that capsaicin reduced serious heart arrhythmias and improved cardiac blood flow.[6]
15. Remedy for Toothache
When applied directly to the site, cayenne may help ease the discomfort associated with a sore tooth.[8]
16. Topical Remedy
As a poultice, cayenne has been used to treat snake bites,
rheumatism, sores, wounds, and lumbago or lower back discomfort. More
research is needed to determine it’s effectiveness.[8]
17. Tastes Great!
This one is purely subjective, and those with sensitive palates may
disagree, but many people find that a dash cayenne can add a little
delicious zest to otherwise bland food.
Do you enjoy cayenne? Have you noticed any benefits from adding it to
your diet? Leave a comment below and share your experience with us.
References (13)
†Results may vary. Information and statements made are for education
purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. If
you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your
physician
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