How is cayenne pepper for health

Vitamin A exists in two forms: provitamin A and preformed vitamin A. Provitamin A carotenoids are found in plant foods, while preformed vitamin A is concentrated in animal foods 5. Provitamin A carotenoids found in cayenne include alpha carotene and beta carotene, which the body can convert into the active form of vitamin A 6 , 7.

Like vitamin A, vitamin C is essential to immune health. It also plays critical roles in collagen production, iron absorption, and neurotransmitter synthesis 9.

Additionally, hot peppers like cayenne peppers provide nutrients like B6, vitamin K, potassium, and magnesium. Even though cayenne peppers are nutritious, most people can only handle a small portion because of their intense spicy flavor.

However, consuming small amounts of cayenne regularly could contribute to the improved intake of certain nutrients. Chili peppers like cayenne peppers are high in a number of nutrients, including vitamin C and provitamin A.

Many of the health benefits attributed to hot peppers like cayenne peppers are linked to their capsaicin content. Peppers contain a variety of compounds called capsaicinoids, but capsaicin is the most abundant 3 , When you consume it in high-dose supplement form or apply it topically , capsaicin may offer several health benefits, including 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 :.

However, research on the effects of taking capsaicin supplements is quite limited, and more evidence supports the use of topical applications of capsaicin, such as capsicin-containing creams Research also suggests that capsaicin has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Even though the capsaicin found in cayenne peppers likely offers some benefits, more research is needed to fully understand how capsaicin derived from normal serving sizes of cayenne peppers affects health. A compound called capsaicin in cayenne peppers may offer some health benefits. However, available studies focus on high-dose oral capsaicin supplements and topical applications, not the amounts found in normal serving sizes of hot peppers.

Although capsaicin is perhaps the most well-known plant compound found in cayenne peppers, they contain many more protective plant compounds that may have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in the body. All of these may help protect against cellular damage caused by oxidative stress — an imbalance between damaging molecules called free radicals and antioxidant defenses in the body 17 , A study showed that Capsicum annuum pepper varieties, including a type of cayenne pepper, had the greatest antioxidant activity compared with other types of peppers, including habanero-type peppers C.

Are you dealing with stuffed up sinuses due to seasonal illness or allergies? Cayenne pepper aids in breaking up and moving congested mucus. 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, suppressed the development of 16 different fungal strains while remaining completely non-toxic to healthy cells.

Cayenne is a well-known digestive aid. It stimulates the digestive tract , increasing the flow of enzyme production and gastric juices. Cayenne pepper is also helpful for relieving intestinal gas. It stimulates intestinal peristaltic motion, aiding in both assimilation and elimination. Many health ailments result in swelling and redness throughout the body.

Cayenne stimulates the production of saliva, an important component of digestion and oral health maintenance. Cayenne pepper promotes cardiovascular health, specifically by supporting healthy blood vessels and normal blood consistency.

When both of these variables are normal and in-check, the risk of serious cardiac episodes is greatly reduced. Cayenne stimulates the circulatory system and increases the pulse of lymphatic and digestive rhythms. Heating the body streamlines the natural process of detoxification. Cayenne also induces sweating — another important process of detoxification. Combined with lemon juice and honey, cayenne tea is an excellent morning beverage for encouraging detoxification.

Extremely high in a substance called capsaicin , cayenne pepper sends chemical messengers from the skin into the joint, offering relief for occasional joint discomfort.

Cayenne is an excellent preservative and has been used to prevent food contamination from bacteria. Researchers also found that regular consumption of chili peppers aligned with reduced rates of death from respiratory ailments or heart disease. Scientists at Laval University in Quebec conducted and study and found that participants who took cayenne pepper for breakfast had less appetite and consumed fewer calories throughout the day.

Cayenne is also a metabolic booster and aids the body in burning excess fat. Studies found that capsaicin supports the heart in pumping blood, as well as encouraging healthy circulation. When applied directly to the site, cayenne may help ease the discomfort associated with a sore tooth. From there, the possibilities are pretty much endless—though dietitians have a few recommendations. Looking for a spicy snack or having people over?

Gans recommends adding fresh cayenne to appetizers like crab dip for an added kick. If your usual chicken dishes have you bored, chop up some fresh cayenne pepper and sprinkle it on top of your protein. Make your favorite soup or stew recipes even more warming by adding some cayenne into the mix. Sprinkle a little dried cayenne into your usual seasoning mix for extra oomph.

Rumsey's favorite way to use cayenne: Add a few dashes to olive oil and then drizzle it over your food. She loves it atop plain popcorn.

The bottom line: Cayenne can support your health in a bunch of ways, but it's no magic bullet. Use it only as much as works for your body and taste buds. Weight Loss. United States. Scientific evidence does not support all of the uses above. However, some researchers have found that compounds in cayenne pepper may help in the following ways. The antioxidants in cayenne pepper include:.

Cryptoxanthin is also a type of pigment called a carotenoid, and it gives the pepper its red color. Antioxidants offer a wide range of health benefits by helping the body remove free radicals — toxic substances that can cause harm if too many build up. Which foods are good sources of antioxidants? Authors of a review found that capsaicin may relieve symptoms such as sneezing, a stuffy nose, postnasal drip, and congestion when allergies or smoking are not the cause.

The improvement started as soon as 10 minutes after using the spray. Meanwhile, a study suggested that cayenne pepper may have antibacterial properties. In laboratory tests, scientists found that it combatted group A Streptococci , the type of bacteria responsible for strep throat and other diseases.

However, there is a lack of scientific evidence to suggest that these home remedies are effective. What are some other natural cold remedies?

One review published in looked at the potential for capsaicin in a cream to reduce pain. The authors concluded that there may be benefits to long-term use. Capsaicin may help alleviate pain by reducing the amount of substance P — a chemical that carries pain messages to the brain. Creams or ointments containing 0. Participants benefitted from applying the cream three times daily to the sites of their pain. However, some people who try this treatment experience an unpleasant burning sensation as a side effect.