Cayenne Pepper Health Benefits, Nutrition and Spice Facts

Health Benefits of Eating Cayenne Peppers

• Improve Digestion

  Cayenne peppers are carminative. They are natural digestive aid that promotes the production of gastric juices and relevant enzymes, which increase the body’s ability in food metabolism. The spice is often used as herb remedies to treat atonic dyspepsia and flatulence.
   

• Heal Cold and Flu

  Cayenne peppers also have health advantages over cold and flu as they are effective in breaking up mucus in your respiratory system. Moreover, they are a natural antibiotic, which help eliminate the harmful micro-organisms in your body. Besides, the spice is good for ailments like tonsillitis, sore throats and coughs too.
   

• Great Anti-Cancer Agent

  A research report in 2006 has shown that capsaicin contained in cayenne peppers help fight prostate cancer cells in mice. Meanwhile, scientific studies done by researchers at Loma Linda University have indicated that capsaicin is also useful in lung cancer prevention among smokers.
   

• Beneficial to Weight Loss

  Not many people are aware of the health fact that cayenne peppers play an important part in weight loss. Clinical tests have proven that the thermogenic effects of the spice boost the metabolism of the body and reduce your appetite, thereby assisting you to lose weight.
   

• Excellent Detox

  Detox capabilities are also among the health properties of cayenne peppers. The spice contributes a better blood circulation and makes you sweat, which is significant in detoxification. When combined with honey and lemon juice, cayenne tea is a wonderful drink in the morning for body detox.
   

• Relieve Pain

  Another health effect of cayenne peppers is relief of pain. The spice provides analgesic effects to divert sensory nerves from pain. The capsaicin compound can inhibit substance P from sending signals of pain to the brain. 

Overview and Facts about Cayenne Peppers

Cayenne pepper (scientific name Capsicum annuum or Capsicum fastigiatum), or red pepper are native to Central and South America. It is known as “cayenne” as they were initially found in a town with that name in South America.

Christopher Columbus brought cayenne peppers back to Europe, in which they were quickly accepted as a substitute to black pepper, a luxury spice during that time. Ferdinand Magellan, on the other hand, introduced red pepper to African and Asian countries, which used them as a foodstuff as well as a natural remedy. Nowadays, cayenne peppers are cultivated throughout the world.

The spice belongs to the Capsicum family, often referred to as chili peppers. Like bell peppers, eggplant, potatoes and tomatoes, it is also a vegetable of the nightshade family. Cayenne Peppers are rich in nutrients like beta-carotene, vitamin A, B-complex vitamins and vitamin C. They are also a good source of minerals including calcium and potassium. Cayenne peppers are made into cayenne pepper pills and capsules as health supplements for wellness of the body. However, one must strictly follow the dosage to avoid adverse reactions. 

Cayenne Pepper Nutrition Facts and Calories
 

Cayenne Pepper Recipe

• 30 ml of freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 30 ml of grade B maple syrup
• 1 1/2 ml of cayenne pepper powder
• 300 ml of filtered water 

Cayenne Pepper Side Effects

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