Amazing Health Benefits of Cayenne Pepper: A Comprehensive Guide

Discover the incredible health benefits of cayenne pepper and how this fiery spice can transform your well-being. From boosting metabolism to improving digestive health and reducing pain, cayenne pepper is more than just a flavor enhancer. Dive into our comprehensive guide to learn all about its nutritional value and diverse uses. Don’t miss out on unlocking the full potential of this powerful ingredient!

What Is Cayenne Pepper?

Cayenne pepper is a moderately hot chili pepper used to flavor dishes. It is generally skinny, red, 10 to 25 cm long, and has a curved tip. It is also known as chili peppers, African pepper, capsicum fruit, pimienta de cayena, and Zanzibar pepper. Cayenne pepper is a cultivar of Capsicum annuum, related to jalapeños, bell peppers, and paprika.

Cayenne pepper contains a high amount of capsaicin (which we will talk about later) that is responsible for most of its benefits. Capsaicin is also responsible for the fruit’s fiery hot flavor. The pepper is rated between 30,000-50,000 on the Scoville heat units (a measurement scale for the ‘hotness’ of a chili pepper). And let us tell you that the rating is quite high.

What Is the History of Cayenne Pepper?

Cayenne pepper gets its name from the city of Cayenne in French Guiana. It is known to have originated in Central and South America and was initially used as decoration, long before people realized its importance as a culinary spice and medicine.

Christopher Columbus discovered these fruits while traveling across the Caribbean. He brought them back to Europe as a substitute for black pepper (which was expensive back then). Today, cayenne pepper is cultivated across the world.

Trivia

Legend has it that the word ‘cayenne’ was derived from ‘kyynha,’ which means capsicum in the old Tupi language spoken in Brazil.

Is Cayenne Pepper Good for You?

Capsaicin and only capsaicin. Well, at least most of the time. This compound in cayenne pepper that gives it its hot and spicy flavor is responsible for all that is good and glorious about cayenne pepper.

And then, there are other nutrients like vitamins A and C, which contribute to most of the ways this spice can do good to you.

The benefits of cayenne pepper are as decorated as its history. But before we get there, let’s check out what this spice is made of.

What Are the Nutrients in Cayenne Pepper?

PRINCIPLE	NUTRIENT VALUE	PERCENTAGE OF RDA
Energy	318 Kcal	16%
Carbohydrates	56.63 g	43%
Protein	12.01 g	21%
Total Fat	17.27 g	57.56%
Cholesterol	0 mg	0%
Dietary Fiber	27.2 g	71%
Folates	106 mcg	26%
Niacin	8.701 mg	54%
Pyridoxine	2.450 mg	39%
Riboflavin	0.919 mg	71%
Thiamin	0.328 mg	27%
Vitamin A	41610 IU	1387%
Vitamin C	76.4 mg	127%
Vitamin E	29.83 mg	199%
Vitamin K	80.3 mg	67%
Sodium	30 mg	2%
Potassium	2014 mg	43%
Calcium	148 mg	15%
Copper	0.373 mg	41%
Iron	7.80 mg	97.5%
Magnesium	152 mg	38%
Manganese	2.00 mg	87%
Phosphorus	293 mg	42%
Selenium	8.8 mcg	18%
Zinc	2.48 mg	22.5%
Carotene-ß	21840 µg	—
Carotene-α	0 µg	—
Cryptoxanthin-ß	6252 µg	—
Lutein-zeaxanthin	13157 µg	—

Some of the important nutrients in cayenne pepper are vitamins C, B6, E, potassium, manganese, and flavonoids.

One teaspoon of cayenne pepper contains the following:

• 17 calories
• 2 milligrams of sodium
• 1 gram of fat
• 3 grams of carbohydrates
• 1 gram of sugar
• 1 gram of dietary fiber (6% of daily value)
• 1 gram of protein (1% of daily value)
• 2185 IU of vitamin A (44% of daily value)
• 6 milligrams of vitamin E (8% of daily value)
• 4 milligrams of vitamin C (7% of daily value)
• 1 milligram of vitamin B6 (6% of daily value)
• 2 micrograms of vitamin K (5% of daily value)
• 1 milligram of manganese (5% of daily value)
• 106 milligrams of potassium (3% of daily value)

Cayenne pepper contains no cholesterol.

What Are the Benefits of Cayenne Pepper?

Capsaicin in cayenne pepper offers various benefits. It boosts metabolism and heart health and even clears congestion. Cayenne pepper is also known to relieve joint pains and other inflammatory conditions. The spice also benefits the skin and hair.

1. Boosts Metabolism

It’s all about metabolism, isn’t it? Studies show that cayenne pepper can boost metabolism and even suppress hunger. And for this, we must thank capsaicin (which is also called a thermogenic chemical). This compound is known to produce extra heat in our bodies and burn more fat and calories in the process. Research tells us that consuming foods rich in capsaicin can increase our body’s metabolic rate by 20 percent (for up to 2 hours).

A 2014 study found that people who took red peppers with every meal experienced fewer cravings and an enhanced feeling of fullness. This means that adding capsaicin to your diet can suppress your appetite. And this means cayenne pepper can help you in your weight loss mission.

But hold on, we are only saying that adding cayenne pepper to your diet helps in certain ways. Please don’t torture yourself by filling your plate only with cayenne pepper!

2. Improves Digestive Health

It is said that the quality of your health depends on the quality of your digestive function. And with cayenne pepper, the former (and the latter) can definitely be taken care of.

Cayenne has the uncanny ability to boost heart action and circulation, thereby accelerating the digestive process. It also improves the stomach’s ability to defend infections and increases the production of digestive fluid. The pepper also smoothens the way important enzymes are delivered to the stomach. All of this enhances your digestive health.

Now, allow us to bust some myths. Capsaicin in cayenne pepper can help heal stomach ulcers. Of course, excessive consumption of spicy foods can lead to ulcers. But capsaicin is not the one to be blamed.

The pepper can also heal intestinal gas, stomach pain, diarrhea, and an upset stomach as well.

3. Might Lower Blood Pressure

Some sources say that capsaicin in cayenne pepper can lower your blood pressure overnight. Literally. Well, that might seem a little far-fetched (we don’t know, though), but what is true is that cayenne pepper can help heal your blood pressure woes.

The pepper opens up blood vessels, which increases blood flow. As the rate of blood flowing through your system increases, your blood pressure naturally comes down.

Capsaicin also affects the sensory nerves that work with neuro-hormonal systems, and this lowers blood pressure. But then, cayenne pepper is not a replacement for your blood pressure medication. It is just a supplementation.

Simply mix one teaspoon of cayenne pepper with half a glass of lukewarm water and drink at night before bed.

4. Can Reduce Pain

Cayenne for pain – yes, that’s what we are talking about.

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, capsaicin can reduce pain. The compound has powerful pain-relieving properties and works amazingly well when applied to the pain area. Here’s the science behind it – capsaicin reduces the amount of substance P (a chemical that delivers pain messages to the brain). As a result, you feel relief. This is why even most pain ointments have capsaicin as one of their ingredients.

Applying capsaicin to the skin is thought to reduce the concentration of substance P (a compound involved in pain transmission) and aid in pain relief. However, further clarity is warranted in this regard.

Cayenne works well for migraines too. Consuming it orally also reduces substance P and stops pain transmission. More importantly, it reduces platelet aggregation factor, also called PAF, which is what leads to migraines (by constricting the blood circulation in your head).

5. Can Prevent Cancer

In several studies, capsaicin has demonstrated the ability to induce apoptosis (death of cancer cells). In fact, it also arrests the ability of cancer cells to travel across the body.

One study talks about how capsaicin can help manage prostate cancer. And another American study talks about the anti-tumor activity of capsaicin. The compound can be beneficial in treating cancers of the lung, breast, colon, and prostate.

6. Protects the Heart

Given that cayenne improves the health of blood vessels and lowers blood pressure, it sure does good to the heart.

Cayenne pepper also prevents blood clots, making it effective in preventing heart attacks. The capsaicin clears the lipid deposits that narrow the arteries.

Studies show that cayenne is also effective in treating blood circulation problems, cardiac arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat), and palpitations.

7. Clears Congestion

If you have sinus congestion, cayenne pepper can help you out. The capsaicin in the pepper can thin the mucus and stimulate the sinuses. This ultimately aids air circulation, offering you relief. Consuming foods containing cayenne pepper can help clear your congestion.

Capsaicin might also have a beneficial effect on rhinitis, a disease with symptoms like postnasal drip and nasal congestion. Though we still require more studies, the future looks promising in this regard of respiratory health benefits.

One of the best ways to use capsaicin is to get the related nasal spray from your nearest pharmacy. You might also take cayenne orally. You can add one teaspoon of the pepper to a cup of hot water and take it thrice a day. This dilates the blood vessels in your nose, stimulates secretions, and drains the sinuses.

8. Helps Detoxify

Detoxifying is like recharging your batteries for a new and invigorated you. And you can very well take the help of cayenne in this process.

One of the more popular detox diets consists of cayenne pepper and lemon. This diet was developed way back in 1940 by Stanley Burroughs, an alternative health practitioner. This diet works by lowering the calorie intake.

The detox diet lasts for 10 days, where you need to drink 12 glasses of a tonic that consists of water, lemon juice, maple syrup, and cayenne pepper. And by the way, no solid foods. You should be getting around 650 to 1,300 calories a day. Here, the weight loss happens very quickly, and you might lose close to 3 pounds a week. Most of that weight is water weight, though.

However, we don’t really recommend you follow this detox diet. Because we humans need a variety of nutrients to stay healthy, and this detox diet doesn’t offer you much. Though certain anecdotal reports suggest that this diet leaves one feeling healthier and energetic, there is no concrete research. In fact, your body’s natural detoxification system is enough to keep you healthy. This detox tonic can probably be a healthy alternative to sugary beverages, once in a while.

9. Relieves Joint Pains

We already saw the pain-relieving effects of capsaicin. Studies have revealed that applying creams containing capsaicin on painful joints improved their condition.

According to the Arthritis Foundation, capsaicin (which also is one of the capsaicinoids present in cayenne pepper) has anti-inflammatory properties that can help relieve arthritis and joint pains. Topical capsaicin can also be effective for osteoarthritis pain and fibromyalgia.

10. Has Antimicrobial Properties

Cayenne pepper can prevent infection in the case of an injury, thanks to its antibacterial properties. It also possesses antifungal properties.

11. Improves Immunity

Though there are not many studies on this, the antioxidants in cayenne pepper can enhance one’s immunity. Eating this pepper is a natural remedy that also increases your body heat, and this is said to strengthen your immune system as well.

In a research study, the antioxidant activity of different peppers, including cayenne pepper, was determined based on their ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP activity). Though less than the other varieties, cayenne pepper was found to be a potent antioxidant.

12. Can Heal Toothaches

Using cayenne pepper for toothache is an old-fashioned remedy, but one that works. The pepper acts as a counter-irritant and decreases the deeper tooth pain. It also increases local blood flow.

13. Improves Skin and Hair Health

Though we have limited research on this, some reports promote cayenne pepper for its skin and hair benefits. The capsaicin in the pepper can soothe skin redness (its anti-inflammatory properties) and also treats acne-induced skin discoloration, thus promoting skin health. But don’t use the pepper alone. Mix one spoon of the pepper with some cocoa powder and half a ripe avocado till you get a paste. Apply it to your face and rinse after 15 minutes.

The vitamin in cayenne pepper can improve hair health too. Mix some of the pepper with honey and apply to your scalp. Cover your hair with a cellophane cover. Wash after 30 minutes.

You can also add three eggs and olive oil to this mixture and follow the same procedure for stronger hair. This remedy can also add volume and shine to your hair.

10 Questions and Answers about health benefits of cayenne pepper

1. What is cayenne pepper?
   • Answer: Cayenne pepper is a moderately hot chili pepper used to flavor dishes. It is skinny, red, 10 to 25 cm long, and has a curved tip.
2. Where does the name cayenne pepper come from?
   • Answer: The name comes from the city of Cayenne in French Guiana.
3. What compound gives cayenne pepper its hot and spicy flavor?
   • Answer: Capsaicin is the compound responsible for the hot and spicy flavor of cayenne pepper.
4. What are some of the main nutrients found in cayenne pepper?
   • Answer: Cayenne pepper is rich in vitamins A, C, B6, E, potassium, manganese, and flavonoids.
5. How does cayenne pepper boost metabolism?
   • Answer: Capsaicin in cayenne pepper increases the body’s metabolic rate by producing extra heat and burning more fat and calories.
6. Can cayenne pepper help improve digestive health?
   • Answer: Yes, cayenne pepper can boost heart action and circulation, improve the stomach’s ability to defend against infections, and enhance the production of digestive fluids.
7. How does cayenne pepper affect blood pressure?
   • Answer: Capsaicin in cayenne pepper helps open up blood vessels, increasing blood flow and naturally lowering blood pressure.
8. What are the pain-relieving properties of cayenne pepper?
   • Answer: Capsaicin reduces the amount of substance P, a chemical that delivers pain messages to the brain, thereby reducing pain.
9. Can cayenne pepper prevent cancer?
   • Answer: Studies have shown that capsaicin can induce apoptosis in cancer cells and prevent their spread, making it beneficial in treating various types of cancer.
10. What are the benefits of cayenne pepper for skin and hair?
    • Answer: Capsaicin can soothe skin redness and treat acne-induced discoloration, while vitamins in cayenne pepper can improve hair health, adding volume and shine.

Quiz on Cayenne Pepper

1. What compound is responsible for the spicy flavor of cayenne pepper?
   • A) Vitamin C
   • B) Capsaicin
   • C) Niacin
   • D) Riboflavin
2. Where did cayenne pepper get its name?
   • A) From a city in Mexico
   • B) From the city of Cayenne in French Guiana
   • C) From a Latin word
   • D) From an explorer named Cayenne
3. Which vitamin is found in large amounts in cayenne pepper?
   • A) Vitamin B12
   • B) Vitamin D
   • C) Vitamin A
   • D) Vitamin K
4. How does cayenne pepper affect metabolism?
   • A) Slows it down
   • B) Has no effect
   • C) Increases it
   • D) Stops it
5. How does cayenne pepper improve digestive health?
   • A) By reducing digestive fluids
   • B) By improving the production of digestive fluids and defending the stomach against infections
   • C) By increasing cholesterol
   • D) None of the above
6. What is the effect of capsaicin on pain?
   • A) Increases pain
   • B) Has no effect on pain
   • C) Reduces pain by decreasing substance P in the body
   • D) Only reduces headache pain
7. Can cayenne pepper prevent cancer?
   • A) Yes, by inducing apoptosis in cancer cells
   • B) No, it increases the risk of cancer
   • C) It has no effect on cancer
   • D) Only prevents skin cancer
8. How does cayenne pepper affect blood pressure?
   • A) Increases it
   • B) Has no effect
   • C) Lowers it by improving blood flow
   • D) Keeps it the same
9. What benefits does cayenne pepper have for the skin?
   • A) Can soothe redness and treat acne-induced discoloration
   • B) Causes irritation and acne
   • C) Has no benefits for the skin
   • D) Only improves skin tone
10. What other names are given to cayenne pepper?
    • A) Jamaican pepper and Cyprus pepper
    • B) African pepper and Zanzibar pepper
    • C) Indian pepper and Tahiti pepper
    • D) Chinese pepper and Japanese pepper

Quiz Answers

1. B) Capsaicin
2. B) From the city of Cayenne in French Guiana
3. C) Vitamin A
4. C) Increases it
5. B) By improving the production of digestive fluids and defending the stomach against infections
6. C) Reduces pain by decreasing substance P in the body
7. A) Yes, by inducing apoptosis in cancer cells
8. C) Lowers it by improving blood flow
9. A) Can soothe redness and treat acne-induced discoloration
10. B) African pepper and Zanzibar peppe

REF: (1)