Cayenne Pepper Benefits Your Gut, Heart and More

Many of us have used cayenne pepper to add a little spice to our meals, but did you know that it has the power to change your health? It has been used for both food and medicine for the last 9,000 years!

Cayenne pepper can stimulate your body’s circulation and reduce acidity. It’s a powerful, spicy little pepper that offers many health benefits.

The fruit of the capsicum plant contains a chemical called capsaicin. Using capsaicin found in cayenne pepper for different health ailments is more common than ever. Find out why.

What Is Cayenne Pepper?

Cayenne is a shrub that originated in Central and South America and now grows in subtropical and tropical climates. Its hollow fruit grows into long pods that turn red, orange or yellow when they ripen.

Cayenne chili peppers (or Capsicum frutescens) belong to the genus Capsicum and come from a similar cultivar of Capsicum annuum. Capsicum is an herb, and the fruit of the capsicum plant is used to make medicine.

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Cayenne pepper is typically added to food in either its natural or powdered form, and some people use it as a cream or capsule in order to take advantage of its detoxifying properties.

The chili originated in Central and South America. It’s named after the capital city of the French Guiana, Cayenne.

From seeds found on the floors of caves that were ancient human dwellings and from ancient fossil feces, scientists have found that people were eating peppers as early as 7000 B.C.

Cayenne is one of the main foods of the Hunzas in Asia, along with apricots and their pits, millet, and other simple foods. These people live to over a hundred years of age, which some say is because of their natural immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory foods that they consume daily.

Cayenne peppers were even growing in the Hawaiian Islands in as early as 1897. These smaller and more pungent fruits were called “Hawaiian Chili Peppers.”

Today, you can find cayenne pepper all over the world, and it now has a reputation for its health benefits.

An interesting and popular detox and weight loss regime recently has been the cayenne pepper diet, which is a “cleanse” that flushes toxins from the body. The diet consists of a lemon and cayenne drink that is consumed about six times a day, and this lasts for about 10 days.

The drink recipe calls for two tablespoons of lemon or lime juice, two tablespoons of real maple syrup, a pinch of cayenne pepper, and eight ounces of water.

Nutrition Facts

Cayenne pepper contains some vitamin C, vitamin B6, vitamin E, potassium, manganese and flavonoids – which provide its powerful antioxidant properties.

On the Scoville Rating Scale, cayenne pepper is rated typically anywhere from 30,000 to 190,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU). (Pure capsaicin has the highest SHU rating.)

A one-teaspoon serving of cayenne pepper (about 1.8 grams) contains approximately:

• Calories: 5.7
• Total Carbohydrates: 1 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Sugar: 0.2 g
• Total Fat: 0.3 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.05 g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2 g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 0.05 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Protein: 0.2 g
• Sodium: 0.5 mg (0.02% DV*)
• Vitamin A: 37.4 mcg (4% DV)
• Vitamin E: 0.5 mg (3% DV)
• Vitamin C: 1.4 mg (2% DV)
• Vitamin K: 1.4 mcg (1% DV)

*Daily Value: Percentages are based on a diet of 2,000 calories a day.

Health Benefits

Cayenne pepper benefits are numerous. It’s used to help digestion, including to treat upset stomach, slow intestinal gas, stop stomach pain, stop diarrhea and as a natural remedy for cramps.

It’s also used for conditions of the heart and blood vessels — including to improve poor circulation, reverse excessive blood clotting, lower high cholesterol and prevent heart disease.

When consumed, cayenne pepper also may have the power to relieve a toothache, seasickness, alcoholism, malaria and fever. It’s also used to help people who have difficulty swallowing. When applied topically, cayenne pepper benefits the skin, too.

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Currently, it’s being studied to test its ability to reduce pain sensations when applied to the skin, and research indicates that it would be effective as a remedy for headaches (including migraines), potential solution for osteoarthritis and other painful conditions.

Many of these cayenne pepper benefits are possible because of the plant’s active compound capsaicin. This molecule works by binding to a vanilloid receptor known as TRPV1, which triggers a mild inflammatory reaction that’s meant to repair injured cells.

1. Helps Digestion

One of the major cayenne pepper benefits is the positive effect it has on the digestive system.

Cayenne pepper helps produce saliva, which is important for excellent digestion as well as preventing bad breath. Research suggests that consuming cayenne pepper stimulates our salivary glands, which is needed to begin the digestive process.

Cayenne pepper also stimulates the flow of enzyme production, which is essential for the digestive system to work properly. It also stimulates gastric juices that aid the body’s ability to metabolize food and toxins.

2. Relieves Migraine Pain

Researchers suggest that cayenne pepper, due to its spice, is able to stimulate a pain response in a different part of the body. Once this happens, the brain puts its attention on that new site and no longer concentrates on the pain in the head, which causes the migraine headache.

After this initial pain reaction from the cayenne pepper, the nerve fibers have a depleted substance P, or pain chemical, and the sensation of pain is lessened.

With cayenne compounds, you’re basically tricking your body to “feel pain” somewhere else, so the head is no longer the main focus for pain chemicals.

3. Helps Prevent Blood Clots

Blood clots are blockages in your arteries and blood vessels that limit blood flow through your circulatory system.

Cayenne encourages fibrinolytic activity and helps prevent blood clots. This is also the reason why cayenne pepper may be effective in helping prevent heart attacks.

Studies indicate that the capsaicin in cayenne pepper helps to clear away artery-narrowing lipid deposits and dilates arteries and blood vessels to clear away clots.

4. Provides Detox Support

Cayenne pepper benefits include its ability to stimulate circulation and eliminate acidity.

According to research published in Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, cayenne pepper restores the circulatory system by opening the capillaries and regulating blood sugar. It also helps the digestive system that moves bacteria and toxins out of the body.

Research conducted in the Netherlands suggests that cayenne pepper also increases body temperature and boosts your metabolism.

5. Relieves Joint and Nerve Pain

Cayenne power has very powerful pain-relieving properties when applied to the skin. It reduces the amount of substance P, a chemical that carries pain messages to the brain. When there is less substance P, the pain messages no longer reach the brain and you feel relief.

Studies have found that cayenne pepper relieves pain after surgery, such as a mastectomy or an amputation.

It also alleviates pain from nerve damage in the feet or legs from diabetes, lower back injuries, neuropathy, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, as well as fibromyalgia symptoms like joint or muscle pain.

6. Supports Weight Loss

A study published in PloS One noted that consuming cayenne pepper for breakfast creates less appetite, so people eat less calories during the day. It’s why cayenne is a common ingredient in many thermogenic weight loss supplements.

It also burns excess fat because it’s a metabolic booster. As one of the key anti-inflammatory foods, cayenne pepper benefits also include weight loss.

Cayenne pepper has the power to soothe inflammation and bloating that comes from allergies, food sensitivities and infections.

7. Works as Anti-Irritant

Cayenne pepper benefits include its anti-irritant properties, making it potentially effective for easing ulcers, upset stomachs, cough and even stopping diarrhea.

The common belief is that cayenne pepper, when consumed in excessive amounts, leads to gastric ulcers because of its irritant and acid-secreting nature. People with ulcers are actually advised to limit or avoid using cayenne pepper. However, investigations carried out in recent years have revealed that chili, or its active principle “capsaicin,” is not the cause for the formation of ulcer symptoms but a benefactor.

Studies have found that cayenne pepper does not stimulate, but inhibits acid secretion, stimulates alkali and mucus secretions and particularly gastric mucosal blood flow, which helps in the prevention and healing of ulcers.

8. May Treat Psoriasis

Psoriasis occurs when skin cells replicate too quickly, and it results in swollen patches under the skin covered with whitish scales on top. The scaly patches are areas of inflammation and excessive skin production.

Two trials showed that 0.025 percent capsaicin (cayenne pepper) cream used topically is effective in treating psoriasis.

The first study showed a significant decrease in scaling and redness during a six-week period in 44 patients with moderate and severe psoriasis.

The second was a double-blind study of 197 patients, which found that psoriasis was treated with the capsaicin cream four times daily for six weeks, with a significant decrease in scaling, thickness, redness and itching.

9. Boosts Metabolism

Cayenne pepper benefits also include its ability to regulate your metabolism, according to a review published in Open Heart.

It has been found to effectively suppress hunger and normalize glucose levels. It also keeps blood pressure levels normalized and helps the body lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.

10. Fights Cold and Flu

Cayenne pepper benefits include being full of beta-carotene and antioxidants that support your immune system.

It aids in breaking up and moving congested mucus, and once this nasty mucus leaves the body, the symptoms of the flu or cold will diminish.

Besides helping as a natural remedy for the flu, cayenne pepper also raises your body temperature, which makes you sweat and increases the activity of your immune system. As a vitamin C food, cayenne pepper may also help you to kick that nasty cold.

11. Source of Vitamin A

Vitamin A plays a critical 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 like vitamin A are vital to good health and longevity. They benefit eye health, boost immunity and foster cell growth.

12. Contains Vitamin E

Vitamin E benefits include helping many organs in the body function properly, and it is extremely useful in naturally slowing the aging process.

This important and beneficial vitamin has the power to balance cholesterol, fight free radicals, repair damaged skin, balance hormones, repair damaged skin and hair, improve vision, and increase energy levels … and cayenne pepper is an important provider of vitamin E.

13. May Prevent Allergies

Because cayenne is an anti-inflammatory agent, it has the power to potentially prevent allergies and the symptoms related to allergies. A food allergy, for example, is a measurable response to consuming a specific food.

Food allergies, or intolerances, can be caused by a condition known as leaky gut (intestinal permeability), when proteins and food particles pass through the gut and cause systemic body inflammation.

Leaky gut is like having the gates broken from your intestines to your bloodstream so that toxins, microbes and undigested food particles can now get through. When this happens, it causes inflammation throughout your body, leading to a variety of diseases.

14. Possible Anti-Cancer Agent

Studies suggest that capsaicin may have a role as a natural remedy for cancer, including in the management of prostate cancer.

One study conducted at University of California at Los Angeles School of Medicine found that this important ingredient in cayenne pepper is able to inhibit the growth of cancer cells and prevent the activation of new dangerous formations.

There is also data that suggests cayenne pepper benefits include being effective in helping prevent lung cancer.

15. Antifungal Properties

Cayenne pepper also appears to have the ability to kill fungus and prevent the formation of fungal pathogens. Cayenne pepper was investigated to determine its in vitro antifungal activity, and the results found that it was active against 16 different fungal strains, including Candida.

Candida is a fungus that aids with nutrient absorption and digestion when in proper levels in the body. When it overproduces, however, the typical candida symptoms may appear. These include hormone imbalance, joint pain, digestive problems and a weak immune system.

How to Use

Cayenne peppers are available year-round in supermarkets or health food stores. You can find them in fresh, dried or powdered form.

Because powdered cayenne pepper is sometimes a mix a poorer quality herbs, it’s best to buy cayenne peppers fresh. However, if you are using dried or powered pepper, the health benefits are still awesome.

Just be sure to buy your powder from a trusted company. Go for powders that are authentic and branded products — there are even organic options.

In the store, look for raw, fresh chilis that have a brilliant red color and a healthy stem. Make sure there aren’t any spots, mold or spoiled tips.

The pepper should look wholesome and firm. Once at home, store your peppers inside the refrigerator in a plastic bag. They will stay fresh for about a week.

Dry peppers are also available at the supermarket, especially health food stores. Dry peppers can be stored using airtight containers in a cool and dark place. Dried cayenne peppers can be milled to powder using a hand mill.

Fresh cayenne chili peppers can be used to make spicy drinks, sauce, chutney or can even be used for pickling. Make sure you wash them well first — you want to use any dirt, sand or fungicides.

Here’s a breakdown of some simple ways to use cayenne in your daily health regime:

• Add it to meals: Taking cayenne pepper that is dried or powdered, you can add to meals for a spicy (and healthy) kick. It can be added to meat, pasta, eggs, nuts and veggies — there are a ton of options. Start with a 1/2 teaspoon or so, and then work your way up. Remember that it adds heat and can be too much for people who are spice-sensitive.
• Drink it: If you want a quick fix that will help you to experience these amazing cayenne pepper benefits, an easy way to get it in your body is by taking a cayenne pepper drink by mixing the powder with water and lemon, which is similar to the drink consumed during the cayenne pepper diet, so it will give you the same detoxifying results.
• Take capsules: Cayenne capsules or capsaicin capsules are also available for purchase. When taking cayenne pills, read the label carefully for dosage instructions. It’s best to start with a lower dose to monitor how your body reacts.
• Apply it topically: There are also creams that contain capsaicin, the main component of cayenne pepper, that can be found in most stores. These creams are used to treat skin infections, sore muscles and tension. By rubbing a small amount of cream on the affected area, you will feel the pain and irritation subside. If you are using a cream, make sure to read the directions carefully so you don’t use too much. Also, be sure to wash your hands after applying capsaicin cream because it can cause a burning sensation on your hands. Try washing with vinegar and water for the best results.

Recipes

There are a ton of ways to add cayenne pepper to your diet and take advantage of these awesome benefits. It can be added to spicy foods — meat dishes, nuts and seeds — and even drinks.

Try our Secret Detox Drink Recipe that not only tastes great, but may help you burn fat, lose weight, balance blood sugar levels and get your body healthy. Adding natural detox drinks to your diet can help you improve your quality of life.

Make a delicious sauce using this Roasted Red Pepper Sauce with Chicken Recipe. This dish is very healthy, delicious, fast and easy to make. With just one-quarter teaspoon, you are getting a ton of cayenne pepper benefits, like blood sugar regulation.

Do you enjoy spicy buffalo sauce? You need to try our Buffalo Chicken Tenders Recipe.

This recipe is an all-time favorite. The tenders have all the flavor of conventional wings without the gluten and artificial ingredients. Plus, they’re super easy to make.

Risks, Side Effects and Interactions

Medicinal lotions and creams that contain capsicum extract are known to be safe for most adults when applied to the skin and consumed. The active chemical in capsicum, capsaicin, is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as an over-the-counter product, so it can be sold without a prescription.

When applied topically, cayenne pepper side effects may include skin irritation, burning and itching. It can also be extremely irritating to the eyes, nose and throat, so be careful when using cayenne pepper on sensitive skin or around the eyes.

When consumed in moderate doses, side effects can include upset stomach and irritation, sweating, flushing, and runny nose.

Because cayenne pepper may increase bleeding during and after surgery, it’s best to stop using cayenne pepper as a natural medication at least two weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Medications that slow blood clotting, such as anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs, interact with cayenne pepper and should be avoided if you are using cayenne pepper as a natural health remedy.

Some medications that slow blood clotting include:

• aspirin
• clopidogrel
• diclofenac
• ibuprofen
• naproxen
• warfarin

Capsicum can also increase how much theophylline — a bronchodilator that can treat asthma and other lung problems — the body can absorb. Therefore, taking capsicum alongside theophylline might increase the effects and side effects of theophylline.

It’s wise not to use cayenne pepper on children under the age of 2. It can be irritating and may lead to a negative reaction, especially on the skin.

Final Thoughts

• Cayenne is a shrub that grows long pods called chili peppers. The peppers’ active ingredient, capsaicin, is valued for its therapeutic effects.
• Cayenne pepper is consumed in whole and powder forms for its health benefits. You’ll find capsaicin supplements or topical creams online or in health food stores.
• Some of the most well-known cayenne pepper benefits include its ability to help aid digestion, relieve migraines, prevent blood clots, promote detoxification, relieve pain, support weight loss and boost metabolism.