7 Health Benefits of Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne Pepper – What is it?

Cayenne pepper is a vibrant red spicy obtained from the dried chili peppers. It has been celebrated and favoured since centuries for its fiery flavour and multiple health benefits. Cayenne pepper, scientifically known as Capsicum annum, have versatile uses that also include those irrelevant to culinary uses. Capsaicin is the active component of cayenne pepper that has been well-studied for its numerous health benefits. In the article below, we will discuss the health benefits of cayenne pepper that are backed by scientific evidence. 

What are the Health Benefits of Cayenne Pepper?

Capsaicin is the active component of cayenne pepper that grants multiple health benefits upon consumption. Enlisted below are the seven health benefits of cayenne pepper.

1. Analgesic and Anti-inflammatory Properties

Cayenne pepper is widely used for its pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties. Its active component, capsaicin, is a concentrated particle that helps individuals benefit from these health benefits. Topical application of capsaicin helps in alleviating the symptoms of pain due to its potential role in inhibition of substance P. Substance P is a neuropeptide that carries pain signals to the brain. Low levels of substance P reduces the transmission and sensation of pain, thereby resulting in relief from mild to moderate pain.

A research article published in the British Journal of Anaesthesia described the potential of capsaicin in management of chronic health conditions that cause grave pain, such as neuropathic pain syndromes or osteoarthritis. Capsaicin creams are available for topical use that provides relief from joint and muscle pain. It is also effective for pain due to severe health conditions such as diabetic neuropathy or rheumatoid arthritis.

Additionally, capsaicin also soothes the inflammatory cascade by regulating the proinflammatory cytokines and inflammatory modulators. This benefit of cayenne pepper makes it ideal for use in individuals with chronic health conditions due to inflammatory conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, arthritis and other health disorders.

2. Improved Gastrointestinal System

Cayenne pepper plays an important role in the gastrointestinal wellness. Cayenne pepper stimulates the digestive system to start the production of digestive enzymes. Adequate production and secretion of these digestive enzymes result in timely and efficient breakdown and absorption of the consumed nutrients. Capsaicin in cayenne pepper extract also stimulates the production of digestive juices that further mediates the process of digestion and prevent from gastrointestinal issues such as indigestion, discomfort or bloating.

A study article published in the Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology highlighted the role of capsaicin in improvement of symptoms related to indigestion. Functional dyspepsia, or chronic indigestion, is a health condition in which individuals experience stomach pain and bloating during and after taking a meal. The mentioned study article explains the significance and potential of capsaicin to treat such chronic conditions and alleviate the symptoms of stomach pain and gastrointestinal discomfort.

3. Supports the Cardiac Health

The role of cayenne pepper in the wellness of cardiovascular system has also been well-studied by the researchers. Capsaicin, the active component in cayenne pepper, promotes vasodilation (dilating the blood vessels), thereby reducing the vascular resistance in the end organs and lowering the high blood pressure. This vasodilating property of capsaicin helps with lowering the strain and load on the heart as well, ensuring smooth blood pumping functions of the heart and complete blood perfusion of the vital end organs.

A research article published in the journal Cell Metabolism further proved the role of capsaicin in lowering the high blood pressure in hypertensive individuals by presenting the mechanism behind this. The study suggested that the vasodilating property of capsaicin comes from its ability to activate the endothelial lining of the blood vessels, causing the release of nitric oxide. Nitric oxide works on the target receptors and relax or widen these blood vessels to promote improved circulation and lowered blood pressure. Moreover, some researchers also believe that capsaicin may have a contributing role in lowering the cholesterol levels in blood vessels, that further reduces the cardiovascular burden and promotes longevity.

4. Supports the Immune Health

Cayenne pepper is a rich source of both vitamin A and C. These vitamins are crucial for the improvement and maintenance of a well-regulated immune system.

Vitamin A is an essential nutrient which is responsible for the maintenance of mucosal surfaces in the body. These mucosal surfaces, such as the defensive mucosal lining in the nose and respiratory tract, act as the first line of defence and prevent the intrusion of foreign invaders. It reduces the risk of infection and inflammation due to various pathogens that are known to deteriorate the health.

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that protects the immune cells from oxidation. Free radicals are often released as byproducts in various metabolic reactions, posing threat to the overall wellness by enhancing oxidation on cellular level. The antioxidant properties of vitamin C supress the ongoing oxidation to strengthen and protect the immune system from damages.  

A review article published in the journal Nutrients described the essential role of vitamin C in improving the immune functions. The study found that the improvements were made by enhancing the production of while blood cells and lymphocytes, that are the main frontline soldiers of immune system, to combat various infections and illnesses in the body. The powerful combination of vitamin A and C helps with mediating the body’s defences against grave illnesses.

5. Boosts the Metabolism

Cayenne pepper is well-known for its potential role in boosting the metabolism that also helps with weight management. Capsaicin, the primary compound in cayenne pepper, generates and increases the body’s heat. This process is known as thermogenesis that result in rapid burning of the calories.

A study article published in the Appetite journal highlighted the importance of capsaicin in weigh loss. the article discussed that foods that are rich in capsaicin have the ability to cause increased expenditure of energy and reduction in appetite or craving that promotes effective weight loss. The participants of the research experienced reduced tendency to consume fatty, salty and sweet food items that also mediated the process of a healthy weight loss.

6. Anticancer Properties

Emerging research hints the role of capsaicin in lowering the risk of cancer. Capsaicin has been shown to induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) in cancerous cells to inhibit the occurrence, growth and spread of tumours. According to various research models, capsaicin interferes to inhibit the expression of certain genes that are involved in the survival and proliferation of cancer cells (also known as mutated protooncogenes or oncogenes).

A research article published in the Cancer journal described the role of capsaicin in the inhibition of growth of cancerous human prostate cells in vitro and animal models. The researchers explained that capsaicin came into play against the cancer cells by inducing cycle arrest and apoptosis in these cancerous cells. This finding suggests that cayenne pepper may have therapeutic role in the fight against prostate cancers. Other than prostate cancer, similar effects have also been observed in other cancers such as that of lung, colon and breast cells.

7. Better Skin

The use of cayenne pepper in topical formulations is known to promote better skin by improving the blood circulation to the skin that ensures the delivery of adequate nutrition to the skin cells. The anti-inflammatory properties of capsaicin, as discussed before, helps with reducing the appearance of irritation and redness due to various skin infections or inflammations.

A research article published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology described the role of capsaicin in inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines and inflammatory modulators in the skin that caused inflammatory cascade in certain skin conditions such as psoriasis. Topical application of capsaicin cream is a therapeutic use for the treatment of painful skin conditions that also includes psoriasis.

People Also Ask

What is the recommended daily intake value of cayenne pepper?

The recommended daily intake limit of cayenne pepper varies depending on factors such as individual tolerance and health status. Typically, a half or a quarter spoon that equals to 1000 or 500 milligrams of cayenne pepper per day is considered safe for consumption. This amount of cayenne pepper can be incorporated into teas and meals to get the health benefits. Individuals taking cayenne pepper supplements must follow the dosage instructions prescribed by a healthcare professional. It is essential to start off from taking small doses and gradually increasing the dosage of cayenne pepper to optimum levels. Individuals taking certain medications for their health conditions must consult a healthcare professional before taking cayenne pepper supplements as capsaicin has the potential to interact with other drugs.

What are the side effects of applying cayenne pepper on the skin?

Applying cayenne pepper in the form of capsaicin creams or ointments may have certain side effects. Common side effects of topical application of cayenne pepper include burning or stinging sensation that is often of great discomfort for individuals with sensitive skin. This sensation diminishes with regular use of capsaicin cream as the skin become used to it. Serious side effects of topical use include redness, swelling and blistering of the skin in cases where excess cream is used on a sensitive skin. To avoid such outcomes, it is essential to conduct a patch test before incorporating the regular use of capsaicin cream in routine. Moreover, avoid the contact of capsaicin cream with mucous membranes such as eyes and broken skin to prevent skin irritation. Individuals may also experience allergy and sensitivity to the use of capsaicin cream, in which case it is mandatory to discontinue its use and consult a health care provider for an alternative option according to the health needs and goals.

What is the role of cayenne pepper in improving the mood?

Cayenne pepper have potential benefits in terms of reducing the stress and improving the mood of an individual. Capsaicin, the active component in cayenne pepper, stimulates the release of endorphins that are the natural painkillers and mood enhancers of the body. Upon the release of endorphins, it creates a sense of wellness and reduces the stress or anxiety. Moreover, capsaicin also influences the release of serotonin that also elevates the mood. While more scientific research, studies and experiments are required to fully understand and elaborate this role, including cayenne pepper into routine diet have the potential to contribute to stress management and better mood.

Conclusion

Cayenne pepper is a vibrant red spicy obtained from the dried chili peppers. Capsaicin is the active component of cayenne pepper that has been well-studied for its numerous health benefits. Cayenne pepper is widely used for its pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties. Topical application of capsaicin helps in alleviating the symptoms of pain due to its potential role in inhibition of pain transmission pathways to the brain.

Cayenne pepper aids the adequate production and secretion of the digestive enzymes and juices that result in timely and efficient breakdown and absorption of the consumed nutrients. Cayenne Pepper Extract also provides relief from symptoms of indigestion and bloating. The vasodilating property of capsaicin helps with lowering the strain and load on the heart as well, ensuring smooth blood pumping functions of the heart and uniform blood perfusion of the vital end organs. The topical use of cayenne pepper helps with reducing the appearance of irritation and redness due to various skin infections or inflammations, including psoriasis.

Cayenne pepper is a rich source of both vitamin A and C. These vitamins are crucial for the improvement and maintenance of a well-regulated immune system that helps with mediating the body’s defences against grave infections and illnesses. Cayenne pepper is well-known for its potential role in boosting the metabolism that also helps with weight management by generating heat in the body and burning the calories. Capsaicin has anticancer properties as it has been shown to induce apoptosis in cancerous cells to inhibit the occurrence, growth and spread of tumours. 

Individuals taking certain medications for their health conditions must consult a healthcare professional before taking cayenne pepper supplements as capsaicin has the potential to interact with other drugs.