Cayenne pepper is famous these days for the ultra-spicy kick it can give foods like chili, salsa, and more. But did you know that this bright red spice has many health benefits in its own right, ranging from improved blood circulation to digestive health support to even a natural way to address menstrual cramps?
Cayenne has been used as a medicinal aid among people for more than 9,000 years and has been relied on that long for a valuable cooking spice, as well.
So, now the question arises- Being one of the spiciest things on the planet, how can this spice offer loads of health benefits? Well, the answer you’ll find in this post.
Keep on reading to be ready to pep(per) up your life with cayenne pepper.
Why is Cayenne Pepper so Popular?
Cayenne pepper gets its hot and spicy properties from the active ingredient i.e. Capsaicin. This also happens to be the medicinal property that offers the most of their health perks, as well. However, individually cayenne peppers will have slightly different heat profiles, but it’s also true- the more capsaicin they contain, the hotter the taste.
“Cayenne pepper has been used medicinally for decades, for good health benefits. There are copious Scientifically-Proven health benefits of cayenne pepper”.
3 PROVEN HEALTH BENEFITS OF CAYENNE PEPPER
Helps Regulate Blood Pressure
Having high blood pressure increases the risk of many health problems, not the least of which is heart disease, one of the biggest killers worldwide. More than 40 percent of adults have high blood pressure, and this number is increasing.
While there are many natural ways to treat blood pressure, a natural method can be using capsaicin, which can reduce blood pressure levels and help to relax blood vessels.
While most research on capsaicin and blood pressure is done on animals, not humans, the results are promising, indicating the need for more investigative research.
Helps Encourage Weight Loss
We know how cayenne can decrease appetite, which is one natural way to encourage weight loss without feeling deprived.
Cayenne also works to improve how the body uses fat for energy and can lead to a better breakdown of body fat for weight loss. It revs the engine of the body and increases metabolism, in part because of the heat that it drives. Cayenne is also anti-inflammatory, and a key to being able to lose weight is by reducing the body’s inflammatory load.
Protects Against Ulcers
Ulcers are a condition that develops in the stomach in the presence of a specific bacteria, H. pylori, that doesn’t get eradicated by the stomach’s defenses. Ulcers can be painful and cause other problems, like bleeding and worsened digestive function.
Cayenne pepper can improve the stomach’s defense against ulcers and the bacteria that causes them by improving enzyme levels and digestive function.
HOW and WHERE TO BUY CAYENNE PEPPER
Cayenne peppers can be purchased in several forms, including fresh, powdered, or dried and in supplement form as capsaicin capsules or creams.
When buying cayenne fresh, remember the peppers should be bright red, firm, and free from spots or discoloration. Peppers will keep fresh in the refrigerator for five to seven days.