Cayenne peppers, also known as Lal Mirch in Hindi, are a member of the nightshade plant family, which includes tomatoes, eggplant, and potatoes. With a huge variety available, cayenne chilli peppers get their mildly fiery, spicy flavour from capsaicin. Notably, capsaicin is related to several health advantages and is also taken as a supplement.
So, let’s explore how cayenne pepper can enhance your well-being, from metabolism-boosting properties to its potential role in pain relief.
About Cayenne Pepper
Originating in Central and South America, cayenne is a shrub that thrives in subtropical and tropical regions. The hollow fruit of this plant develops into long pods that, when they ripen, turn red, orange, or yellow. Cayenne chilli peppers, also known as capsicum frutescens, are part of the Capsicum genus. To benefit from cayenne pepper’s detoxifying properties, some people use it as a cream or pill besides adding it to food, either naturally or in cayenne pepper powder form.
Nutritional Information about Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper’s potent antioxidant capabilities are provided by flavonoids, vitamin C, vitamin B6, vitamin E, potassium, manganese, and other nutrients. Based on the Scoville Rating Scale, spiciness of cayenne pepper ranges in Scoville Heat Units (SHU) from 30,000 to 190,000. The highest SHU value is for pure capsaicin.
Different Cayenne Pepper Benefits
Cayenne pepper offers many health benefits due to its active compound, capsaicin, and other nutrients. Here are some of the key benefits associated with cayenne pepper:
1. Reduces Migraine
Migraine happens when the blood flow to your head is restricted. One of the cayenne pepper health benefits is that it helps relieve migraines as per the research that was published in Alternatives to Animal Experimentation. According to research, substances P and CGRP, two molecules that increase inflammation and cause pain, may be inhibited by capsaicin, the primary component of cayenne pepper, in several types of migraines, including cluster headache.
2. Improves Metabolism
Capsaicin boosts thermogenesis – the body’s natural process of producing heat – while also improving blood flow. Up to 20% of a person’s metabolism can be increased by capsaicin for many hours after consumption. Numerous studies link cayenne pepper to a sped-up metabolism and reduced appetite. Consider regularly incorporating cayenne pepper into your diet if you’re trying to shed some pounds or prevent weight gain altogether.
3. Improves Digestive Health
Capsaicin increases peristalsis and aids in boosting stomach acid production. By accelerating the breakdown of food, these processes facilitate better digestion and nutrient absorption. It can also encourage digestive motility, which relieves constipation. Additionally, cayenne pepper’s capsaicin is renowned for curing ulcers.
4. Promotes Heart Health
There are numerous ways by which cayenne peppers help safeguard your heart health. For instance, they support blood pressure management, which is one of the main factors in many heart disorders. Additionally, capsaicin has vasodilator properties. According to studies, it aids in dilating blood arteries in the heart, facilitating blood flow and lowering blood pressure.
5. Anti-Carcinogenic Properties
The anti-cancer or anti-carcinogenic properties of capsaicin stop the fast spreading of cancer cells to other tissues. Studies have shown that they regulate the growth of cancer cells. Additionally, they possess antioxidant qualities that guard cells against harm from free radicals. Multiple diseases, including cancer and infections, are brought on by radical cell injury. Capsaicin guards against prostate, colon, and breast cancers.
Conclusion
Cayenne pepper is a strong spice that may provide a flaming burst of health advantages. It’s a flexible addition to your kitchen that can enhance your well-being, from boosting metabolism to pain alleviation and promoting heart health. So, use this hot and spicy ingredient to live a healthier life.
