Health Benefits of Cayenne Pepper

There are many condiments or spices that we can find in nature, which serve us for a wide variety of purposes ranging from culinary to therapeutic, and one of the most beneficial and useful is cayenne pepper. 

Also called red pepper or chili powder, this spice has been of great value in many parts of the world, not only for the incredible flavor it gives to the preparations but also for the multiple benefits it offers for our health.

However, few know all the properties and uses attributed to this wonder, so here we tell you everything you should know about cayenne pepper: what it is, its origin, properties, benefits and much more.

What Is Cayenne Pepper And What Is It Like?

It is a spice obtained as a product of the grinding of the fruits of one or more types of chili or chili, which have been previously subjected to a drying process.

The cayenne pepper is characterized by its reddish color, its flavor strong, pungent and distinctive spicy flavor that goes very well in countless dishes, especially those of Mexican, West Indian cuisine, South and Central America, where its origins.

Do You Know What Is The Origin Of Cayenne Pepper?

As we said before, the origin of cayenne pepper is related to the central and southern regions of America, Mexico, and the Antilles, and its name is due to a mistake by Christopher Columbus on his arrival in the American continent since He knew that it was a hot pepper, but he confused this spice with the traditional pepper that the Spanish loved so much, baptizing it with the name of cayenne pepper.

Cayenne Pepper And Its Various Properties

In case you did not know, cayenne pepper is one of the spices richest in nutrients and compounds that benefit health.

In fact, a single teaspoon of chili powder can provide 15% of the daily vitamin A recommendations and up to 3% of vitamin E, not to mention its high carotenoid content, especially astaxanthin and lycopene. , two powerful natural antioxidants. 

Values ​​Per 100 Grams 

Likewise, this listed spice stands out for its high content of vitamin C, which stimulates the synthesis of collagen to guarantee the health of the skin, bones, and organs, and also contains vitamin K that favors good blood circulation. 

On the other hand, it is a great source of vitamin B6 and minerals such as iron, magnesium, potassium, and manganese, as well as riboflavin and niacin, which help control heart rate and blood pressure.

Nutrition Values ​​Of Cayenne Pepper

Vitamins Contained In Cayenne Pepper

Characteristics Per 100 Grams

Now, regarding the properties of cayenne pepper, we find the following:

• Anti-irritant: Its components help prevent irritation of the stomach walls, and also relieve spasms, diarrhea, and colic.

• Painkiller: Helps calm headache and migraine.

• Anti-inflammatory: It allows to alleviate stomach problems and respiratory allergies.

• Antioxidant: Its content of vitamin C and flavonoids helps to combat the action of free radicals that cause the aging of cells, making it convenient even to prevent cancer.

• Decongestant: Its vitamin C content helps to clean nasal mucus, effectively decongesting the airways.

• Metabolism Accelerator: Cayenne pepper helps accelerate metabolism and promotes better digestion, by promoting the secretion of gastric acids.

• Cholesterol Regulator: Helps to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels, as well as treating hypertension and circulation problems in general.

• Laxative: Its magnesium, calcium and cinnamic acid content help purify the body, improve constipation and protect the stomach lining.

Where And How Is Cayenne Pepper Used?

Believe it or not, cayenne pepper has many more uses than just culinary, as it is also known for being a powerful natural remedy for different types of ailments. Therefore, below we will tell you how cayenne pepper is used, not only in the kitchen, but also in the area of medicine.

Cayenne Pepper In The Kitchen

Regarding the gastronomy field, cayenne pepper is one of the most used condiments when it comes to giving a spicy touch to different dishes.

Whether you use fresh or powder, the cayenne pepper is great on meat, fish, seafood, soups, stews, sauces and many other savory recipes such as Mexican enchiladas and deviled eggs.

Cayenne Pepper In Medicine

As you already know, cayenne pepper is also appreciated in the field of natural medicine, thanks to the incredible properties it has, which help to boost the health of our body.

Thus, we find that this spice is used as:

• Natural anti-inflammatory: prepare a poultice with 4 tablespoons of cayenne pepper, 1 cup of olive oil and 3 tablespoons of grated ginger. Mix everything and take a water bath for 1 hour. Once the mixture is warmed, it is applied to the affected area with the fingertips and in circular movements.

• Decongestant and expectorant: mix ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper, ½ teaspoon of ginger powder, 3 tablespoons of honey, ¼ cup of lemon juice and ¼ cup of apple cider vinegar, and take 1 or 2 tablespoons of this home remedy.

Discover Other Uses Of Cayenne Pepper That You Did Not Know

In addition to the uses that you already know about cayenne pepper, this very special spice is also used as a purifier and as a slimming.

Cayenne Pepper For Weight Loss

Since it helps speed up metabolism, this seasoning is a great ally in weight loss. To take advantage of its slimming properties, it is recommended to prepare an infusion with 1 liter of water, 6 green tea bags, 1 pinch of cayenne pepper powder, the juice of 1 lemon and 3 teaspoons of honey.

The water should be boiled and then add the tea bags to prepare the base of the infusion. Then, the lemon juice, cayenne pepper, and honey are added and mixed until obtaining a homogeneous liquid. Drink the liter of infusion throughout the day and you will notice the positive effects that this spice has on your metabolism and weight loss.

Cayenne Pepper As A Detoxifier

Perhaps you did not know that cayenne pepper is used as a detoxifier and that this seasoning helps to purify the body of toxins that it does not need, even through sweat.

For this, it is recommended to drink cayenne pepper tea with lemon juice and honey, in order to obtain a complete and successful effect that favors your health.

What Benefits Do We Receive From Cayenne Pepper?

There are many benefits that we can obtain from cayenne pepper, and here we list some of them:

• Relieve congestion, remove phlegm, and clear lungs and nasal passages.

• It reduces headaches, thanks to its capsaicin content, which helps to inhibit the neurotransmitter that sends pain signals.

• Reduces inflammation, helping to treat conditions such as arthritis and psoriasis.

• It helps to treat prostate cancer, slowing down the growth of cells and destroying them.

• It reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes since it controls blood sugar and insulin levels.

• It helps to lose weight since it favors thermogenesis and accelerates metabolism.

What Are The Contraindications And Side Effects Of Cayenne Pepper?

Although it is true that it is a highly beneficial spice, there are some contraindications that we must take into account when choosing to consume it.

Thus, for example, its use in pregnant and lactating women is not recommended, as it could cause cracks in the nipples. Similarly, children under the age of 2 should not consume this spice.

Moreover, those who have been subjected to surgery should avoid cayenne pepper, since this is an anticoagulant powerful and could cause excessive bleeding.

Do You Know How To Grow Cayenne Pepper At Home?

Growing cayenne pepper at home is fairly straightforward.

• Take the cayenne pepper seeds and dip them in a glass of water the night before planting.

• Put ½ inch of soil in the pot, then add 3 or 4 cayenne pepper seeds and add more soil.

• Water the soil a little and cover the pot with plastic wrap.

• Place the pot in a sunny window and moisten the soil only when necessary.

• After 6 weeks, the plant will germinate and after 70-80 days, you can harvest.

Well, now that you know everything about cayenne pepper, we hope that you include it in your kitchen recipe booklet, in your home remedies kit, and in your garden or orchard, so that you take advantage of all the wonderful properties of this incredible and beneficial spice.