Cayenne pepper isn’t just a spicy addition to your meals; it’s packed with a wealth of medicinal properties. From promoting weight loss to improving circulation and even preventing blood clots, cayenne pepper is a powerful natural remedy. Surprisingly, it also supports gut health by reducing gas, soothing stomach upset, and alleviating cramping. Whether you’re dealing with a toothache, shingles pain, or even a hangover, cayenne is here to help you.
The pepper’s wide range of benefits come from its robust nutritional profile. Just one teaspoon of cayenne offers 17 calories, 1 gram of fat, 3 grams of carbohydrates, and 1 gram each of sugar and protein. It’s also loaded with 44% of the daily recommended intake of vitamin A, along with vitamins E, C, B6, K, and essential minerals like magnesium and potassium.
Here are 22 impressive health benefits of cayenne pepper you may not know.
1. Cancer Prevention
Cayenne’s active compound, capsaicin, has been studied for its potential to inhibit cancer cell growth. Research suggests it may help prevent tumor formation, particularly in the lungs of current and former smokers. Other studies show promising results in reducing liver and prostate cancer risks. Whether in supplement form or incorporated into your diet, cayenne pepper offers protective effects.
2. Psoriasis Relief
Psoriasis, a condition marked by red, itchy skin, can be alleviated with cayenne-based treatments. Topical creams containing 0.025% capsaicin have been shown to reduce redness and scaling. Research supports its use over six weeks, leading to significant improvements in psoriasis symptoms. You can also check our sage home remedy for psoriasis (click for the full recipe).
3. Migraine Relief
Strangely enough, cayenne pepper can provide relief from migraines by shifting your focus to another pain source. The diversion reduces your overall perception of pain. Additionally, capsaicin helps diminish substance P, a pain-signaling chemical, reducing migraine severity.
4. Blood Clot Prevention
Cayenne pepper plays a role in preventing blood clots and promoting heart health by facilitating fibrinolytic activity. This process breaks down blood clots, ensuring proper circulation. Capsaicin also helps clear arterial blockages, further supporting cardiovascular function.
5. Detoxification
Cayenne is commonly found in detox drinks for a reason: it has antioxidant properties that help rid the body of harmful toxins. A simple detox drink combining cayenne, lemon juice, and water can boost digestion, metabolism, and skin health.
6. Lowers Blood Pressure
High blood pressure affects nearly 40% of adults worldwide. Cayenne pepper may help reduce hypertension by relaxing blood vessels and improving circulation. Animal studies have demonstrated that regular consumption of capsaicin can lead to lower blood pressure. While we are on this topic, did you know that a glass of celery juice can lower high blood pressure and sugar levels?
7. Appetite Suppression
Studies show that cayenne pepper can help curb appetite by reducing the hunger hormone ghrelin. Research found that cayenne decreased appetite in both women and men, making it a potential tool for managing hunger and weight.
8. Boosts Metabolism
Cayenne can also rev up your metabolism. Capsaicin enhances the body’s ability to burn calories through a process known as thermogenesis. While the effect might be modest, it can still contribute to your overall energy expenditure.
9. Ulcer Healing
Contrary to what you might think, cayenne pepper can help prevent and heal stomach ulcers by increasing gastric mucosal blood flow and reducing acid production. Capsaicin stimulates neurons in the stomach that protect against injury.
10. Improved Digestion
Rather than harming your digestive system, cayenne pepper stimulates saliva and gastric juices, improving digestion and breaking down food efficiently. This spice may also protect the stomach from infections and promote a healthy gut.
11. Supports Eye Health
Cayenne pepper is rich in vitamin A, crucial for eye, skin, and brain health. It helps reduce inflammation and protect against age-related diseases like macular degeneration. Just two teaspoons of cayenne provide your daily recommended intake of vitamin A.
12. Fungal Infection Fighter
Capsaicin isn’t the only beneficial compound in cayenne. CAY-1, a compound found in cayenne, has shown effectiveness against various fungal infections, such as athlete’s foot and ringworm, making cayenne a natural antifungal treatment.
13. Antibacterial Agent
Cayenne pepper also offers antibacterial properties. It can protect against harmful bacteria that cause food poisoning, digestive issues, and skin infections, making it a safe, natural preservative for food.
14. Eases Toothache Pain
Cayenne’s ability to reduce nerve pain makes it a useful remedy for toothaches. While it won’t replace dental care, applying capsaicin cream to the affected area can provide temporary relief.
15. Reduces Inflammation
Cayenne pepper has been found to be as effective as certain anti-inflammatory medications. It can be used to manage pain from conditions like sciatica or arthritis without the side effects of synthetic drugs.
16. Repairs Skin
The combination of vitamins C and E in cayenne promotes collagen production, essential for skin elasticity. These vitamins can also reverse damage from UV exposure, helping reduce wrinkles and repair sun-damaged skin.
17. Enhances Longevity
Some studies suggest that eating cayenne pepper could extend life expectancy. Research indicates that consuming it regularly might reduce the risk of death from heart disease, cancer, and respiratory illnesses.
18. Reduces Allergy Symptoms
Cayenne’s anti-inflammatory properties can soothe allergic reactions by reducing inflammation and detoxifying the system. It’s especially helpful for alleviating seasonal allergies and food-related sensitivities.
19. Enhances Sexual Health
Cayenne pepper can improve blood circulation, which may help address sexual dysfunction. Increased blood flow can enhance sexual experiences for both men and women.
20. Reduces Anxiety
Cayenne has been shown to stimulate the production of endorphins, the body’s natural “feel-good” chemicals. This makes it a potential aid for relieving anxiety and improving mood.
21. Strengthens the Immune System
Packed with vitamins and antioxidants, cayenne pepper bolsters the immune system. It helps fight colds, break down mucus, and boost overall immunity by raising body temperature and enhancing circulation. Did you know that honey may be a natural alternative to antibiotics for coughs and colds?
22. Improves the Taste of Healthy Foods
Finally, cayenne pepper can help make nutritious meals more enjoyable. A dash of cayenne can add flavor to vegetables, making it easier to stick to a healthy diet.
