Tucked away in your spice rack, right under your nose, lies a secret spice that can help
supercharge your health.
We’re talking about the fiery, bold, and mighty cayenne pepper.
In today's video, we will take you on a spicy ride as we uncover 6 sizzling health benefits
of cayenne.
This spice does everything from boosting your metabolism and cardiovascular health to alleviating
pain and much more!
Let’s get started!
1.
Prevents cancer
Adding cayenne pepper to your food provides a spicy punch to your meals.
The bright red color of cayenne pepper comes from a bioactive phytochemical called capsaicin.
This compound has caught the attention of researchers because it has shown some promising
effects in the lab when it comes to fighting cancer cells.
When we look closer at capsaicin's molecular mechanisms, they seem to hold the key to potential
therapeutic applications.
And here's the exciting part: capsaicin can actually tweak how genes are expressed within
these cells.
That means it might have the power to affect their survival, growth, and even the formation
of new blood vessels that fuel tumor growth.
Talk about a triple threat!
But wait, there's more!
Recent research has uncovered another incredible aspect of capsaicin.
It can target multiple signaling pathways linked to cancer-causing genes and tumor-suppressing
genes.
In other words, capsaicin can mess with the processes leading to cancer while boosting
the body's natural defenses against tumors.
It's like a one-two punch against cancer!
All these findings come from various cancer models that scientists have been exploring.
While initial research provides tangible evidence of capsaicin's potential, further investigation
is required to determine whether it could significantly impact cancer treatment.
But, Imagine the possibilities for better treatments and improved outcomes!
Next time you reach for that cayenne pepper to sprinkle on your favorite dish, think about
this: you're not just adding a kick of spice.
You're actually welcoming a potential cancer-fighting ally to your diet!
2.
Weight Management
Step into a world where culinary delights not only tantalize your taste buds but also
have the power to revolutionize your weight management journey.
A fascinating study did just that by diving into the effects of capsaicin on appetite
and energy intake.
In this study, researchers found the addition of capsaicin to the diet can increase feelings
of fullness, making it a potential therapy for combating obesity.
The study subjected participants to different conditions and received either 100% or 75%
of their daily energy requirements with or without capsaicin.
Participants reported feeling more satisfied and fuller throughout the day when capsaicin
was added to the diet.
Capsaicin helped curb their hunger and made them less likely to overeat.
Interestingly, even after a satisfying dinner, the desire to eat remained lower in those
who consumed capsaicin than in those who didn't.
It's like capsaicin put a stop sign to unnecessary snacking after a meal.
In the future, capsaicin could be a game-changer in our battle against overeating and mindless
snacking.
It's pretty incredible how capsaicin can actually make us feel fuller, helping us manage our
weight naturally and effectively.
3.
Protects the heart
Are you seeking a cutting-edge method to enhance your heart health?
Look no further, for cayenne pepper might just hold the astonishing secret you're looking
for!
Skeptical?
Let’s dig a little deeper then!
Animal studies have shown promising results suggesting that capsaicin could help heart
health.
Although findings from animal studies may not always directly translate to human health
effects, they offer valuable insights into its potential benefits for the human body.
With that being said, these studies have linked capsaicin to improvements in endothelial function,
which is crucial for maintaining healthy blood vessels.
Scientists believe this could be especially important for individuals with diabetes, as
capsaicin has shown potential in slowing the progression of atherosclerosis, a condition
that stiffens the arteries and may be hastened by diabetes.
Capsaicin has a few more tricks, as it may positively affect heart-related conditions
like chest pain, cardiac enlargement, metabolic issues, high blood pressure, and weight management.
The mechanisms behind these potential benefits are still being explored, but the initial
findings are promising.
Cayenne pepper is a dried fruit that is crushed and powdered.
Beyond just the spice we use in cooking, You can find it as an ointment or oil.
Additionally, when capsaicin was applied as a patch on the skin, it helped patients with
angina to exercise longer before feeling chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart.
Please be aware that consuming excessive amounts of capsaicin may lead to side effects, as
it can affect various tissues in the body.
It is essential to exercise caution and seek personalized advice from healthcare professionals.
Did you know there are more spices out there that can promote better heart health?
Even help prevent heart attacks?
Check out 13 Powerful Spices You Should Eat To Unclog Arteries And Prevent A Heart Attack.
Now, back to our video!
4.
Pain Reliever
Does chronic pain put a damper on your day?
Cayenne pepper could save the day and make you feel a little better.
Researchers have found that using capsaicin cream or ointment may help reduce pain and
tenderness caused by osteoarthritis.
Capsaicin blocks a pain-causing chemical messenger called substance P, thereby blocking the pain
signals to your brain.
Imagine applying a capsaicin cream to those achy joints and feeling the pain melt away.
But hold on a second!
While capsaicin can be helpful in the pain relief department, it has a fiery side effect.
Some folks may experience a burning sensation when using capsaicin creams or ointments.
So, it's always a good idea to test it on a small area before slathering it on.
Another study found oral capsaicin supplements could help athletes relieve pain and discomfort.
Imagine popping a capsaicin pill and feeling those post-workout aches and pains disappear.
But you can only expect these benefits with the right medically prescribed dosage.
So, the next time you're looking for a natural way to tackle pain, consider the power of
capsaicin.
5.
Resolves skin problems
It's time to give your skin some spicy relief with Cayenne pepper.
Capsaicin has antibacterial powers that can battle pesky skin infections caused by strep
bacteria.
This group of bacteria can cause various infections and illnesses, including skin infections,
severe body-wide infections, fever, and throat infections.
Capsaicin may help relieve these conditions.
Capsaicin application on the skin via creams and lotions has shown promise in treating
a range of dermatological disorders, including patchy hair loss, sweat gland disorder, itching
triggered by water, itching on the arms, itching in patients undergoing dialysis, chronic skin
itching and scratching, nerve-related pain and itching, pain after shingles, itching
in genital areas, and psoriasis.
Phew!
That's a lot for a humble spice.
6.
Reduces cough and congestion
At some point in our lives, we all have experienced a cough that just won’t go away!
But get this!
Cayenne pepper might be an alternative cough remedy worth giving a shot.
Researchers studied those with chronic unexplained coughs and gave them capsules containing capsaicin.
After taking capsaicin for four weeks, participants became less sensitive to cough triggers.
Even their cough-related symptoms improved.
Capsaicin even soothed their irritated throats.
Do you find yourself with a stuffy nose, sneezes, and postnasal drip?
Cayenne pepper might be handy even then.
A condition called rhinitis causes these annoying symptoms.
There are different types of rhinitis, one of which is non-allergic rhinitis.
This variation is not caused by allergies or infections but rather by inflammation or
issues with the nerves in your nose.
Researchers found capsaicin can help those with non-allergic rhinitis called idiopathic
rhinitis.
When applied directly to the nose, capsaicin helps reduce inflammation and improves symptoms
like sneezing and a runny nose.
So, if you've been struggling with non-allergic rhinitis and other treatments haven't worked,
it might be worth giving capsaicin a try under the guidance of a physician.
But before you explore cayenne pepper's potential health benefits, here are a few risk factors
worth considering.
It's worth noting that this spice can have some effects on the digestive system that
may not be so pleasant.
Be cautious if you have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or irritable bowel syndrome
(IBS).
Capsaicin slows your stomach emptying, which could trigger reflux and cause discomfort.
Those with IBS could also experience abdominal pain, a burning sensation, and increased sensitivity
in the rectal.
Exposure to capsaicin can cause burning pain, teary eyes, and blurry vision.
If you come into contact with it, wash your skin with detergent and water, and use oils
like petroleum jelly to soothe your eyes and nose.
Those with asthma should be careful as they may be more sensitive to capsaicin.
Cayenne pepper is still undoubtedly a spice you should include more of in your life.
But it’s not the only one out there with exceptional health benefits!
And while we're at it, let’s dive into herbs too!
Check out:
13 POWERFUL Herbs & Spices That Will Boost Your Health
Or 11 World’s Powerful Spices That You Should
Be Eating
Go ahead.
Click one, or better yet, watch both, and learn more about spices and herbs that can
benefit your health!
How often do you use cayenne pepper in cooking?
Let us know in the comments below!