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Health Benefits of Cayenne Pepper, Uses And Its Side Effects

Last Updated: Aug 28, 2020

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Cayenne pepper, also known as Mirchi in India comes with great health benefits apart from adding spicy flavor to the food. Today, people actively search for the health benefits of cayenne pepper on the Web, and we hope this article will share insights on this subject.

Cayenne pepper facilitates digestion, blood circulation, weight loss, eradicates headaches, controls dyspepsia, and maintains heart’s health.

Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper belongs to the family of capsicum and its botanical name is Capsicum annuum. This pepper is used for flavoring cuisines across the world. Cayenne pepper offers high nutritional value. Cayenne Pepper is a rich source of Vitamin B Complex, Vitamin C, Vitamin E and Vitamin K.

Additionally, Cayenne Pepper contains generous amounts of potassium, calcium, and manganese, and fiber. It is widely used in the Indian households and is a staple food for many people in the rural parts of India.

Nutritional Value of Cayenne Pepper

About 100 grams of Cayenne pepper contains 30mg sodium, 2014mg potassium, 17g fat, 318 calories, 12g protein, 57g carbohydrate and 0mg of cholesterol. Each of these nutrients play a vital role in keeping us healthy. Read on to find out more.

Nutritional facts Per 100 grams

318
Calories
17 g
Total Fat
30 mg
Sodium
2,014 mg
Potassium
57 g
Total Carbohydrate
12 g
Protein

Vitamins and Minerals

832 %
Vitamin A
0.14
Calcium
127 %
Vitamin C
43 %
Iron
125 %
Vitamin B-6
38 %
Magnesium

Health Benefits of Cayenne Pepper

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Mentioned below are the best health benefits of Cayenne Pepper. We also discuss how you can use cayenne pepper in different ways whether it is for cooking and medicinal purposes. Get benefits of drinking cayenne pepper water with honey and lemon. You can also make cayenne pepper tea with ginger beneficial in cold and cough. Consumption of anything in excess can lead to side effects, so also check out when not to consume the benefits of cayenne pepper in various health conditions.

Cayenne Pepper Boosts Immunity System

A strong immune system easily fights infections and maintains a healthy body. People with a weak immunity system often get knocked down off their energy levels even when affected by a mild fever or a headache. And what do they do afterwards? They use tablets and synthetic vitamins to power up their immunity.

Do you know – eating a generous amount of Mirchi keep you healthy? Cayenne Pepper contains generous levels of Vitamin A (beta-carotene) that boosts the immunity system and prevents pathogens from entering your body and making you sick.

Cayenne Pepper Enhances Blood Circulatio

For the optimal functioning of your body, good blood circulation is vital. Cayenne pepper does not allow the blood to coagulate with age and facilitates healthy blood flow.

Cayenne Pepper Prevents Nasal Congestion

People suffering from respiratory tract infection or congestion should regularly consume cayenne pepper. Studies reveal that the chemical called “capsaicin” in this pepper stimulates secretions, which makes it easier for mucus to pass out from lungs and nose, and thus reduce the possibility of sinus infection. Subsequently, in many parts of rural India, cayenne pepper is used for treating cold and flu.

Cayenne Pepper Tackles Arthritis Problem

The disease of the joints -Arthritis- is one of the most dreaded diseases that affects millions of people, worldwide. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis if not treated properly may lead to life-threatening situation. Some of the symptoms associated with arthritis include inflammation, swelling and severe pain in joints.

Though many people opt for laboratory prepared medicines, but do you know cayenne pepper has been found to help fight against arthritis? The presence of “capsaicin” in this power food has the potential to soothe joint pains. Though when applied on the affected area, the pepper produces a burning sensation, but it gradually relieves pain.

Cayenne Pepper Boosts Metabolism

Cayenne pepper when used responsibly, can enhance your metabolism by increasing your body’s heat, thus helping you burn more calories than usual. It usually grows and improves the process called diet-induced thermogenesis to help boost your metabolism. However, its effect is minimal compared to the other health benefits produced by cayenne pepper.

Cayenne Pepper Lowers Bad Cholesterol

Bad cholesterol (LDL) thickens the walls of the arteries and puts a stress on the heart to perform optimally. Slowly, LDL impairs heart health and causes heart attacks and eventually death. Subsequently, doctors recommend cayenne pepper to increase the levels of good cholesterol (HDL) or decrease LDL.

Research indicates with regular consumption of cayenne pepper, a balance between good and bad cholesterol is maintained and dissolve fibrin which is responsible for the formation of blood clots, which thus reduces the risk of heart diseases.

Cayenne Pepper Heals Bad Throat

Studies reveal that a mixture of cayenne pepper and water can clear a sore throat. This combination, when gargled can effectively treat a sore throat, as it contains Vitamin C.

Cayenne Pepper Helps in Digestion

Some people widely use cayenne pepper for a healthy digestion. Cayenne pepper, when included in your diet, often helps in preventing the stomach aches and cramps. Mirchi also stimulates the production and flow of saliva and other secretions in the stomach, thus helping the overall process of digestion.

Cayenne Pepper For Weight Loss

Often we consume supplements and pills that claim to shed weight in a few days. Please do not get carried away by these pills. They not only produce some side effects, they eventually fail to produce any significant results. Thus, you should seek and try natural remedies for weight loss.

How many of you know cayenne pepper could help in shedding extra flab in your body? Cayenne pepper contains suppressants that significantly reduces the appetite, and increases your water consumption capacity. The feeling of “full stomach” significantly controls your diet and facilitates in weight loss and its maintenance.

Cayenne Pepper Lowers the Risk of Asthma

Studies reveal the presence of beta-carotene in cayenne pepper helps to reduce the symptoms of respiratory illness like asthma. Beta-carotene improves the optimal functioning of the lungs and the breathing tract.

Cayenne Pepper Prevents Cancer

Cancer is one of the deadliest disease known to man, and the very sound of that word can frighten people. Though people around the world are always finding new ways to treat and cure cancer, but do you know cayenne pepper too can help?

Research reveals that cayenne pepper has the potential to help fight cancer. The presence of beta-carotene which is a good source of anti-oxidant prevents the damage caused by the free radicals, and thus protects the body against colon and atherosclerosis cancers.

Cayenne Pepper For Headaches

If you suffer from frequent headaches, you should regularly consume cayenne pepper. The chemicals present in this pepper offers anti-analgesic capability that cures headaches. Thus, you should stop using tablets like aspirin, and rather smell cayenne pepper when your head throbs.

Uses of Cayenne Pepper

By the time you have completed reading this article, you would have understood the methods of including cayenne pepper in your daily diet. Cayenne pepper, being rich in vitamins can be used in treating a variety of conditions including arthritis, cancer, weight loss, sore throat, headaches, congestion and blood circulation. It also treats cholesterol and heart illnesses.

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Side-Effects & Allergies of Cayenne Pepper

As the adage goes, “Too much of good things can be harmful,” and cayenne pepper is no different. Consuming excessive amounts of cayenne pepper can cause gastrointestinal disorders (irritation or a burning sensation in the stomach), in many respiratory problems, irritation to the skin and eyes.

If you develop such allergic reactions to Mirchi, you should limit its use. It is also recommended to reduce and restrict the intake of cayenne pepper during summers, as it can increase your body heat beyond your ability to sustain the heat. Overheating of the body can cause bleeding in the nose.

Origin And Cultivation of Cayenne Pepper

As the adage goes, “Too much of good things can be harmful,” and cayenne pepper is no different. Consuming excessive amounts of cayenne pepper can cause gastrointestinal disorders (irritation or a burning sensation in the stomach), in many respiratory problems, irritation to the skin and eyes. If you develop such allergic reactions to Mirchi, you should limit its use.

It is also recommended to reduce and restrict the intake of cayenne pepper during summers, as it can increase your body heat beyond your ability to sustain the heat. Overheating of the body can cause bleeding in the nose.

References

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    Written ByDrx Hina FirdousPhD (Pharmacology) Pursuing, M.Pharma (Pharmacology), B.Pharma - Certificate in Nutrition and Child CarePharmacology
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    Reviewed ByDt. Ms. Shilpa MarwahB.Sc (Home Science), Post Graduation Diploma in Dietetics and Public Health NutritionDietitian/Nutritionist
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