Reasons To Eat Cayenne Pepper

There are many names for this condiment: Red pepper, Chili powder, Merquén, Chili powder, Cayenne pepper or simply Cayenne. It is obtained after grinding the fruits of the Chilean plant or chili pepper, which were previously dried.  It offers several health benefits and is an ideal complement to meals.

Keep in mind that the use of culinary spices is considered beneficial for health. This is due to the numerous contribution of phytonutrients that they present inside, which contributes to improving the efficiency of physiological processes.

What to know about cayenne pepper

This fruit or seasoning is highly coveted because it has healing properties, known since ancient times. It offers an exotic, strong and somewhat spicy flavor, so it should not be abused in any preparation. Beyond being used cayenne pepper to flavor meats, sauces, soups, etc., it serves to maintain good health without having to take medicine.

It has a more than interesting ability: it keeps the body warm, it allows the blood to reach the fingers and toes, which are more prone to cool down in low temperatures. It is also a top-quality pain reliever if used topically. It is said that, it is the best natural remedy for nasal congestion.

This typical ingredient from Latin America, used for centuries in cooking, owes most of its properties to its Capsaicin content.

To know more: How to preserve seasonings and spices

Ten reasons to eat cayenne pepper

These are the ten reasons why it is recommended to consume cayenne pepper:

1. It allows the production of endorphins by the brain, which helps to avoid the sensation of pain.

2. Neutralizes substance P, transmitter of pain from the brain, decreasing and even eliminating these signals.

3. Helps produce tears if swallowed or smelled, ideal for those with dry eye problems.

4. Improves digestion, increases the speed of metabolism, burns calories and stimulates the production of gastric acids. In addition, according to a study published in the International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition , the capsaicin inside it helps you lose weight.

5. Thanks to its components such as calcium, cinnamic acid and magnesium, it prevents constipation and flatulence, due to carvone and camphor.

6. Effective to heal stomach ulcers and increases the production of the intestinal mucosa. It even has benefits in reducing the sensation of pain, according to research published in the journal Molecules . This is also due to capsaicin itself.

7. Controls cholesterol and triglyceride levels, fights hypertension and allows blood to circulate faster, keeping arteries healthy.

8. It is an excellent remedy for poor circulation, especially on cold days. To do this, you should mix a teaspoon of cayenne pepper with two of talcum powder and rub your feet or hands.

9. Helps remove excess mucus and protects the respiratory system from bacteria.

10. It has been shown to prevent some types of cancer, due to its high antioxidant power, which protects cells.

How to use cayenne pepper?

One of the positives of cayenne pepper is its versatility. This spice can be added to almost any food, also acting as a flavor enhancer. It is a great complement to creams and vegetable purees, although it also combines well with meat or fish.

In addition, cayenne pepper can be combined with other culinary spices to enhance its health benefits. For example, with ginger it has a magnificent interaction when it comes to promoting weight loss. With turmeric, for its part, the antioxidant effect is enhanced, thus helping to prevent the development of complex pathologies.

The most advisable thing is to use all these condiments on a daily basis in the diet. In addition, it is preferable not to subject food to very aggressive cooking methods, so that nutritional properties are not lost and toxic waste compounds are not generated.

Do not stop reading: Allergy to spices: how do you know?

Introduce cayenne pepper in the diet

Without a doubt, cayenne pepper can be considered as a condiment but also as an ally of health. Anyway, don’t think that it has magical properties. To really experience benefits it has to be introduced in the context of a balanced and varied diet.

In addition, it will be necessary to guarantee physical activity on a daily basis to prevent the development of pathologies in the medium and long term. Likewise, it is recommended to sleep at least 7 hours each night to maximize the efficiency of the physiological processes that take place daily in the human body.