<\/p>\n
Cayenne pepper is likewise called red pepper or capsicum, and it bears a rather extensive range of potential health benefits.<\/p>\n
Utilized externally and internally, cayenne pepper isn\u2019t costly and is widely available.<\/p>\n
Here are a few of the purported benefits of this colorful spice.<\/strong><\/p>\n 1. Arthritis<\/strong><\/p>\n It seems ironic that a spice that causes pain on the tongue might actually help pain in the body such as\u00a0arthritis<\/a>. But capsaicin, a chemical in cayenne pepper that accounts for its \u201chotness,\u201d alleviates pain by stimulating the body\u2019s own pain-relieving mechanism \u2013 namely, endorphins. Cayenne also contains pain-relieving compounds named salicylates. (Aspirin contains a form of salicylate called acetylsalicylic acid.)<\/p>\n You are able to consume cayenne pepper internally in capsules or add it to foods and beverages (try tomato juice). Using cayenne on the skin at the site of pain is likewise effective \u2013 research has clearly demonstrated that capsaicin creams relieve pain when applied to arthritic joints. It seemingly blunts local pain receptors, and it also steps up blood flow to the region.<\/p>\n 2. Ulcer prevention<\/strong><\/p>\n The utilization of cayenne pepper to handle\u00a0ulcers\u00a0<\/a>might seem unreasonable. But contrary to popular American belief, hot peppers don\u2019t lead to ulcers. Red pepper might, in fact, protect the stomach lining from developing an ulcer. It\u2019s been shown to protect lab animals\u2019 stomachs from high doses of aspirin that would typically lead to ulcers.<\/p>\n 3. Colds, influenza, and sore throat<\/strong><\/p>\n Cayenne pepper is\u00a0antibacterial\u00a0<\/a>and promotes sweating, which means it can genuinely help battle infections in the throat and upper-respiratory region, such as\u00a0colds<\/a>,\u00a0flu\u00a0<\/a>and\u00a0sore throat<\/a>. When blended with garlic in a broth, it\u2019s a superior early treatment for colds and influenza.<\/p>\n 4. Circulatory benefits<\/strong><\/p>\n Cayenne steps up\u00a0circulation\u00a0<\/a>and makes the blood less likely to clot, according to James A. Duke, PhD. Prevention of clot formation helps deflect scenarios that may give rise to heart attacks and strokes. The aspirin-like compounds \u201cthin\u201d the blood like aspirin itself is reported to do.<\/p>\n 5. Weight control<\/strong><\/p>\n A study in England showed as much as a twenty-five percent increase in\u00a0metabolic rates<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 i.e., how quickly you burn calories \u2013 in persons who consumed a teaspoonful each of red pepper sauce and mustard at each meal. Also, if you consume hot and spicy food you\u2019ll be likely to drink more, inducing a feeling of fullness that will help prevent overindulging. Americans, though, tend to add spicy hot pepper sauces to high-fat foods, so make sure you do not sabotage your\u00a0weight loss<\/a>\u00a0attempt by using cayenne in high-fat, high-calorie foods.<\/p>\n 6. Hypertension<\/strong><\/p>\n As mentioned above, cayenne facilitates circulation. The salicylates act like aspirin, thinning the blood but without the stomach irritation that may occur with aspirin, which in turn benefits\u00a0high blood pressure<\/a>\u00a0or\u00a0hypertension<\/a>.<\/p>\n This humble spice isn\u2019t only a lively condiment. It has numerous health benefits and is considered safe.<\/p>\n