Health Benefits of Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper has been used for centuries as a spice to food and for healing health problems. It is a hot spice which gives a hot spicy taste to the food. There are many health benefits of cayenne pepper. Capsaicin is the active ingredient of Cayenne pepper which makes it hot. It has vitamin A, C and alkaloids. It should be used at first in small dose of one fourth of teaspoon to half a teaspoon mixed with water. Lemon can be added to taste better. It has a hot spicy taste.

Pain Relief
It has anti-inflammatory properties and it relieves pain in arthritis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis. Capsaicin inhibit the substance P which is a neuropeptide and the transmitter of pain to brain. Capsaicin is very effective for relieving headaches, sinus headaches and migraine headaches. For pain relief, capsaicin can be used 3 or 4 times a day by applying on the area of pain. Most of the pain relieving cream on the market has capsaicin in them.

Lower blood pressure
It improves blood circulation and normalizes blood pressure. It stops internal and external bleeding. It lowers blood pressure and useful for people with poor circulation.

Lower cholesterol
Cayenne pepper lowers LDL cholesterol, triglycerides and helps to reduce atherosclerosis. It stimulates fibrinolytic activity and prevents blood clot formation, all of these help to reduce heart attack or stroke. Capsaicin prevents heart attack by reducing cholesterol and improving blood circulation. This is one of the most important benefits of cayenne pepper.

Relieve sinusitis
It helps to stimulate mucus secretions from the nose and relieving nasal congestion. It has also potent antibacterial properties which help to get rid of bacteria in the sinuses. It is very effective to prevent chronic sinus infections.

Promote digestion
It increases enzyme production and gastric juices. This, in turn, helps to digest food better. It causes increased intestinal peristaltic motion, helping digestion and elimination.

Heal ulcers
Capsaicin can cure inflammatory bowel disease and ulcers. This substance can also prevent stomach ulcers by killing bacteria H. pylori.

Lose Weight
Capsaicin increases metabolic activity which helps to burn calories and fat. It diminishes appetite and helps with less caloric intake.

Prevent cancer
Studies have found that Cayenne pepper can prevent lung cancer. prostate cancer and liver cancer. This is due to the property of capsaicin, which can stop the formation of tumors.

Heal toothache
It has pain relieving property and can relieve toothache and gum diseases. It can be applied to the aching tooth and gum to relieve pain.

Detoxify the body
Cayenne is a circulatory stimulant. It can cleanse the lymphatic and circulatory system. It can be an excellent detox when mixed with lemon juice and honey. It cleanses the liver. Cayenne tea with lemon juice can be used as a drink in the morning. This is one of the many effective benefits of cayenne pepper.