What Cayenne Pepper Does to Your Body

Cayenne pepper belongs to the capsicum genus of plants.

Cayenne has been in use for medicinal purposes for centuries. It has been used both as a culinary spice and a food preservative and has added health benefits.

Cayenne pepper, with the scientific name of Capsicum annuum, belongs to the capsicum genus of plants that include chili peppers and bell peppers. Bell peppers are usually mild and even sweet, but chili peppers come in various degrees of pungency. Cayenne is a moderately spicy chili pepper, although much hotter than jalapeno peppers.

Cayenne peppers are long, thin, red peppers commonly used to spice up food. They contain nutrients such as vitamins A, C, and E, and many minerals that the body requires. The active compound in cayenne pepper is capsaicin, the substance that causes a burning sensation when we eat it. Capsaicin is extracted from the peppers and used for topical pain relief because of its analgesic properties.

Besides providing some of the essential nutrients, cayenne pepper can relieve pain. The capsaicin in cayenne pepper has analgesic properties and works on the counter-irritation principle. Capsaicin initially irritates the nerve endings on the skin area where it is applied, but continued exposure desensitizes the nerve endings and blocks pain signals from that region temporarily. Capsaicin also depletes substance P, a natural chemical in the body that helps transmit pain signals.

Other effects of cayenne pepper on the body include antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and mild blood-thinning effects. Cayenne pepper is also thought to stimulate digestion and boost metabolism. Although the topical analgesic property of capsaicin is well-established, there is insufficient scientific evidence for some of its other medicinal properties. However, cayenne pepper certainly does add spice and flavor to food.

Is cayenne pepper good for you?

It generally is, unless you are allergic to chili peppers, although it can have some side effects, particularly if you have too much of it. Read on to learn about cayenne pepper's health benefits and its side effects.

Capsaicin, derived from peppers, is believed to be effective on various forms of rhinitis by reducing nasal hypersensitivity response to various allergens. In a study conducted on 42 patients with allergic and nonallergic rhinitis, an intranasal solution of capsaicin and eucalyptol (added to reduce the burning sensation that some patients experience with capsaicin) was used two times a day for 15 days, and this was compared with placebo (no drug). There was a statistical improvement in nasal congestion, sinus pain and pressure, and headache.

Other cayenne pepper benefits include:

• Antioxidant: Cayenne pepper contains large amounts of vitamin A, which helps in maintaining good health, healthy skin, and proper brain function. Vitamin A fights swelling caused by free radicals and is vital for good health. Cayenne pepper also contains vitamin E, which is another super antioxidant that slows the aging process and keeps bodily organs healthy. Vitamin E plays a significant role in balancing hormones, repairing damaged skin, and maintaining healthy cholesterol levels.
• Allergy prevention: High doses of beta carotene, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory capabilities in cayenne pepper can prevent allergies by breaking up and eliminating mucus caused by congestion. With its high vitamin C content, cayenne pepper also protects against the common cold.
• Weight loss: Cayenne pepper is a metabolism booster. This means that regular intake in small amounts can help burn more calories. It also eases inflammation from allergies and food sensitivities that cause bloating and digestive problems. A study showed that people who ate a breakfast containing capsaicin burned 51% more calories in the hours after breakfast than those who didn't consume it. Another study showed that people taking capsaicin supplements ate 10% less during the day because they felt fuller for longer and thus ate fewer calories. It is also thought that capsaicin reduces the production of the hunger hormone ghrelin, although this has yet to be confirmed.
• Blood pressure: As per researchers, another of the cayenne pepper benefits may be that the capsaicin in cayenne pepper could reduce hypertension (high blood pressure) by relaxing the blood vessels.
• Cancer: Some studies have reported that cayenne pepper may help the body cells fight many types of cancer, including prostate, melanoma, and pancreatic cancer. This however needs more evidence.
• Heart attacks: Cayenne may help prevent myocardial infarction (heart attacks) by promoting blood flow effectively through the circulatory system. It has a mild blood-thinning action, which may be helpful in people with cholesterol problems. However, it is not a replacement for your blood thinners and cholesterol medications.
• Nerve and joint pain: Cayenne powder applied locally reduces the amount of substance P, a chemical that sends pain signals to the brain. Reduction or removal of this chemical stops pain signals from reaching the brain and relieves pain. Studies show that cayenne pepper can relieve pain from rheumatoid arthritis, joint pain from fibromyalgia, migraines, diabetic neuropathy in the legs and feet, injuries to the lower back, and osteoarthritis.
• Digestive system: Cayenne pepper aids the digestive system to work efficiently by inhibiting enzyme production. Researchers have proven that capsaicin stimulates alkali and mucous secretions, preventing and curing gastric ulcers. Capsaicin in cayenne pepper also stimulates the salivary glands to produce saliva, which aids digestion and keeps bad breath at bay.
• Psoriasis: Using cayenne pepper cream as a topical agent may help treat moderate and severe psoriasis. Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that presents itself as inflamed, scaly patches on the skin caused when the skin cells replicate too rapidly.
• Anti-fungal properties: CAY-1 is a substance found in cayenne pepper. It is known to attack the cell walls of the fungus. This property may help to fight against fungal infections of the skin and mucous membrane (the inner lining of the mouth and gut).
• Sexual benefits: Adding a dash of cayenne pepper or other chili peppers to your daily diet may improve libido and sexual satisfaction. The benefits of cayenne pepper sexually for females may include a reduction of pain from intercourse from improved blood flow and a consequent increase in lubrication. However, there is not much research or evidence to support this claim.

• Cayenne pepper may interfere with some medicines. It is advisable to consult your doctor before taking cayenne supplements. Cayenne may interfere with blood-thinning medicines such as warfarin, aspirin, naproxen, or ibuprofen. For this reason, doctors usually recommend their patients stop taking cayenne pepper in any form at least two weeks before and two weeks after the surgery.
• Theophylline is a bronchodilator that treats asthma and other lung conditions, and capsaicin found in cayenne pepper can increase the amount of theophylline the body can absorb. If you are taking theophylline, speak to your physician before adding cayenne pepper or foods containing capsaicin to your diet.
• Excessive amounts of cayenne pepper can irritate the inner lining of the stomach causing gastritis and even stomach ulcers. Therefore, people with ulcers are advised to limit consumption.
• When taken as a supplement while pregnant, cayenne pepper can lead to heartburn or vomiting. Existing acid reflux can worsen as well. Breastfeeding mothers are also advised against taking cayenne pepper supplements because these can affect the infant.

Are cayenne pepper and chili pepper the same?

Confusion about cayenne pepper vs chili pepper is common. Are they the same? Not quite. All cayenne peppers are chili peppers, but all chili peppers are not cayenne. Chili pepper is a generic name that can refer to any pungent type of pepper in the capsicum family. Cayenne is one of the types of chili peppers.

How much cayenne pepper should you have per day?

There are no specific daily recommended doses of cayenne pepper. It primarily depends on each individual's tolerance to the spice. Adding a little cayenne to spice up food or taking capsaicin supplements in doses recommended by the manufacturer may provide health benefits, however, eating too much cayenne can cause irritation and burning sensation in the digestive tract, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

Does cayenne pepper lower blood pressure fast?

Research indicates cayenne pepper can reduce blood pressure, but there is insufficient evidence for its effectiveness in reducing blood pressure instantly. Do not rely on chili pepper remedies if your blood pressure goes high. Take your medications and/or seek medical help.

Is cayenne pepper good for the heart?

Cayenne pepper is likely good for the heart because it may reduce blood pressure, which reduces the load on the heart. Cayenne also has mild blood-thinning properties which can improve blood circulation and reduce the risk of heart attacks.

Is cayenne pepper an anti-inflammatory?

Research shows cayenne pepper has anti-inflammatory effects. Capsaicin extracts are known to reduce nasal congestion caused by allergic rhinitis and reduce skin inflammation in psoriasis, an autoimmune skin condition.