7 Amazing Health Benefits Of Cayenne Pepper: A Spice Like No Other

7 Amazing Health Benefits Of Cayenne Pepper: A Spice Like No Other

There is nothing quite as widely available and relied on as cayenne pepper to turn an everyday dish into a hot and flavorful show stopper, especially in India. While the laal mirch (red chilli powder) in the circular masala boxes at home is just one of the many varieties of cayenne pepper consumed in different parts of our country, this spice has been around for some time and is popular with everyone at the the whole world. It has different names and comes in a variety of forms (fresh, dried, canned, or powdered) and is hailed for much more than its role in the kitchen.

Cayenne Pepper takes its name from the Cayenne region in French Guinea. It is grown in the tropical and subtropical regions of India, Africa, the United States of America, and Mexico. It was introduced to the rest of the world by Spanish and Portuguese travelers who carried it from South America, where it was first grown.

Not many know that some varieties of chili powder are not just made from cayenne pepper (with additives like fennel seed powder) but are a perfect substitute for it. One of the local versions is Kashmiri laal mirch powder, which isn't too hot but gives food preparations a striking red color.

Now let's get to know the other amazing benefits of this miracle spice -

1. Helps digestion

Cayenne pepper not only stimulates the palate, but also stimulates the production of various gastric juices and enzymes in the digestive tract and thus supports digestion. It also helps in alleviating intestinal gas problems. Dr. Shikha Sharma, a Delhi-based nutritionist and founder of NutriHealth, advocates the use of cayenne pepper in our foods to help fuel a healthy metabolic system.



2. Detox Power

Cayenne pepper stimulates the circulation. When drunk in the morning with a glass of warm water and fresh lemon juice, it helps the body detoxify itself. It increases body temperature and gives our metabolism a kick start. Another benefit of this early morning drink is it helps regulate blood sugar levels.



3. Antibacterial, antifungal and anti-irritant

This hot ingredient is also said to help with stomach upset and ulcers. What's more? Cayenne pepper acts as a protective shield for the body against allergens and can prevent migraine attacks. The gut has both healthy and unhealthy bacteria. Cayenne pepper keeps the intestines healthy by maintaining an optimal pH balance that hinders the growth of microbes in the intestines.

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4. Can prevent cancer

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, found that the compound responsible for chilli's heat can kill prostate cancer cells. The results suggest that with further research, the compound capsaicin in cayenne pepper could one day be used to develop effective cancer drugs in the form of an injection or pill.



5. Helps with a cold

When the consumption of cayenne pepper increases the body temperature, it helps to decongest the mucus and thus relieves symptoms of colds and flu. A light sprinkling of healthy vegetable soup into a steaming bowl can go a long way in combating this pesky flu. Plus, it also has anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it a natural pain reliever. It is also used as one of the components in topical pain relieving ointments and creams.

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6. Protect the heart

Most commonly, heart attacks are caused by blocked blood vessels. Cayenne pepper not only helps regulate blood pressure, but it also prevents blood clotting when consumed in optimal amounts on a daily basis.



7. Good for weight loss

This miraculous spice begins to work its magic even before it reaches the stomach, in the mouth itself. It stimulates the production of saliva, which is good for digestion and the health of teeth and gums. In addition, it is said to help with weight loss. Again, the compound capsaicin plays a role, where it helps burn calories and curbs appetite when regularly consumed along with other beneficial ingredients.