Caribbean people are known to infuse rich blends of salts, herbs, and spices in meals. Many sauces, curry dishes, and meats are prepared with hot peppers that help to enhance the flavours. So, it’s not surprising that when it comes to condiments, you’ll find that cayenne pepper is a staple in many kitchens.

If you love spicy food and enjoy using cayenne pepper, we’ve got a few great health benefits this pepper is known to provide.

Cayenne pepper

Cayenne pepper is a hot chili in the Capsicum family and is closely related to bell and jalapeño peppers. They are also commonly used in Mexican, Cajun, Creole, and Southwestern American cuisine. These peppers can be dried and ground to make a powdered spice for seasoning.

How does cayenne pepper contribute to our health?

Capsaicin has several nutritional benefits: Cayenne pepper’s hot, spicy flavour comes from a compound called capsaicin, linked to many of the health benefits of hot peppers. Capsaicin can help ease itching, relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and protect the nervous system.

These peppers are a good source of nutrients: They contain vitamins A, B6, C, E, and K. While a fresh pepper has more vitamins, the dried form is still a good source of vitamin A. Vitamin A helps our immune system, vision, reproduction, and the proper functioning of lungs, kidneys, heart, and other organs.

Capsaicin can help some skin issues: This compound has antibacterial properties that may help protect the body from bacteria that cause soft tissue and skin infections like cellulitis and blistering. Capsaicin patches may reduce itching from dialysis or skin conditions like psoriasis.

There are antioxidants in cayenne pepper: Antioxidants help our body remove toxins (free radicals) and may help prevent health problems like neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer’s), cancer, and heart disease. Some of the antioxidants in cayenne pepper are vitamin C and E, lutein, zeaxanthin, beta carotene, choline, and cryptoxanthin (vitamin A).

It may help ease cold symptoms: Cayenne pepper is used in some home remedies to reduce congestion and coughs and fight off colds. Capsaicin may relieve congestion, a stuffy nose, sneezing, and postnasal drip when smoking and allergies are not the cause.

What else should you know about cayenne pepper?

Cayenne pepper is versatile and works well with savoury dishes. You can add it to pasta, casseroles, tacos, fish, or egg dishes. This pepper has been used in some detox diets that promote weight loss and detoxifies the body. Although capsaicin has many nutritional benefits, it can irritate the digestive system. So, people with GERD or irritable bowel syndrome should avoid spicy foods. Allergic reactions are rare; however, some people might have trouble breathing, swelling, or hives after eating cayenne pepper. If you have an allergic reaction to this pepper, seek medical attention promptly.

Please consult with your health care provider before using cayenne pepper or capsaicin for medical purposes.

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Sources: Cleveland Clinic, Healthline, WebMD, Medical News Today, and Style Craze.