The anti-inflammatory effects of capsaicin can also be useful in helping to reduce joint pain in chronic conditions, such as arthritis. Capsaicin works by supporting the movement of stomach muscles, helping to break down food quicker and enhance nutrient absorption.

Some proponents of intermittent fasting for weight loss also suggest that using cayenne pepper on your fast can help accelerate fat burning and boost the metabolism. Since capsaicin increases blood flow and stimulates the production of heat in the body, this can also lead to enhanced metabolic activity.

Cayenne pepper can be safely consumed during a fast in small quantities, such as mixed into a cup of hot tea or coffee. Taking advantage of these amazing benefits of cayenne pepper is easy when you find creative ways to add cayenne pepper to your foods. One of the best ways to use cayenne pepper is to mix it into any type of hummus or dip, adding a slight kick to level up your dip.

Hummus is a great healthy snack that works well when paired with celery or sliced bell peppers. Many people also enjoy adding cayenne pepper into seasoning blends used for sauteed vegetables. Another way to add cayenne pepper into your meals is to sprinkle a pinch into your morning eggs.

Cayenne pepper tastes awesome in scrambled eggs , omelets, or nearly any way you enjoy your eggs. If you really love spicy things, try adding a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to a warm cup of tea. Consuming the pepper itself can help you get the most benefit from cayenne — but be prepared for the kick.

Spicy food lovers often enjoy chopping cayenne up and using it in homemade salsa recipes or even in meat marinades. If you haven't been in a gym in a bit, what he said seems like sacrilege. Where are the bench presses of yore? Where's a young Arnie Schwarzenegger barefooted at the squat rack, as seen in Pumping Iron?

The reality of today's trainers, Hammond said, is that for most cases and most people, dumbbells are more effective and versatile than any home workout machine you can buy. Even if you're aware that Olympic athletes and elite bodybuilders count stretching as an integral part of their warm-up routine, you still find yourself skipping it before a workout.

Because, unlike strength training and a full-body workout, you don't see results from stretching. But if you're doing it right, you're not supposed to.

Feeling the breeze on your face as you run past the trees is exhilarating. Of course, runners love running, but it can be hard on the joints.

Mix it up and try other forms of exercise, like yoga, to protect and strengthen your joints and muscles. This meditative movement practice has long been loved by athletes and runners alike.

Here are six yoga poses to boost your mobility and future runs. Lizard pose utthan pristhasana Lizards are fast with flexible hips and can stretch their legs out to the side.

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Emily Caldwell. It might even help treat cold and flu and other related allergies. Detoxifying is like recharging your batteries for a new and invigorated you.

And you can very well take the help of cayenne in this process. One of the more popular detox diets consists of cayenne pepper and lemon. This diet was developed way back in by Stanley Burroughs, an alternative health practitioner. This diet works by lowering the calorie intake.

The detox diet lasts for 10 days, where you need to drink 12 glasses of a tonic that consists of water, lemon juice, maple syrup, and cayenne pepper. And by the way, no solid foods. You should be getting around to 1, calories a day.

Here, the weight loss happens very quickly, and you might lose close to 3 pounds a week. Most of that weight is water weight, though. Though certain anecdotal reports suggest that this diet leaves one feeling healthier and energetic, there is no concrete research.

This detox tonic can probably be a healthy alternative to sugary beverages, once in a while. We already saw the pain-relieving effects of capsaicin. Studies have revealed that applying creams containing capsaicin on painful joints improved their condition.

As per the Arthritis Foundation, capsaicin which also is one of the capsaicinoids present in cayenne pepper has anti-inflammatory properties that can help relieve arthritis and joint pains Topical capsaicin can also be effective for osteoarthritis i X A type of arthritis that occurs when the tissue at the ends of the bones wears or breaks down over time.

pain and fibromyalgia i X A chronic syndrome that causes widespread muscle pain, tenderness, fatigue, and emotional and mental distress. Cayenne pepper can prevent infection in the case of an injury, thanks to its antibacterial properties. It also possesses antifungal properties. Eating this pepper is a natural remedy that also increases your body heat, and this is said to strengthen your immune system as well.

In a research study, the antioxidant activity of different peppers, including cayenne pepper, was determined based on their ferric-reducing antioxidant power FRAP activity.

Though less than the other varieties, cayenne pepper was found to be a potent antioxidant. Check out the graph below to find the results of the study. Using cayenne pepper for toothache is an old-fashioned remedy, but one that works.

The pepper acts as a counter-irritant and decreases the deeper tooth pain. It also increases local blood flow. Though we have limited research on this, some reports promote cayenne pepper for its skin and hair benefits.

The capsaicin in the pepper can soothe skin redness its anti-inflammatory properties and also treats acne-induced skin discoloration, thus promoting skin health. Mix one spoon of the pepper with some cocoa powder and half a ripe avocado till you get a paste.

Apply it to your face and rinse after 15 minutes. The vitamin in cayenne pepper can improve hair health too. Mix some of the pepper with honey and apply to your scalp.

Cover your hair with a cellophane cover. Wash after 30 minutes. You can also add three eggs and olive oil to this mixture and follow the same procedure for stronger hair.

This remedy can also add volume and shine to your hair. You need to select totally ripe cayenne peppers with a bright and even color. The ripe peppers are usually green or red. There is no specific recommended daily intake of cayenne pepper.

Some people may be more sensitive to the spicy taste of cayenne pepper than others, so it is important to start with small amounts and gradually increase the amount as tolerated. You can buy cayenne pepper from your nearest supermarket store or online.

You may also go for cayenne pepper pills after checking with your doctor. The capsaicin in cayenne pepper can cause irritation in certain people This can include skin irritation, irritation of the eyes, stomach, throat, and nose.

Taking excess of cayenne pepper orally can lead to kidney or liver damage. However, limited data is available in this regard.

Using cayenne pepper on the skin is safe. But taking it orally can be harmful. Avoid use. The capsaicin in cayenne pepper might increase bleeding during and after surgery.

Also, cayenne pepper is not recommended to be consumed by those on blood thinners or with bleeding disorders. Hence, avoid using it at least two weeks before your scheduled surgery. In addition, some believe that cayenne pepper may cause heartburn and an upset stomach.

Although you may be wary of cayenne pepper because of its hot nature, its different health benefits may help you to put your concerns to rest for good. This pepper is packed with capsaicin that offers a range of advantages to your body, and especially to your gut.

Check out the infographic below to learn more about the benefits of cayenne pepper for your body. Save Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team.

The capsaicin in cayenne pepper is responsible for the health benefits that comes with it. Apart from being known for its pain-relieving properties, it is used in cooking as it may also boost metabolism, improve digestion, lower blood pressure, reduce cancer risk, and enhance skin and hair health.

However, cayenne pepper may also cause irritation in some, and lead to kidney or liver damage if consumed in excess. An increased risk of bleeding during and after surgery is another adverse effect to be wary about.

Hence, include it in moderation to reap its benefits safely. It is generally safe to consume cayenne pepper at any time of day, including at night. You can put a little bit in case the skin around your eyes has inflamed as cayenne pepper has anti-inflammatory properties , but your eyes would burn very badly.

If cayenne pepper feels too spicy, you can go with capsicum. It also contains capsaicin. I have started taking cayenne pepper for blood pressure, but it has actually increased. Why does this happen? That is a common experience.

And this is what Dr. When the venous structure becomes loaded with sticky mucus, the blood has a harder time circulating; therefore, higher pressure forces the liquid through.

Cayenne regulates the flow of blood from the head to the feet so that it is equalized; it influences the heart immediately, then gradually extends its effects to the arteries, capillaries, and nerves. The capsaicin and potassium in cayenne pepper may maintain electrolyte balance and potentially help reduce kidney stone risk.

Also, as per animal studies, cayenne pepper might benefit those with chronic kidney disease by functioning as a diuretic However, more human studies are needed in this regard. Yes, capsaicin has hepatoprotective properties that reduce the risk of liver inflammation.

Animal studies show that it may also help reduce the risk of alcohol-induced liver injury Cayenne pepper improves circulation by promoting cholesterol export and reducing plaque buildup in the arteries StyleCraze's articles are interwoven with authentic personal narratives that provide depth and resonance to our content.

Below are the sources of the personal accounts referenced in this article. Image: Shutterstock. Know Your Ingredient: Cayenne Pepper. What Is It? It is a moderately spicy, long red chili pepper rated between to scoville units.

In This Article. Related: 14 Home Remedies For Body Pain And Prevention Tips. Quick Tip. Since cayenne does not dissolve in water easily, you can use vinegar to get it off the skin. Infographic: Top 4 Reasons To Have Cayenne Pepper Although you may be wary of cayenne pepper because of its hot nature, its different health benefits may help you to put your concerns to rest for good.

Save the high-quality PDF version on your device now. Download Infographic. Key Takeaways Capsaicin in cayenne pepper can help boost metabolism as it helps burn fat and calories by producing extra heat in the body.

This pepper may help stimulate the sinuses and offer relief during sinus congestion. Cayenne pepper can be added to spice mixtures and marinades to enrich the flavor.

Always use it in moderate amounts as excess cayenne pepper can lead to severe liver damage. Personal Experience: Source StyleCraze's articles are interwoven with authentic personal narratives that provide depth and resonance to our content.

University of Copenhagen, Denmark. Maastricht University, The Netherlands. Purdue University, USA. US National Library of Medicine. CFTRI, Mysore, India. Chicago Tribune. University of Maryland Medical Center.

University of California, USA. Marshall University, Huntington, USA. Explore, Integrative Medicine. Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. University of Rochester Medical Center. Arthritis Foundation. Bastyr University. Effects of Chronic Administration of Capsaicin on Biomarkers of Kidney Injury in Male Wistar Rats with Experimental Diabetes, US National Library of Medicine.

Was this article helpful? The following two tabs change content below. Reviewer Expert Author Editor Fact-checker. Merlin Annie Raj Registered Dietitian Nutritionist.

Merlin Annie Raj is a Registered Dietitian based out of Hyderabad, India. She has 14 years of experience in Clinical Nutrition as well as teaching Nutrition and Dietetics to undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Merlin has conducted various weight management programs, prepared Pallini Winnifred, RDN, serves over clients in the NYC area. She has a bachelor's degree in Nutrition Science from Stony Brook University and two years of experience in nutrition counseling.

One tablespoon of cayenne pepper benefits your body with a huge variety of vitamins and minerals, including calcium, magnesium, multiple B vitamins, iron, and more, at around 17 calories.

Additionally, a serving of cayenne pepper contains small amounts of protein, fat, and carbohydrates. Cayenne pepper originated in the Cayenne region of French Guiana. Today, the pepper grows around the world in multiple countries, including India, eastern Africa, Central and South America, and some parts of the United States.

Cayenne peppers grow on a specific type of shrub that thrives in tropical and subtropical climates. Historically, cayenne pepper was used as a remedy for several ailments, such as heart disease, respiratory problems, arthritis, indigestion, and more.

Though this pepper has been used and consumed in many different forms throughout North, Central, and South America for thousands of years, cayenne pepper benefits came to Europe later.

If you want to enjoy the many cayenne pepper benefits as well as its sweet, smoky, and spicy flavor palate, there are many ways to do so. Whole fresh cayenne peppers can often be found at your local grocery or health food store, especially if you live in or near an area where the climate is right for the growth of these peppers.

to boost your overall daily wellness. Whole dried cayenne peppers are readily available throughout the United States and beyond since they can be transported quite a distance from their growing site without sacrificing the quality of taste and nutrition.

One of the most common forms of cayenne pepper is its ground form, which is, by far, the most accessible. The vast majority of major grocery store chains carry ground cayenne pepper no matter how far from a growing site they might be located, as this spice is easily stored and transported without losing freshness and potency.

Storing methods for cayenne pepper will depend on whether your pepper is fresh or dried and whole or ground. Fresh cayenne pepper should be stored inside of a plastic bag in the refrigerator, preferably in the vegetable or crisper drawer for optimal freshness.

Aim to consume your fresh cayenne pepper within a few days of purchasing. If it loses its tight texture and starts to become soft or mushy, it may be past ripe. Dried and ground cayenne pepper can both be stored in the pantry or another cool, dry place.

While ground cayenne pepper should come in its own container, you may need to allocate a glass jar, Tupperware, or similar container for your whole dried cayenne peppers to keep them fresh and protected from mold.

Dried cayenne pepper can also last for several months in the freezer when stored in a freezer-safe container. The many cayenne pepper benefits make it a desirable food to include in your diet, and this pepper is generally safe for consumption by the general population.

However, there are a few features of cayenne pepper to keep in mind before you consume it regularly or in large quantities.

Capsaicin , the compound that gives cayenne pepper and other peppers their spice and heat, should be consumed with care. Capsaicin causes irritation and a burning sensation in any tissue it comes into contact with, which is why foods containing this compound give the sensation of heat and spiciness.

Additionally, some preexisting conditions may not combine very well with cayenne pepper benefits. Those with irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, should use caution when consuming cayenne pepper.

The high capsaicin content in this pepper can cause painful flare-ups for people that suffer from IBS or other digestive concerns. Allergies to cayenne pepper are not typical. However, if you consume cayenne pepper and notice any skin breakouts, abnormal coughing, or swelling, make sure to contact a physician right away.

You may be wondering about the specific cayenne pepper benefits that can be seen when including this powerful food in your diet regularly. Here are just a few of the ways in which cayenne pepper benefits health and makes an impact on your well-being.

And if you are curious of the actual nutritional breakdown, Mike at Chili Pepper Madness provides an awesome visualization. Antioxidants are naturally occurring chemicals that help neutralize free radicals in the body.

Free radicals damage our internal organs and tissues through oxidative stress. The more antioxidants you consume in your diet, the better your body will be equipped to fight against these harmful compounds.

Essentially, these antioxidants can help fight against illnesses. Cayenne pepper benefits the digestive system using its primary compound, capsaicin. This compound can help increase the rate at which your digestive organs secrete gastric juices, making the digestion process occur more smoothly and preventing bloating in the gut.

Capsaicin also helps to reduce gut inflammation and decrease the risk of developing metabolic disease. Additionally, the vitamin B content in every serving of cayenne pepper also aids digestion and increases the metabolism by helping break down sugars and fats in the system.

If you struggle with chronic pain or arthritis, a topical cayenne pepper solution might help reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Just make sure to ask your doctor if this option is right for you. There are many ways that cayenne pepper benefits your heart health.

Capsaicin has vasodilatory properties, which means that it helps keep your blood vessels wide so that blood can flow in and out of your heart with ease and your blood pressure remains in a healthy range.

Additionally, the potassium found in cayenne pepper benefits your heart by helping regulate your heartbeat. Regular ingestion of capsaicin can also aid in keeping your levels of bad cholesterol at a low range and prevent harmful blood clotting, which reduces the risk of having a stroke.

If your sinuses are congested due to a cold or flu, taking cayenne pepper can help clear your nose and throat and decrease congestion. The capsaicin found in cayenne pepper benefits your sinuses and nasal pathways by thinning mucous, which makes your coughs and nose blowings more productive and decreases the length of your symptoms.

Besides thinning mucus and keep your from feeling so stuffy, the pepper can alleviate any sinus pressure that you may be feeling and can reduce inflammation.

Just add a little dash to some hot water or tea. There is also scientific evidence that says that snorting cayenne pepper in moderation, of course or running a Q-tip with cayenne around the nostrils can help, too.

Two of the most important minerals for dental and bone health are magnesium and calcium, which are both found in every serving of cayenne pepper. Not only are these minerals effective for strengthening your bones and teeth, but capsaicin also has powerful anti-inflammatory effects that can help relieve arthritis and fibromyalgia symptoms.

Vitamin C is also abundant in cayenne pepper, and it is well known to support the functionality of the immune system as well as many other internal systems. Thinking that cayenne pepper might be a good addition to your diet but wanting to start slowly? While it has cayenne, it also includes pure maple syrup to create a harmonious balance.

Cayenne pepper benefits are easy to incorporate into your daily meals, especially if you like the taste of spicy foods.

You can add a hint of cayenne pepper to pasta dishes, on top of baked chicken or salmon, or even sprinkle it over some roasted sweet potatoes.

Cayenne pepper benefits can combine with the health-boosting properties of other superfoods in order to have an even greater effect on your overall well-being. The pepper can add a delicious kick of flavor and heat to any tasty beverage or meal, such as beet juice , celery juice , and even a blended acai bowl.

When consuming cayenne pepper in its powdered form, this spice mixes very well with cinnamon to elevate the taste and nutritional profile of your meal.

The sweet, earthy flavor of cinnamon and the smoky spice of cayenne pepper complement each other well and can be enjoyed in a variety of foods, including soups, stews, juices, and baked vegetables. Eating for great health can and should!

be delicious, easy, and enjoyable. With Clean Juice, you can take advantage of all the best cayenne pepper benefits and other superfood benefits with fresh juices, acai bowls, sandwiches, and so much more. Additionally, you can get your nutritious meals delivered right to your door to make getting healthy more convenient!

Ready to get started on your health journey with Clean Juice? Boosting your health has never been so easy — or so tasty. Order now from one of our many locations across the U. Disclaimer: The information presented here is for educational purposes only and is in no way intended as a substitute for medical counseling.

Consult your doctor before using any health treatment, including natural remedies, and tell your doctor if you have a serious medical condition or are taking any medications. Spice Up Your Life: How Cayenne Pepper Benefits Your Health and Heart Making sure your diet is filled with a whole litany of fresh, nutritious, whole foods is the key to setting yourself up for a happy, healthy life.

Table of contents: The Basics of Cayenne Pepper Benefits: Size, Taste, Texture, and Nutrition Where Does Cayenne Pepper Come From? Cayenne has also been used in traditional Indian Ayurvedic, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean medicines as an oral remedy for stomach problems, poor appetite, and circulatory problems.

It has also been applied to the skin for arthritis and muscle pain. Today, ointments and creams with capsaicin are used in the United States and Europe to relieve pain from arthritis and shingles Herpes zoster. Capsaicin is also a key ingredient in many pepper sprays.

Capsaicin has powerful pain-relieving properties when applied to the skin. It reduces the amount of substance P, a chemical that carries pain messages to the brain, in your body. When there is less substance P, the pain messages no longer reach the brain, and you feel relief. Capsaicin is often recommended for the following conditions:.

Capsaicin cream can reduce itching and inflammation from psoriasis, a long-lasting skin disease that generally appears as patches of raised, red skin covered by a flaky white buildup.

A few studies suggest that cayenne supplements may help suppress appetite and help people feel full. But not all studies agree, and many have looked at cayenne or capsaicin combined with other ingredients, making it impossible to tell whether capsaicin itself was responsible for any weight loss.

More studies are needed. Cayenne is a shrub that originated in Central and South America and now grows in subtropical and tropical climates. Its hollow fruit grows into long pods that turn red, orange, or yellow when they ripen. The fruit is eaten raw or cooked, or it is dried and powdered into a spice that has been used for centuries in meals and medicines.

Capsaicin is the most active ingredient in cayenne. Other important ingredients include vitamins A and C, and flavonoids and carotenoids, pigments that give red, yellow, and orange plants their color and have antioxidant properties.

As a spice, cayenne may be eaten raw or cooked. Dried cayenne pepper is available in powdered form, and you can add it to food, or stir it into juice, tea, or milk. It is also available in capsule form or in creams for external use.

Creams should contain at least 0. DO NOT give cayenne to children under 2. However, with caution, capsaicin ointment may be used on the skin for older children. DO NOT use topical cayenne ointments for more than 2 days in a row for a child. The use of herbs is a time-honored approach to strengthening the body and treating disease.

But herbs can trigger side effects and interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications. For these reasons, you should take herbs under the supervision of a health care provider.

Cayenne does not dissolve easily in water, so it is hard to wash off. Use vinegar to get it off the skin.

Capsaicin cream may cause an itching, burning sensation on the skin. These symptoms tend to go away quickly. Test capsaicin cream on a small area of your skin before extended use.

If it causes irritation, or if your symptoms do not get better after 2 to 4 weeks, stop using it. DO NOT use capsaicin with a heating pad, and DO NOT apply capsaicin cream immediately before or after a hot shower. After using capsaicin, wash your hands well and avoid touching your eyes.

If you are using cayenne around children, make sure they wash their hands thoroughly after handling cayenne and DO NOT touch their eyes or nose. Capsaicin capsules may cause stomach irritation.

People with ulcers or heartburn should talk to their provider before using capsaicin. Eating too much capsaicin could cause stomach pain.

People who are allergic to latex, bananas, kiwi, chestnuts, and avocado may also have an allergy to cayenne. Eating cayenne in food is considered safe during pregnancy. But pregnant women should not take cayenne as a supplement. Cayenne does pass into breast milk, so nursing mothers should avoid cayenne as a supplement.

If you are currently being treated with any of the following medications, you should not use cayenne supplements without first talking to your doctor. ACE inhibitors: Using capsaicin cream may raise the risk of developing a cough, which is one of the side effects of ACE inhibitors.

These medications are used to treat high blood pressure hypertension. People who take ACE inhibitors should talk to their doctor before taking cayenne. ACE inhibitors include:.

Stomach acid reducers: Capsaicin can increase stomach acid, making these drugs less effective. These drugs include:. Aspirin: Capsaicin may make aspirin less effective as a pain reliever. It may also increase the risk of bleeding associated with aspirin. Blood-thinning medications and herbs: Capsaicin may increase the risk of bleeding associated with certain blood-thinning medications such as warfarin Coumadin , clopidogrel Plavix , and herbs such as ginkgo, ginger, ginseng, and garlic.

Medications for diabetes: Capsaicin lowers blood sugar levels, raising the risk of low blood sugar hypoglycemia. If you have diabetes, ask your doctor before using capsaicin.

Theophylline: Regular use of cayenne may cause your body to absorb too much theophylline, which is a medication used to treat asthma. This could be dangerous. Ahuja KD, Robertson IK, Geraghty DP, Ball MJ. Effects of chilli consumption on postprandial glucose, insulin, and energy metabolism.

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Eur J Clin Nutr. Allison DB, Fontaine KR, Heshka S, Mentore JL, Heymsfield SB. Alternative treatments for weight loss: a critical review. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. Attal N. Chronic neuropathic pain: mechanisms and treatment [Review]. Clin J Pain. Bouraoui A, Toumi A, Mustapha HB, et al. Effects of capsicum fruit on theophylline absorption and bioavailability in rabbits.

Drug-Nutrient Interact. Chrubasik S, Weiser T, Beime B. Effectiveness and safety of topical capsaicin cream in the treatment of chronic soft tissue pain.

Phytother Res. D'Alonzo AJ, Grover GJ, Darbenzio RB, et al. In vitro effects of capsaicin: antiarrhythmic and antiischemic activity. Eur J Pharmacol. Deal CL, Schnitzer TJ, Lipstein E, et al. Treatment of arthritis with topical capsaicin: a double-blind trial. Clin Ther. Ellison N, Loprinzi CL, Kugler J, et al.

Phase III placebo-controlled trial of capsaicin cream in the management of surgical neuropathic pain in cancer patients. J Clin Oncol. Friese KH. Acute otitis media in children: a comparison of conventional and homeopathic treatment. Biomedical Therapy. Fusco BM, Marabini S, Maggi CA, Fiore G, Geppetti P.