No pain, no gain; at least when it comes to cayenne pepper, that is. Research has found that the cayenne pepper has several health benefits that can help give you a nutritional boost. The presence of an extraordinary substance known as capsaicin is what truly gives the cayenne pepper its extraordinary effect on overall health. So add a little spice to your diet for a range of health benefits.
Natural Healing
- Capsaicin is known for its natural healing properties. In particular, the cayenne pepper is known to be an effective treatment for both cluster headaches as well as osteoarthritis pain. It can also be used for topical relief for muscle and joint pain.
- In a double-blind placebo experiment, almost 200 patients with psoriasis were given topical preparations containing either capsaicin or a placebo. Patients who were given capsaicin reported significant improvement based on a severity scale regarding associated psoriasis symptoms.
- Research suggests that cayenne can also aid in nerve pain. Due to the inherent heat it produces when in contact with skin, capsaicin depletes a chemical known as substance P which is responsible for transmitting pain signals to the brain. By obstructing the production of substance P, localized pain is subsequently reduced.
Calorie Burner
- With the heat of the cayenne pepper, more energy is produced in the body which mean calories burn quicker. This increase in heat production and oxygen consumption causes the body to work harder for at least 20 minutes after cayenne is eaten, boosting your metabolism temporarily.
- UCLA researcher David Heber conducted a study examining subjects who took a daily capsaicin supplement and those who took a placebo. Participants who ingested the capsaicin proved to burn an average of 80 calories more per day than those who did not.
- Research shows that cayenne pepper reduces appetite long-term as well. One study found that participants who took cayenne pepper for breakfast were more likely to have reduced appetite, leading to less caloric intake throughout the day.
Cardiovascular Health
- Cayenne pepper aids in removing plaque from arteries.
- Capsaicin reduces cholesterol while regulating blood flow to the entire body. It also increases the body’s ability to dissolve fibrin, a substance integral to the formation of blood clots. Studies show that cultures where hot peppers like cayenne are used generously prove to have a much lower rate of heart attack, stroke and pulmonary embolism.
- Blood pressure is potentially lowered when cayenne is ingested, helping to regulate blood from the head to toe.
It’s easier than you think!
You don’t have to eat whole cayenne peppers to reap their benefits. Although that’s one way to do it, Reliv offers less painful options. Cayenne pepper is found in Reliv Now®, Reliv Classic® and FibRestore® for you to consume cayenne’s valuable nutrients more easily and give your body a unique kick towards good health.
The levels of cayenne pepper ingested in the studies cited in this article represent medicinal levels. Reliv products provide moderate amounts of cayenne pepper per serving.
Thanks Reliv for another great article!
This statement has not been evaluated by the FDA. Reliv products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Sources
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=140
http://voxxi.com/2014/02/01/chili-cayenne-peppers-good-for-you/
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/267248.php
http://www.livestrong.com/article/370942-why-is-cayenne-pepper-good-for-you/