Amazing Ways Cayenne Benefits Your Health

Lisa Franchi September 29, 2014

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Cayenne does more than spice up our food. It can also spice up our health and protect us from different illnesses. Below are the top reasons why cayenne can be actually good for your health:

It offers protection against diabetes.

Diabetes is a lifelong condition that causes a person’s blood sugar level to become too high. This condition greatly affects the circulatory system, and may result to neuropathy and tissue death of the extremities. Recent studies suggest that capsaicin encourages regeneration of damaged nerves and improves circulation, which helps prevent infections such as foot ulcers that may lead to complications and subsequent amputations.

It may reduce cancer risk.

While little research has been shown regarding the Capsicum annum or Capsicum frutescens plant for people with cancer, several studies have shown that capsaicin may be somewhat useful for managing pain related to surgery and mouth sores due to chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Multiple studies in conducted in Japan, England, and the United States has shown capsaicin forces cancer cells to self-terminate.

It aids in migraines and headaches.

Adding cayenne to your food can help prevent headaches, including migraines. It is one of the few migraine remedies that have been shown to provide immediate relief for most people.

It supports weight loss.

Scientists from Laval University in Quebec found that participants who took cayenne pepper for breakfast were found to have less appetite, leading to less caloric intake throughout the day. Cayenne is also a great metabolic-booster, aiding the body in burning excess amounts of fats.

It has antibacterial properties.

Cayenne is a natural preservative and has been used traditionally to prevent food contamination from bacteria.

It has anti-cancer properties.

Studies done at the Loma Linda University in California found that cayenne pepper may help prevent lung cancer in smokers. According to the researchers, this may be related to cayenne’s high quantity of capsaicin, a substance that might help stop the formation of tobacco-induced lung tumours. Other studies have also shown a similar reaction in cayenne’s resistance to liver tumours.

It offers joint pain relief.

Research shows that cayenne pepper acts to cause temporary pain on the skin, which sends chemical messengers from the skin into the joint, offering relief for joint pain.

It boosts digestive health.

Cayenne is a well-known digestive aid. It stimulates the digestive tract, increasing the flow of enzyme production and gastric juices. This aids the body’s ability to metabolize food (and toxins). Cayenne pepper is also helpful for relieving intestinal gas. It stimulates intestinal peristaltic motion, aiding in both assimilation and elimination.