We all have our favorite seasonings/spices that we like to use in our cooking. Not only do they provide the flavors that we want, but they can also contain health benefits!
Cayenne pepper has been a staple in our kitchen for a while now. I only recently discovered the ways that it can be good for our bodies.
This post is just an overview on what makes it great and how I use it.
The what and why of cayenne pepper
Cayenne pepper originates from South America. It has been used in food and traditional medicine for 9,000 years!
It contains capsaicin which is a phytochemical. This has been studied for its health benefits. It also has vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin A, choline, beta carotene and zeaxanthin.
The alleged health benefits of cayenne pepper are as follows:
- Controls hunger
- Speeds up metabolism
- Helps in weight control
- Has anti-inflammatory effects
- Prevents and treats ulcers
- Helps with indigestion
- Lowers blood pressure
- Helps with pain
- Reduces bad cholesterol levels
- Boosts immune system
- Breaks up congestion
- Soothes sore throats
Cayenne pepper can be bought in the forms of powder, capsules, alcohol extract, syrups, spray (self-defense) and capsaicin cream. Too much of it consumed by mouth or topically can cause discomfort so you need to be mindful of that.
I love cayenne pepper!
It is great that one of my favorite spices might be healthy for me. This has made me increase my usage of it quite a bit lately.
The boosting of my immune system is important to me due to the virus. With the possibility that cayenne pepper can help in that area, I will continue to use it every day for the foreseeable future.
I currently put generous amounts in my food and green tea. It does not upset my stomach at all which is wonderful.
I would recommend it to other people
Even if scientists can’t give definitive answers as to whether cayenne pepper does the things I listed, it does not hurt to add it into your diet (unless you use too much or get it into sensitive areas on your body, haha!) and daily life.
Here are some things you can do with cayenne pepper:
- If you enjoy some spice in your food-just shake a little bit of it on. You can also find some great recipes that use it as the main flavoring ingredient (here is an example: https://www.thespruceeats.com/chicken-stewed-in-paprika-and-cayenne-pepper-4032597).
- Got a sore throat? Put some cayenne pepper powder in hot water with honey and gargle it!
- Make your own cayenne pepper infused oil or salve for aches and pains (see here: https://naturesnurtureblog.com/cayenne-salve-for-achy-muscles-and-joints/).
- If you do not like it in your food, take it as a daily supplement in capsule form. Make sure to take it with a meal to reduce the burning affect that may occur.
Do any of you like cayenne pepper? Let me know!
Thanks for reading!
Some sources-
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4477151/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/biochemistry-genetics-and-molecular-biology/cayenne-pepper
#cayennepepper #immunesystem #covid19 #health #supplements #diet #nutrition
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