6 Impressive Health Benefits of Cayenne Pepper

 People who like spicy foods can appreciate the heat of cayenne pepper, but it's not the only benefit of this vegetable. Since cayenne pepper is rich in various antioxidants, it can help you boost your well-being by providing your body with healthy nutrients.

A compound called capsaicin that gives cayenne its fiery flavor, makes this spice extra healthy. Let's look at some of the possible benefits of cayenne pepper that may surprise you:

1. Cayenne pepper can help you unclog a stuffy nose

An antioxidant called capsaicin that's found in cayenne pepper is an effective remedy for clogged-up noses and sinuses. It helps thin your mucous and thus provides better drainage. It can help whether you have a cold or suffer from various allergies. Sprinkle it on food (it pairs surprisingly well with chicken noodle soup) and grab some tissues.

2. Cayenne pepper is a great source of vitamin A

Cayenne pepper is not only tasty, but it's also extremely nutritious. A dash contains lots of different nutrients, including a bit of vitamin A.

What does vitamin A do for your health? Foods high in vitamin A help protect your vision against degenerative diseases, preserve and improve your brain function, and keep your skin healthy and elastic.

This vitamin acts as an antioxidant that works to lower overall inflammation by combating free radicals. According to the National Institutes of Health, the recommended daily value for vitamin A is 5000 IU. One teaspoon of cayenne pepper will provide you with 749 IU.

3. Cayenne pepper can help alleviate joint and muscle pain

Cayenne pepper might be a natural painkiller for achy joints and muscles. Interestingly, capsaicin is the active ingredient in lots of over-the-counter medications for arthritis and muscle pain. According to a large study, the spicy stuff helps manage sport injuries pain when applied topically to the skin.

The Arthritis Foundation claims that capsaicin creams can alleviate pain caused by an autoimmune type of arthritis, known as rheumatoid arthritis, as well as the widespread pain provoked by fibromyalgia.

Over time, these creams might help lower pain by over-activating nerve receptors, which impacts their function and eliminates your pain. Try using one of these creams three times a day, but be sure to wash your hands after handling them, and keep them away from your eyes.

4. Cayenne pepper improves blood circulation

Capsaicin might boost blood circulation and vascular health. Scientists have found that this compound helps improve atherosclerosis, fatty liver disease, and angina, regulates blood pressure, and reduces the risk of heart disease. So you can add chili peppers to your list of foods that play a big role in boosting blood circulation and potentially helping you stay healthy long-term.

5. Cayenne pepper aids digestions

According to research from 2016 in the Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine, cayenne pepper might enhance digestive fluid production and deliver enzymes to the stomach, which might be helpful for digestion. Plus, capsaicin stimulates the nerves in your stomach that send signals for protection from injury.

Though more research is needed, it suggests that these spicy wonders could play a role in great gut health.

6. Cayenne pepper can help reduce hunger and boost metabolism

Spicy foods might actually reduce your appetite. According to a small 2014 study published in the journal Appetite, when people consume spicy red pepper with a meal, they feel fuller and experience fewer food cravings afterwards.

Capsaicin is also a good metabolism-boosting option. It increases the amount of heat that your body produces, improving your metabolism and causing your body to burn more calories.