Diabetes InfoHealth

Powerful Health Benefits Of Cayenne Pepper (Capsicum)

Healthy Living With Type 1 Diabetes Health Benefits Of Cayenne Pepper (Capsicum)I must admit, I’m not a huge fan of “hot/spicy foods”, but I love cayenne pepper, well, in the right quantity, LOL!  Cayenne pepper (aka capsicum) is used in a variety of ways for both cooking and medicinal purposes. There are a number of ways you can incorporate cayenne pepper and cayenne pepper capsules into your daily diet.

Your metabolism can be boosted in a number of different ways through the consumption of spicy foods, but the key is eating the right spices, in the right quantities, and through the right foods, so lets take a closer look! 

Cayenne Pepper And Hypertension:

Cayenne pepper helps to make blood pressure levels normal. It regulates the flow of blood from the head to the foot and equalizes blood pressure. It also equalizes blood pressure in the arteries and veins instantly. It removes blockages present in the arteries and thus, improves the flow of blood. Since cayenne pepper reduces the risk of atherosclerosis, it simultaneously lowers the risk of hypertension.

Cayenne Pepper Weight Loss:

The main active ingredient in cayenne pepper is capsaicin. It is said to be a “thermogenic chemical” which will help speed your metabolism and decrease your appetite. It’s actually a wonderful herb. It not only can promote weight loss, but it does many other wonderful things such as: increase blood flow, maintains healthy blood pressure, increase your sex drive, may help reduce ulcers and promotes a healthy digestive system.

Cayenne Pepper And Pain Relief:

Per the University Of Maryland medical center, capsaicin has very 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:

  • Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, as well as joint or muscle pain from fibromyalgia or other causes
  • Nerve pain from shingles and other painful skin conditions (postherpetic neuralgia) that happens even after the skin blisters have gone away. Research is mixed, and it may be that it works for some people and not others. Check with your doctor to see if trying capsaicin ointment is right for you.
  • Pain after surgery, such as a mastectomy or an amputation
  • Has shown to assist in pain from nerve damage in the feet or legs from diabetes, called diabetic peripheral neuropathy, check out the study here.
  • Low back pain. Several studies suggest capsaicin cream can reduce lower back pain.

Daily Dose Of Cayenne Pepper And Your Immune System:

Cayenne pepper is also known for its immune boosting potential: besides the anti-inflammatory effects of capsaicin, cayenne is also an excellent source of carotenoids, including beta carotene – a powerful antioxidant that can help prevent free radical damage. Its high levels of vitamin A (two teaspoons of cayenne pepper provide 47 percent of the daily value for vitamin A) support immune function as well.

You wouldn’t think such a spicy food would help a stomachache. In fact, you might deduce the opposite. Cayenne is supreme at cleaning out the digestive system. It also kills bad bacteria that lurk in the nooks and crannies of your intestines. What else? It gets your digestive juices flowing to flush out those nasty toxins.

Cayenne Pepper Side Effects:

Ok, so now for the bad. Cayenne is hard to dissolve in water, making it even harder to wash it off with water. A little tip, you can use vinegar to wash it off. Before using capsaicin cream, it is recommended to apply on a small area before extended use. If it irritates or does not seem to relieve symptoms after 2 to 4 weeks, withdraw from using.Healthy Living With Type 1 Diabetes Health Benefits Of Cayenne Pepper (Capsicum)

Capsicum capsules may cause stomach irritation, therefore those with stomach ulcers or heartburn should talk to their health care provider before using capsaicin capsules as a dietary supplement. Those allergic to bananas, chestnuts, kiwi, avocado, or latex may be allergic to cayenne as well.

Cayenne in food is generally safe, even for pregnant women. However, cayenne supplements are not recommended for pregnant women. Breastfeeding mothers should also avoid cayenne supplements because capsaicin can pass into breast milk and effect your baby upon eating.

Also, if your using capsicum creams, they should not be combined with a heating pad or applied after or before hot showers or exercising. Wash your hands after application and avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth. Lastly, lets not forget about “the burn”.  If your just starting out, use small quantities and adjust accordingly.

If this article on cayenne pepper was helpful, please leave a comment right below my bio or hit the share button to share with your friends 😀

Thanks for Reading!

Chris

Chris - The Organic Diabetic

As a type 1 diabetic, I made the switch to an organic lifestyle several years ago after being diagnosed with Diabetes in 2006. Living with diabetes is hard enough, why make it more difficult by consuming products with chemicals, toxins and other harmful, unhealthy ingredients. To me, the choice was easy and just made sense. We hope you enjoy our blog! Feel free to look around and check out all of our products by clicking through the tabs above! Thanks for stopping by and also please be sure to check us out on Facebook and Twitter by liking our pages below! You never know what freebies we will be giving away!! Don't forget to check out the website as well at www.theorganicdiabetic.org

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