Cayenne Pepper: Benefits, How to Use & Side Effects

Cayenne pepper is a type of fruit that may provide several health benefits, such as supporting weight loss, improving circulation and libido, and reducing pain. It can also be applied topically to help ease itching and redness caused by psoriasis.

These effects are linked to compounds found in cayenne pepper, including capsaicin, flavonoids, and beta-carotene. These compounds are associated with antioxidant, pain-relieving, thermogenic, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Cayenne pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) is sold fresh, dried, or as a powder and is commonly used to season foods such as meat, soups, and pasta. It is also sold in creams and capsule supplements for medicinal use.

Main benefits

Cayenne pepper has been linked to the following health benefits

1. Supporting weight loss

Because it contains capsaicin, an alkaloid compound with a thermogenic effect, cayenne pepper may stimulate fat burning and support weight loss.

In addition, cayenne pepper may slow the digestion of foods, which can reduce hunger throughout the day and further support weight loss.

To help with weight loss, cayenne pepper should be included as part of a healthy diet combined with regular physical activity, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

2. Boosting libido

By increasing heart rate, improving blood circulation, and promoting feelings of well-being and pleasure, cayenne pepper may help boost libido.

3. Relieving pain

Cayenne pepper may help relieve pain because capsaicin has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.

For this reason, cayenne pepper may be used as a complementary therapy for conditions such as muscle pain, rheumatoid arthritis, and fibromyalgia.

4. Improving circulation

Cayenne pepper may improve blood circulation because it is rich in capsaicin, a bioactive compound that promotes the release of nitric oxide, which relaxes the muscles in veins and arteries and helps blood flow more easily.

5. Preventing premature aging

Because it contains lutein, zeaxanthin, and beta-carotene (antioxidant carotenoids), cayenne pepper may help protect skin cells from free-radical damage, helping prevent wrinkles, sagging, and premature aging.

6. Maintaining eye health

Cayenne pepper may support eye health because it is rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, carotenoids that help protect the retina from damage caused by the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays and from blue light emitted by computers and cell phones.

In this way, cayenne pepper may help reduce the risk of conditions such as cataracts and macular degeneration, a disease that can impair visual sharpness and clarity.

7. Preventing heart disease

Because it is a source of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory bioactive compounds, such as capsaicin, beta-carotene, and flavonoids, cayenne pepper may help support healthy arteries.

This is because this fruit may help control levels of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol in the blood, which the American Heart Association notes contributes to cardiovascular disease risk, reducing the risk of heart disease such as high blood pressure, heart attack, and atherosclerosis.

8. Helping treat psoriasis

Cayenne pepper, in cream form, may help treat psoriasis by relieving itching and redness.

This is because capsaicin inhibits the action of substance P, a neurotransmitter found in psoriasis plaques that is responsible for the itching sensation.

9. Improving digestion

By increasing the production of digestive enzymes and stomach acids, cayenne pepper may help improve digestion. It can also encourage the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, helping to maintain a healthy balance of intestinal flora.

10. Reducing cancer risk

Cayenne pepper may help reduce the risk of cancer because it contains flavonoids, beta-carotene, and capsaicin, bioactive compounds that help fight excess free radicals and may inhibit the growth and multiplication of cancer cells.

Is cayenne pepper spicy?

Cayenne pepper is spicy, with about 30,000 to 50,000 SHU, which is an international scale used to measure the heat level of peppers.

As a result, cayenne pepper has a medium heat level and may be well tolerated by people who are sensitive to stronger peppers, such as malagueta and habanero, for example.

Nutrition facts

The following table provies nutritional information for 1 g (about 1 level teaspoon) of fresh cayenne pepper:

To obtain all the benefits of this seasoning, cayenne pepper should be included as part of a healthy, well-balanced diet combined with regular physical activity.

How to use

Cayenne pepper can be used in different ways, including:

1. Seasoning

Cayenne pepper can be used as a seasoning in fresh, dried, or powdered form. Add it to meats, poultry, salads, sauces, pasta, seafood, pizza, and soups for extra flavor and heat.

2. Cayenne pepper cream

Cayenne pepper cream is sold in natural food stores or pharmacies and usually contains a concentration of 0.025% or 0.075% capsaicin.

A doctor may recommend this cream to help treat conditions such as psoriasis, muscle pain, and rheumatoid arthritis, for example. It is generally recommended to apply it 3 to 4 times a day to the area being treated.

3. Cayenne pepper capsules

Cayenne pepper is also available in capsules, in doses of 30 to 500 mg. The commonly recommended dose of this supplement is 1 to 4 capsules per day for up to 3 weeks.

However, this supplement should only be used under the guidance of a doctor or another healthcare professional specialized in the use of medicinal plants.

4. Cayenne pepper tea

Cayenne pepper tea may be recommended by a doctor or another healthcare professional to help support immunity and weight loss, for example.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper powder;
• 1 cup of water;
• Honey or lemon to taste (optional).

Directions:

Boil the water in a pot. Add the cayenne pepper powder and mix well. Cover and let it steep for 2 to 3 minutes.

Add honey or a few drops of lemon to taste to soften the flavor before drinking, keeping in mind that it is a very spicy beverage. Drink the tea hot or cold.

Side effects

In moderate amounts, cayenne pepper does not usually cause side effects.

However, consuming cayenne pepper may cause side effects in some people, such as burning, irritation in the stomach, intestines, or throat, nausea, vomiting, cough, and headache.

Cayenne pepper cream may cause redness, a sensation of extreme heat, dryness, swelling, and itching of the skin.

Contraindications for use

People with gastritis, ulcers, pancreatitis, hemorrhoids, reflux, diverticulitis, irritable bowel syndrome, or high blood pressure should avoid cayenne pepper.

Cayenne pepper consumption is not recommended for children under 2 years old. Cayenne pepper cream and supplements should also not be used by people who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

In addition, cayenne pepper cream should not be applied to skin with wounds, burns, or eczema.

People who are using medications to treat diabetes, asthma, or high blood pressure, or taking pain relievers or anticoagulants, should consult a doctor before using cayenne pepper, as this seasoning may change the effects of these medications.