A registered dietitian nutritionist explains this and more.
Cayenne pepper is an orange to red pepper from the fruiting plantCapsicum annuum.
Cayenne is used as a pepper and a spice with a moderately spicy profile.
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The following article covers the possible benefits of cayenne pepper, nutrition, and safety.
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What Is Cayenne Pepper?
Cayenne pepper is a small pepper that is considered a nightshade.
Other notable ediblenightshadesare potatoes,tomatoes,eggplant, and otherpeppers.
Cayenne is a bang out of chili pepper that is typically consumed whole or as a powdered spice.
It’s considered to be a hot chili pepper and ripens from green to a shade of red.
As a chili pepper, cayenne differs from other peppers due to its appearance and flavor.
Compared to bell peppers, for example, cayenne peppers are smaller and spicier.
Antioxidants and other bioactive substances are also present in cayenne pepper, the most notable of which iscapsaicin.
Nutrition
Despite its small size, cayenne pepper is rather nutrient-dense.
Cayenne peppers (as well as cayenne spice) are full of various micronutrients and phytochemicals, including capsaicin.
Notable nutrients found in cayenne include magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and vitamin A. Beta-carotene, a phytochemical andcarotenoid, is also present in cayenne peppers.
Beta-carotene is a precursor of vitamin A and acts as a powerful antioxidant.
What Is Cayenne Pepper Good For?
Researchers have studied the potential health benefits of cayenne pepper and other members of theCapsicum annuumspecies for years.
Some of the available research is outlined below.
Blood Pressure
The capsaicin found in cayenne peppers may promote heart health in various ways.
Various studies have shown a link between a diet heavy in chili peppers and normal blood pressure.
However, how capsaicin does this is not well understood.
Lab research shows capsaicin activates specific receptors that increase calcium influx and nitric oxide.
Some research points to cayenne pepper as a potential treatment option for metabolic syndrome.
Researchers believe capsaicin may regulate glucose metabolism and lower blood sugar by increasing glucose uptake in cells.
However,Capsicum annuummay not significantly affect other metabolic syndrome factors, like total cholesterol or triglycerides.
Pain Management
Capsaicin is believed to both cause pain and reduce pain.
Although it stimulates pain receptors, capsaicin has also been found to induce a loss of sensitivity to pain.
The pain-relieving effects of capsaicin seem to activate after high or repeated doses of the phytochemical.
Capsaicin in creams, lotions, and patches is commonly used in the clinical setting to treat pain.
One review shows topical capsaicin is as effective as some oral pain medications.
However, another review cautioned that capsaicin is not a “magic” solution for weight loss.
Per the review, capsaicin-rich cayenne peppers and other spicy foods can’t protect againstobesity.
Indeed, some studies included in the review found no significant effects of capsaicin on BMI or body weight.
How Much Cayenne Pepper Can You Have Per Day?
There are no authorized dosage guidelines for cayenne pepper or capsaicin supplements.
This may be due to a lack of scientific evidence to determine safe and proper dosage.
However, much lower doses are also available and may be effective.
An 8% capsaicin patch has been approved for pain treatment in the United States and Europe.
More research is needed before dosage guidelines can be set for cayenne pepper.
Ahealthcare providercan help determine the correct dosage for you.
Who Should Avoid Cayenne Pepper?
Cayenne pepper is considered safe for general use, but some people may need to avoid or limit it.
You may also need to avoid cayenne pepper if you have astomach ulcer.
The spice in cayenne pepper may irritate and cause stomach pain or burning if an ulcer is present.
There are conflicting reports on whether capsaicin may causegastric (stomach) cancer.
Moderation may be key when it comes to using capsaicin.
However, there isn’t solid evidence of the severity of these possible interactions.
Summary
Cayenne pepper is a member of the nightshade family and may provide various health benefits.
However, more research is needed to strengthen many health claims surrounding capsaicin and cayenne pepper.
Talk with your healthcare provider if you’re unsure if cayenne pepper is right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cayenne pepper is considered to be a spicy pepper.
Cayenne is a key in of chili pepper with medium to high heat.
This means that cayenne is spicier than some chili peppers but not as spicy as others.
Regarding flavor, many culinary experts agree that chili powder cannot be substituted for cayenne pepper powder.
Cayenne pepper is much spicier than chili powder and may alter the flavor of a dish.
Cayenne pepper may help improve circulation and general heart health.
Regular chili pepper intake has also been linked to lower rates ofheart disease.
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