Health Benefits of Cayenne Pepper

It’s best known for its bite, but there are multiple cayenne pepper benefits that will help you burn calories, relieve arthritis, aid digestion, and more.

Relieve achy joints and muscles

Cayenne pepper is the first benefit that it helps to relieve achy joints and muscles. Capsaicin, the substance that gives cayenne its spicy taste, is the active ingredient in many over-the-counter treatments for arthritis and muscle pain. Over time, it short-circuits pain by depleting the nerve cells of a substance called P, which helps transfer pain signals along the nerve endings to the brain. A few dashes of ground cayenne with 2-3 teaspoons of olive oil. Apply it with gauze to unbroken skin at joints painful several times a day. The first few doses will cause a slight burning sensation, but you'll become desensitized after a week or so. Keep away from the mouth, eyes, and other mucous membranes.

Boost your calorie burning potential

In the study of two non-overweight adults, two researchers found Cayenne helped increase the participants' body temperatures and the amount of calories they burned. Just a half of teao spoon of cayenne pepper along with a meal can help supple appetite and burn calories. Interestingly, study subjects who reported they did not prefer or regularly use the spice before the test got the best benefits: reduced appetites and a reduced craving for salty, fatty, or sweet foods.

Unclog a stuffy nose

Capsaicin is a powerful decongestant. It stimulates the release of mucus from respiratory passages and opens your airways. Sprinkle it on food (it pairs surprisingly well with chicken noodle soup) and grab some tissues.

Reduce blood sugar levels

A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that people with diabetes who ate a diet containing the liberal amounts of chile pepper required less insulin to reduce their blood sugar afterward, which suggested the spice could have anti-diabetes benefits.

Improve psoriasis symptoms

A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology evaluated the topical application of capsaicin in treating psoriasis. Researchers found that it significantly improved itching and other symptoms associated with psoriasis.

Boost circulation

Because cayenne improves blood flow, it is also helpful in conjunction with other medications or supplements if you have circulation issues. Research in the US National Library of Medicine also shows that capsaicin helps to lower blood pressure.

Helps with bad breath

Another one of the many cayenne pepper benefits is that it helps with bad breath. Cayenne pepper helps to produce saliva in our mouths with essential in preventing bad breath. It keeps the mouth moist. A dry mouth leads to bad breath.

Good source of vitamin A

Cayenne pepper is a good source of vitamin A. Vitamin A helps to maintain healthy vision, improve brain function, boost immunity, promote fast cell growth, and maintain healthy skin. It's an antioxidant that works to reduce inflammation by fighting free radicals. Having just two teaspoons of cayenne pepper every day will get you the recommended amount of vitamin A