Why did the chilli get the promotion? It had a burning desire to succeed. I have a burning desire to (once again) convert you, dear reader. My mission is to make as many healthy converts out of you, so grab a bottle of water or glass of milk (whichever is preferable for you) because things are about to get hot (and corny)! Let the conversion begin.
What is Cayenne Pepper?
Some time back, I wrote an article on the hidden benefits of Rosemary, this time we are tackling Cayenne pepper. According to Britannica, Cayenne Pepper (scientifically known as capsicum annum) is a small-fruited pepper belonging to the nightshade family. It is categorised as a fruit because of the seeds it contains. It is long and often thick and green when raw then bright red or orange when ripe. Cayenne contains an organic nitrogen compound called capsaicin, which is abundant in hot peppers. Capsaicin is the cause of the spicy-ness in hot peppers. In terms of the level of heat, Cayenne is at 30,000 to 50,000 Scoville heat units, meaning its heat is moderate (medium level).
Health Benefits of Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne is rich in vitamins C, A, B6 and K. Dietitian Alexis Supan insists that fresh Cayenne is much more nutritious since it contains 72% of the recommended daily amount of vitamin C and 50% of vitamin A. Yet still, even in dried form, one spoonful contains about 15% of your daily required vitamin A.
Vitamin A is vital for improved vision, reproduction, boosting the immune system and boosting organ function (lungs, kidney, heart, etc…). Vitamin C is a natural antioxidant, meaning it has the ability to protect the body against free radicals that cause cancer and heart complications.
In an article by Jillian Kubala, she highlights that Vitamin C also has the potential to protect individuals from certain types of cancer, including breast cancer, bladder cancer, and lung cancer. Additionally, vitamin C is very good for the skin, bones, blood vessels, and connective tissues. It also helps the body absorb iron from the food eaten. Not forgetting the great power it has over a cold.
Remember capsaicin, the component responsible for the hot spicy-ness, it has many other uses as well. It is said to reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure, and keep blood vessels healthy. What do chillies do at the gym? Burn calories. Capsaicin can help do exactly that by boosting metabolism. Dietitian Alexis Supan says that spicy food helps suppress appetite, thus causing you to feel full faster. Jillian Kubala additionally notes that capsaicin helps with pain relief, improves athletic performance and lowers blood sugar.
A study indicated that individuals who included spices in their diet were less likely to die as fast as those who didn’t. In other words, according to the study, the consumption of chillies led to reduced mortality. This was generally because of the proper functioning of the heart and other organs because of the chili, so less risk of dying due to organ failure.
Cayenne pepper helps greatly with digestion because of the aid it gives in producing gastric juices and enzymes that help break down food in the gut. Even when stuffed cayenne pepper can help to decongest (both gut and nasal).
Cayenne is also used medically to promote the flow of saliva and sweating.
Negative effects of Overconsumption
What do peppers dream about? Chilling adventures. It isn’t always a smooth ride with Cayenne, because, unlike Rosemary, too much of it will lead to chilling side effects. These include;
Heartburn. In some consumption of the pepper causes an acid reflux.
Running stomach. Too much of it may cause a stomach upset.
Heart attack. Taking too many cayenne pepper pills can lead to a heart attack
Irritation. Just like all the other peppers, cayenne pepper causes irritation to the eyes, nose and throat. Wash your hands after touching any pepper. Also applying it to broken skin or an open wound is not recommended.
Damage to lungs and liver. There are chances of cayenne pepper affecting these organs if consumed in large amounts.
Not recommended for pregnant women or children under two.
Can cause excessive bleeding. Because cayenne pepper thins the blood, it can cause excessive bleeding after an operation or for those with blood disorders.
Not advisable for those with ulcers. It may cause damage to the existing ulcer wound.
Hot to consume Cayenne pepper
How do you know if a chilli is in love? It gets steamy. Steamy is one of the temperatures that one can pair with Cayenne. Here are some other ways to consume this Pepper.
- This pepper in powder form or just cut chunks of its fresh form can be mixed in hot water.
- Flakes of this pepper can be sprinkled in a hot chocolate, to have that spicy and sweet taste.
- It can be sprinkled before serving fries, cassava, Katogo, beef, pork, you name it.
- It can be whisked with an egg, some use black pepper, but you could try it with Cayenne too!
- Salad dressings and marinades are good with cayenne as well
- It can be used while cooking stews, soup, curry and the like.
- It’s amazing in stir-fries.
- Even in baking! Sprinkle some in your chocolate bake mix and your mind will blow up like Emile in Ratatouille.
- It can be ingested as a supplement that can boost your metabolism and help with weight regulation.
- Topical (on the skin) to help with pain relief
- In a smoothie as well.
Cayenne pepper is hot, spicy and good for you. Just like most natural options, its positives outweigh the negatives. If you can’t consume it, manufacture some homemade pepper spray. If you’re interested, start with a little every day so as not to shock your palate into instant repulsion. Once you get used to it, you will be breathing fire upon your enemies (those diseases inclusive).
Sources; Link 1, Link 2, Link 3, Link 4, Link 5, Link 6
