10 Exciting Facts About Cayenne Pepper

Whether to complete cajun food or to add some heat to vegetarian chili,cayenne pepper is one of my favorite peppers for spicing up a dish. The heat is from a phytochemical known as capsaicin. More than just a catalyst for a four alarm fire in your mouth, capsaicin has undergone quite a bit of laboratory and clinical testing to determine its benefits — as well as a few caveats. The next ten facts about cayenne pepper might surprise you!

[amazon asin=B00068UA4M&template=*lrc ad (left)]1. Supports Weight Loss

Over 90 trials have been performed to evaluate the capsaicin in cayenne to determine its effectiveness as a weight loss aid. Such studies have made three consistent conclusions: capsaicin increases energy use. It reduces appetite. It helps break down fats. All combined, after 12 to 24 months of daily consumption, it may offer considerable support to weight loss efforts. [1] A recent 2013 study confirms that eating foods like cayenne regularly can help burn fat. Not immediately and not fast, but slowly and consistently. [2]This means that cayenne can help, but it won’t do the work for you. Keep your diet in check, exercise, and let cayenne be an extra catalyst along the way.[amazon asin=B0024NLF8M&template=*lrc ad (right)]

2. Too Much Can Get Your Heart Moving

Don’t get the idea that loading up on cayenne is a completely great idea though. Case studies have shown overconsumption of capsaicin-rich foods can lead to dangerous, and even critically high blood pressure. One such example occurred in a young 19 year-old who had over eaten these hot peppers. The result was a fast rise in blood pressure and a hospital visit. [3]

3. May Erode Teeth

[amazon asin=B001G7QGYA&template=*lrc ad (left)]As long as we’re discussing cayenne’s lesser points, here’s another: the acidity of hot peppers like cayenne could erode the enamel of teeth with enough, frequent consumption. Although the study focused on Indian dishes featuring hot chili peppers, the chemicals which can cause this damage are similar to those in cayenne. [4] There is good news for fans of cayenne, and other peppers; cooking reduces the acidity. And, as long as you’re not continuously munching away, cayenne peppers are probably not going to be the source of your dental troubles.

4. Supports Normal Blood Sugar

Maintaining blood sugar is a problem for many, especially when carbohydrates and processed sugars are consumed. However, a [amazon asin=B0009ET9XQ&template=*lrc ad (right)]recent study suggests that adding a little spice might help stabilize blood sugar. Individuals who consumed the active substance in hot peppers, capsaicin, had lower blood sugar levels than those who did not. Eating the peppers also promoted healthy insulin levels. [5]

5. Promotes Colon Health

While it may not get a lot of press, researchers have taken a special interest in many natural, plant-based chemicals. The capsaicin in cayenne is one of those chemicals. A recent lab study determined capsaicin disrupted the mechanisms of colorectal cancer cell formation and growth. [6] It’s premature to call cayenne a cure for cancer but it’s encouraging news just the same.

6. May Offer Protection Against Inflammation

Another study examined how a specific type of human cancer cell, the KB cancer cell, responded to capsaicin exposure. They found cancer cell development and even cell death followed when treated with the chemical that gives the cayenne its heat. [7] This study, along with others like it, suggest it has tremendous benefits for nutritional support to support good health.

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