Cayenne pepper: benefits and harm to the body

Cayenne pepper is one of the most popular spices. Like other types of hot pepper, it has many useful properties, it is used not only in cooking, but also in the pharmaceutical industry, traditional medicine and home cosmetology.

What is cayenne pepper

Cayenne pepper is a whole group of varieties of pepper. This plant belongs to the nightshade family. Its fruits have a pronounced burning taste. Moreover, of all types of hot red pepper used in cooking, it is considered the most burning (although the specific indicators depend on the variety). The shape of the fruit is characteristic of all types of pepper; these are typical pods. But only they are much smaller in size than the pods of the same Chile. On average, their size is 1.5x0.5 cm, that is, no more than large beans.

Most likely tropical America is its homeland. It was there that they began to cultivate it as a cultivated plant. However, now it is produced not only in Mexico, but also in India, Thailand, and other countries.

What is the difference between cayenne pepper and chili pepper

Currently, botanists have no consensus on whether cayenne pepper (correctly called Capsicum frutescens) should be considered an independent species of the Capsicum genus. Some experts believe that this is a type of chili pepper called Capsicum annuum. There are also those who suggest that cayenne pepper belongs to a species such as Capsicum chinense.

If there are differences between them, then the most insignificant. The fruit shape in both varieties is common. The main difference is that cayenne pepper pods are more often orange in color, they are lighter than red chili. At the same time, they have a more burning taste and pronounced spicy-bitter aroma (this is what they differ from all other varieties of pepper, which are famous for their spicy taste, but not smell).

Its very name comes from the port city of Cayenne. And the confusion with the varieties of pepper is enhanced by the fact that in everyday life it is often called "Brazilian", "Indian" or even chili.

Composition and calorie content

The energy value of cayenne pepper is 318 kcal per 100 g. But since you can’t eat this pepper in such quantities, it does not matter.

The main "active substance" of cayenne pepper is capsaicin. It is an alkaloid, which from a chemical point of view is close to such natural substances as, for example, caffeine or nicotine. This substance was first found back in the 1880s, but for a long time its properties have not been sufficiently studied, although by the beginning of the twentieth century it was clear that capsaicin has a certain potential for the pharmaceutical industry.

At the beginning of the twentieth century, a burning scale of different varieties of pepper was also developed, since it was found that capsaicin is responsible for it. The project was developed by a certain Wybur Scoville. Currently, his methodology continues to be applied in industry, it is called the Scoville scale. The scientist determined the amount of spice dilution before the tongue ceases to feel burning. According to the first studies, habanero pepper became the leader, the hotness of which is estimated at 350,000 units. At the same time, cayenne pepper has a hotness of 40,000 units (for comparison, the chili index is 35,000 units, and paprika has only 1 unit).

In addition to capsaicin (which in itself is not as simple as it seems), other elements are present in this spice. It:

• vegetable proteins;
• cellulose;
• B vitamins, including thiamine and folic acid;
• antioxidants - vitamins A, E and ascorbic acid;
• minerals - potassium, manganese, iron, calcium, sulfur;
• other alkaloids (piperidine and havicin);
• essential and fatty oils.

Due to this unique composition, cayenne pepper fruits can enhance the effect of certain medicines or plants on the body.

What is useful cayenne pepper

General benefit

With respect to cayenne pepper and its constituent components, various scientific studies have been carried out. And although most of the therapeutic effects are associated with the action of capsaicin, in fact it is possible that a combination of all the elements described above plays a role.

Cayenne pepper is useful in that:

• has antibacterial and antiviral effects;
• helps to eliminate depression;
• beneficial effect on the condition of the skin and blood vessels;
• helps fight malignant neoplasms;
• allows you to reduce excess weight and normalize blood sugar.

Research is ongoing, and perhaps scientists will be able to identify other beneficial properties of this spice.

For women

One of the most important properties of cayenne pepper for women is its ability to accelerate metabolic processes and neutralize chronic inflammation, which is often caused by the presence of fat reserves. Simply put, the use of cayenne pepper accelerates metabolism and allows you to get rid not only of extra pounds, but also from the associated hormonal imbalance, and gynecological diseases. In addition, cayenne pepper helps to cope with chronic stress and fatigue, and also has a painkiller effect, which can be very important for PMS.

Finally, this spice is widely used in cosmetology, enhancing the effect of almost any hair care product.

For men

Cayenne pepper improves blood circulation and thereby helps to cope with erectile dysfunction.

In addition, his ability to fight inflammation and malignant neoplasms plays an important role. Interestingly, the first use of pepper in this regard was proved by researchers from the University of Toronto precisely on the example of cancer of the prostate. Later it was proved that pepper and capsaicin included in it are also effective in the treatment of other tumors, including oncology of the intestine, liver and pancreas. But with respect to prostate cancer, the performance is higher. The fact is that in each of these cases, the mechanism of action of capsaicin is different, so the effect may differ. With prostate cancer, pepper and its constituent substances make tumor cells more sensitive to conventional treatment.

During pregnancy

For future mother, cayenne pepper may be useful as an antiviral and immunomodulating agent. However, it is very important to use it in small quantities, not exceeding the minimum dosage, because otherwise you can provoke a miscarriage in the early stages, and premature birth in the later stages.

When breastfeeding

During lactation, a young mother might be useful to take a natural remedy for postpartum depression (cayenne pepper contributes to the production of endorphins - hormones of joy). But the problem is that the active substance will pass into breast milk, and for infants such burning spices are contraindicated.

For kids

Modern pediatricians can express different opinions about how a child should eat. But in one thing they agree - cayenne pepper should not be given to children under 7 years of age, since their digestive system has not yet fully ripened, especially for such burning spices. In addition, like all spices, cayenne pepper can cause allergic reactions at an early age. But older children, it can be useful, including due to its immunomodulatory properties.

When losing weight

Capsaicin contained in cayenne pepper allows you to accelerate the metabolism. This in itself allows you to lose weight.In addition, if a person takes some medications to restore metabolism, capsaicin can enhance their effect.

The properties of this substance are well studied. Corresponding experiments were carried out in South Korea. True, they did not consume pepper in its pure form, but did injections of its active substance. But still, the results were impressive. If usually during weight loss with a decrease in weight, the rate of getting rid of fat reserves also decreases, then when using capsaicin this does not happen, the weight decreases evenly.

At present, nutritionists recommend using this recipe for weight loss: you need to take 25 g of ground dried cayenne pepper and insist on vodka (1 cup) for two weeks, and then drink 15 drops of this product, previously dissolved in 100 ml of boiled water, every day water. This is guaranteed to speed up the metabolism. However, in order to enhance the effectiveness, it is worth at least slightly limiting yourself in fatty and sweet foods, as well as providing the body with at least minimal physical activity.

There are other options, for example, taking capsules containing an extract from cayenne pepper. But no matter what method a person chooses, it is necessary to provide him with the correct drinking regimen, since the substances contained in this spice will provoke thirst and cause dehydration. To retain fluid in the body, before taking tinctures of cayenne pepper, you can drink a glass of salted water.

There is another recipe for losing weight. He suggests that every day after dinner you need to drink a glass of water with the addition of a small amount of cayenne pepper. Some believe that for weight loss it is better to drink green tea with cayenne pepper.

Before choosing this or that option, it is recommended to consult with your doctor.

The healing properties of cayenne pepper

This spice is widely used in folk medicine. You can use the following recipes for this:

1. A glass of warm milk, which is mixed with a small amount (literally on the tip of a knife) of cayenne pepper, will save you from colds and SARS, especially caused by hypothermia. When the patient drinks this drink, it needs to be wrapped in a warm blanket, as it begins to sweat very much.
2. To cleanse the body of toxins, take 1 teaspoon of ground cayenne pepper per 100 g of honey and 250 g of softened butter. All of these ingredients are mixed. The mixture is stored in the refrigerator for a day, consuming it three times a day for 1-2 teaspoons.
3. Oil against muscle pain, neuralgia, arthritis, rheumatism has warming properties. It is prepared on the basis of refined vegetable oil - per 1 glass of not more than 30 g of cayenne pepper powder. After this, the product is insisted for 2 weeks in a cool place without access to light. Before use, pass through a folded gauze for filtration. The tool is applied to problem areas.
4. To restore erectile function using alcohol tincture, which is done in the same way as the above means for losing weight. But the dosage and method of administration will be different. Dosage - 20 drops per 100 g of water. At the same time, it is recommended to drink it not before and after food, but at the same time as eating.
5. A small amount of tincture can be taken orally to stimulate appetite and improve digestion in gastritis with low acidity, in the presence of infection as an antibacterial agent.
6. Tincture is used for grinding with bronchitis and other diseases of the respiratory tract. Cayenne pepper also has an irritating and at the same time warming effect, as a result, blood circulation increases, stagnant processes are eliminated.
7. Cayenne pepper is added in powder form to the foot bath. This is necessary not only for colds (provided that they are not accompanied by high fever), but also to eliminate venous stasis.

Sometimes even just adding spices to various dishes can be an excellent way to increase blood flow in the genitals.

Also, a small addition of cayenne pepper to food helps not only increase blood flow, but also get rid of excess fluid, so this spice perfectly removes puffiness regardless of the reasons for its appearance.

Therefore, cayenne pepper is taken when it is necessary to lower blood pressure. To do this, just drink a glass of green tea with a small amount of this spice. Black tea will not work, as it will only exacerbate the problem. By the way, when spice is added to black tea, the burning sensation of the drink is significantly enhanced, which can provoke side effects. You can use cayenne pepper with coffee, but only in the absence of contraindications. In addition, coffee overexcites, and if there is also a disease of the cardiovascular system, then the patient will have to refuse even a small dose.

Cayenne pepper powder is also added to rubbing ointments, which are used in the treatment of diseases of the musculoskeletal system. However, you need to understand that pepper itself does not eliminate the causes of such diseases. And the patient should still go to the doctor’s office, carry out all the necessary studies, take tests and follow all the recommendations.

As a rule, when taking cayenne pepper inside, they try to comply with the recommended course duration - no more than 5 days, then you need to take a break. If there are any side effects or an allergic reaction, spice is stopped immediately.

Cayenne pepper in cosmetology

By itself, eating cayenne pepper can significantly improve the condition of your skin and hair. There are many recipes for home cosmetology in which this spice appears:

1. Against hair loss. A small amount of pepper is mixed with sea salt, applied to the hair roots with massage movements to ensure blood flow. This helps to provide hair follicles with all the necessary substances, as well as cope with seborrheic dermatitis. It should also be noted that too often such a procedure cannot be carried out, since it can lead to dehydration of the skin.
2. Mixture for anti-cellulite wraps. Take a pinch of cayenne pepper, mix it with 40 g of cosmetic clay, the same amount of honey and water - just enough to get a sufficiently dense consistency, reminiscent of thick sour cream. At the same time, clay is recommended to be bred separately, and cayenne pepper should be preheated in a water bath. A still warm mixture is applied to the hips and other problem areas, and the skin should be dry and unpaired. On top of this application is covered with a polymer film and left on the body for 20-25 minutes, it is hardly possible to sustain longer. Wash off with cool water.
3. Against seborrhea. 3 raw eggs are taken, a small pinch of ground pepper powder, 1 tbsp each. a spoonful of chopped mint, honey and olive oil. For an ideal consistency, first beat the honey with eggs, it is best to do this in a blender. Then add oil, pepper and mint, mix. The mixture is applied to the hair and cover the head with plastic wrap. The mask is left for 40 minutes, then washed off.
4. Mask for fair hair. For it, take 1 fresh yolk, 1 tbsp. a spoonful of vegetable oil, 2 tbsp. tablespoons of lemon juice, a little cayenne pepper. The tool is mixed a little and left in a warm place for half an hour. Then, the resulting mass is distributed over the hair roots, gently massaging. After 20 minutes, the product is washed off.

To improve hair growth, a small amount of burdock oil is added to cayenne pepper powder and all this is heated in a water bath. The mixture is applied to the hair while still warm. If there is no allergic reaction, then hold it for 15 minutes, and then wash it off.

You can apply any of these products exclusively with gloves on, otherwise there is a risk of skin burns. Masks are done no more than once a week, so as not to provoke irritation.

The use of cayenne pepper in cooking

Cayenne pepper as a separate product is practically not consumed, because it has a too burning taste. It traditionally goes well with cheese dishes, dry salty cookies, egg salads, omelettes and souffles. In small quantities, it can be added to soups and vegetable stews, sprinkled with fish and seafood. As for the soup, cayenne pepper perfectly complements pumpkin, carrot or potato and tomato. You can even add it to milk soups, although milk muffles a little hotness and hot pepper. It goes especially well with creamy cream soups whipped in a blender. When adding spices to dishes, you must follow the minimum dosage specified in the recipe. Experienced housewives will then be able to adjust it.

Cayenne pepper, along with cinnamon, is an excellent cocoa supplement. Actually, this is exactly how the inhabitants of pre-Columbian America brewed chocolate - with cayenne pepper and other local spices.

You can make cheese biscuits. For 120 g of grated cheddar cheese, take the same amount of chilled butter, 1 egg, 2 tbsp. tablespoons of caraway seeds, 300 g flour, 0.5 tsp cayenne pepper and the same amount of salt. The sifted flour is mixed with salt and pepper, the sliced ​​butter is added and triturated until a crumbling mass is obtained. Then add cheese, an egg and literally a tablespoon of cold water to make a sufficiently elastic dough. Sausage is rolled from it and rolled on a sheet of parchment sprinkled with caraway seeds. Then they wrap it in a film and put it in the refrigerator for half an hour. After this time, the dough is cut into slices or circles of small thickness and baked in a preheated oven until golden brown for 10 minutes.

Cayenne pepper powder is also added to the breading mixture. In it you can fry not only meat and fish, but also pieces of cheese of the corresponding varieties.

What can be replaced

Cayenne pepper in dishes can be replaced with chili peppers, it will be delicious. If you want something about the same burning, you can use the grated ginger root. But black and white pepper will not replace cayenne, they have other properties, composition and taste.

Harm and contraindications

Cayenne pepper is not always beneficial. There are times when it only brings harm. In this case, you will have to refuse to use the product. Absolute contraindications are:

1. Acute and chronic inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. The fact is that the substances that make up this spice stimulate the production of gastric juice.
2. Some pathologies of the kidneys and liver.
3. Individual intolerance to capsaicin and other substances that make up cayenne pepper.

At the same time, people with a healthy digestive system have nothing to fear. Science has proved that pepper, especially in small quantities, will not affect the intact mucous membrane, since it will be neutralized by substances produced in the stomach. But with gastritis, and indeed in such cases, problems arise.

If cayenne pepper juice gets on the skin, traces of a burn may occur in this area, and quite painful. Therefore, you can sort out these pods, wash, and even more grind them with kitchen gloves. If juice enters the mucous membranes of the eyes or nose, the burn can be serious, and it is better to call an ambulance if the pain does not go away on its own.

A large dosage, accidentally taken once, can also lead to problems. If a person accidentally swallows a certain amount of spice, he starts lacrimation, redness of the skin, discharge from the nose.It would be a mistake to think that in this case a large amount of water, even clean without gas, will help, since the burning substances do not dissolve in it. In Thailand, in this case, visitors to the restaurant are offered coconut, and in domestic conditions you can drink low-fat yogurt or kefir. Even a piece of butter will improve the situation. You can also drink pepper with freshly squeezed lemon juice, it compensates for the sharpness.

How to choose and store

Cayenne pepper is sold both raw and dried. In the first case, it can be orange, both quite bright and muted, even grayish-yellow, but not red. You need to choose pods with a smooth skin without damage, they should not be lethargic and wrinkled.

Do not try to taste the pod. Not everyone knows how to do it right. You just can’t bite the pepper, you can only lick a little.

In the raw form, the pods are recommended to be stored in the refrigerator in a plastic container or bag. The storage period in such cases is 14 days. There are also recipes for freezing cayenne pepper. It is recommended to clean it from the insides and put in the freezer for a while.

Ground cayenne pepper is made from several varieties of raw materials. Therefore, the mixture may be more brown, darker. Unfortunately, manufacturers do not always produce spices in transparent bags, so you have to rely only on your intuition when choosing. That is why you should give preference to products of famous brands.

It is advisable to pour ground pepper from bags into a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Like all ground spices, it must be stored away from the stove and hot steam, make sure that there are no lumps in it, and the mixture does not lose its original color. To do this, it must be protected from the sun by putting a jar in a closed kitchen cabinet. From time to time it is worth checking stock status. If the spice has an unpleasant odor, it is best to throw it away immediately.

Photo of cayenne pepper