The editorial staff of Natural Medicine state that cayenne's effectiveness against osteoarthritis pain, diabetic neuropathy, shingles and psoriasis has reliable, consistent scientific backing, via studies published in the "Archives of Internal Medicine, Diabetic Care" and the "New England Journal of Medicine", among others. Cayenne also supplies several vitamins and essential minerals, making it an important part of a healthy daily diet. The vitamins in cayenne prevent blindness, repair skin and produce hemoglobin.
Vitamin A
Two tsp. of cayenne powder per day provide 29.4 percent of your daily value of vitamin A. This fat-soluble vitamin fights infection and maintains eyesight and night vision. Skin, hair and nails cannot repair themselves without vitamin A. This vitamin also keeps free radicals under control, protecting the body from internal poisons and cancer.
Vitamin C
Deaths of those "scurvy dogs of yore" inspired James Lind's discovery that some substance in lemons and oranges cured scurvy. The substance was vitamin C, and cayenne provides almost 5 percent of your daily value. While not as significant a source as oranges and other citrus fruit, cayenne can make a difference if you are eating a marginal diet or lack access to other sources of C.
Vitamin B-6
Vitamin B-6 produces energy, burns fat, assists functions of the brain and spinal cord and is necessary to produce hemoglobin, which enables the blood to carry oxygen to the brain and other body tissues and organs. Cayenne provides 4 percent of the daily value of vitamin B-6, according to Whole Foods editorial staff.
Vitamin K
Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin that helps reduce excessive menstrual flow, helps the body absorb calcium into bone, assists liver functions and helps blood clot so that wounds will heal, according to the staff of Global Herbal Supplies. Cayenne provides a little less than 4 percent of the daily value of vitamin K. Supplementing vitamin K is especially important for people who have been diagnosed with celiac disease or sprue.
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