Cayenne pepper is commonly used to add kick to your foods. Cayenne pepper's "hotness" comes in at a spicy 50,000 British thermal units or BTUs, according to Michael Tierra and John Lust in the book "The Natural Remedy Bible." Some say that cayenne may help lower elevated blood pressure, although the Food and Drug Administration has not evaluated it for this purpose. The FDA also advises pregnant women to consult their doctor before taking any herb.
History
Cayenne pepper has roots in the Americas, particularly Central and South America, Michael Murray, et al. say in the book "The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods." Cultivation can be traced for more than 7,000 years. Cayenne's first use was as a decorative aid; it developed as a food condiment and medicine. Cayenne wasn't introduced to the rest of the world until the 15th or 16th century.
Active Ingredient
Cayenne contains the active ingredient capsaicin, which helps lower cholesterol in the blood. This reduces blood pressure, according to the book "Quick Access Patient Information on Conditions, Herbs and Supplements." Capsaicin also improves blood circulation, normalizing blood pressure.
Nutrients
Cayenne contains several nutrients, and some are powerful antioxidants. Every 3.5g dried cayenne contains 1470IU vitamin A, 2.7mg vitamin C, 0.08mg manganese and vitamin B6, 0.9g fiber and 2.9mcg vitamin K, according to Phyllis Balch in her book "Prescription for Dietary Wellness." It provides approximately 30 percent of your daily recommended value of vitamin A, Balch notes.
Other Health Benefits
Cayenne pepper has a plethora of other health benefits. Capsaicin is a natural anti-inflammatory that helps provide pain relief associated with inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and sensory nerve disorders, according to Ikhlas Khan and Ehab Abourashed in the book "Leung's Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients." Additional benefits include reducing congestion, boosting immunity and ulcer prevention.
References
- "The Natural Remedy Bible"; Michael Tierra and John Lust; 2008
- "The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods"; Michael Murray; 2005
- "Quick Access Patient Information on Conditions, Herbs and Supplements"; Integrative Medicine Communications; 2000
- "Prescription for Dietary Wellness"; Phyllis Balch; 2003
