Your body naturally produces cholesterol, which is vital to the formation of strong, healthy cells, but you can get too much of a good thing. If you have a family history of high cholesterol, or if you consume a diet high in saturated fats, your body can produce too much cholesterol. Cayenne, that spicy-hot Mexican pepper, may be beneficial in reducing cholesterol, or the effects of high cholesterol, but clinical studies in this area are lacking. Your doctor is the best source of advice for treating high cholesterol.
High Cholesterol Dangers
An overabundance of cholesterol in the bloodstream can result in the formation of fatty deposits in the arteries, restricting free blood flow and forcing the heart to work overtime to get oxygen-rich blood to the extremities and organs. Called atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, this unhealthy condition puts you at an increased risk of suffering a heart attack or stroke.
Cayenne's Potential Benefits
The "PDR for Herbal Medicines" reports that capsaicin, the active component in cayenne, is potentially beneficial as a prophylactic measure for reducing the amount of fatty deposits in the arteries. That means that capsaicin may prevent plaque deposits due to high cholesterol levels. In addition, the University of Utah Health Care center lists improving circulation and reducing cholesterol and blood fat levels as reported benefits of consuming cayenne. Scientific research supporting these claims is lacking, however.
Method and Dosage
The Food and Drug Administration does not oversee the production of herbal remedies and there is no universal standard dosage recommendation, but the "Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine" suggests making an herbal cayenne tea, using 1 cup of cold or hot water and 1/4 tsp. of powdered cayenne. Ask your doctor for an individual cayenne dosage that's suitable for you.
Considerations
Side effects of consuming cayenne include acute gastritis and hemorrhagic gastritis. Those with ulcers should not use the herb. Do not take cayenne if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, unless directed to do so by a medical professional. Use cayenne as a treatment to reduce plaque deposits only a part of a doctor-recommended, overall treatment plan.
References
- MayoClinic.com: High Cholesterol Definition
- MayoClinic.com: High Cholesterol Complications
- "PDR for Herbal Medicines, 2nd Edition"; Joerg Gruenwald, Ph.D., 2000
- University of Utah Health Care: Cayenne
- "Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine, Volume 2"; Jacqueline L. Longe; 2005
