5 Benefits of Cooking with Cayenne Pepper

Of all the spices, the chili or cayenne pepper is perhaps the one that teaches us the most to dose and to be careful when spicing a dish. From it, we learn that small actions produce great changes. Cayenne pepper is a condiment obtained by grinding the fruits of one or more types of chili, which have been previously subjected to a drying process.

This species is characterized by having a reddish color, an intense and pungent aroma, and a spicy flavor that goes very well in many meat dishes. Its use is frequent in the Mexican, Antillean, South, and Central American cuisine, where its origins are found. Even though there are many substitutes for cayenne pepper, the taste won’t even come close to cayenne itself.

Due to its spicy flavor, it should not be abused in any preparation. Beyond being used to season meats, sauces, and soups, cayenne pepper it also serves to maintain good health without having to take medicines.

What many people do not appreciate is that cayenne pepper is one of the spices richest in nutrients and compounds that benefit health.

A single teaspoon of chili powder can provide 15% of the daily vitamin A recommendations and up to 3% of vitamin E, not to mention its high carotenoid content, especially astaxanthin and lycopene, two potent natural antioxidants.

In the same way, this listed spice stands out for its high content of vitamin C, which stimulates the synthesis of collagen to guarantee the health of the skin, bones, and organs.

On the other hand, it is a great source of vitamin B6 and minerals such as iron, magnesium, potassium, and manganese, as well as riboflavin and niacin, which help control heart rate and blood pressure.

Five benefits of cooking with cayenne pepper that you did not know:

#1. Remove congestion

The spiciness of the pepper and its vitamin C content helps to clean nasal mucus, effectively decongesting the airways. Cayenne pepper helps remove excess mucus and defends the respiratory system from bacteria.

#2. Regulates cholesterol

It controls cholesterol and triglyceride levels, fights hypertension, and allows blood to circulate faster. This keeps the arteries healthy and treats hypertension and circulation problems in general.

Study also shows that capsaicin in chili pepper contributes to the prevention and treatment of coronary heart disease.

#3. Analgesic

It allows the production of endorphins by the brain, which helps to ease headaches and migraines. Capsaicin in cayenne appears to bring relief to headaches by destroying Substance P, a neurotransmitter that helps send pain signals.

#4. Antioxidant

Its content of vitamin C and flavonoids helps to combat the action of free radicals that cause the aging of cells, making it convenient even to prevent some cancers.

#5. Improve digestion

Cayenne pepper increases the speed of metabolism, burns calories, and stimulates the production of gastric acids. For this reason, it is believed to help you lose weight. Science shows that cayenne pepper contains heat-producing compounds. These compounds can create thermogenesis a phenomenon that consumes oxygen in your body which can lead to weight loss.

Conclusions

This spice consumed in moderate amounts is a great ally for the proper functioning of the body. We need to consider it as a condiment for our meals but also as an ally for our health. The cayenne pepper improves the flavor of many dishes but if you ever go over the amount and experience an unpleasant itchy situation remember the following:

The substance that gives cayenne pepper a burning sensation is capsaicin. This substance is hardly soluble in water, so drinking water immediately afterward is of little use. But it dissolves well in fats (fat milk, oil ...) or alcohol. Introduce more cayenne pepper in your day-to-day and you will see good results!