Pepper – it’s hot, it’s spicy, and it can do more than just add extra kick to your dinner.
Studies have shown there are healing benefits in Capsaicin, in all its forms such as cayenne or black pepper. We’re talking about significant health benefits when included in a balanced diet.
From fighting inflammation, to boosting metabolism and improving digestive tract health, the properties that give pepper its signature flavor may be powerful allies in the fight for physical wellness.
When used thoughtfully and sparingly, peppers of all kinds can make an impact on your body that adds up over time; truly something to spice up your life!
Healing Benefits of Capsaicin – Understanding the Hot Stuff
Have you ever wondered why eating spicy peppers makes your nose run, your eyes water, and your mouth burn?
It’s all thanks to a compound called capsaicin! Found in hot peppers such as jalapeños, habaneros, and serranos, this tiny molecule has been studied for its healing benefits.
Let’s explore its properties and uncover the many ways it can help us.
What is Capsaicin?
Capsaicin is an active ingredient that gives spicy peppers their heat.
This powerful compound can be found in the white membrane of chili peppers called the placenta. It has a chemical structure known as a vanilloid; this means that capsaicin binds to receptors on nerve cells in our bodies and triggers pain signals.
When we eat spicy food, these sensations are what give us the familiar “hot” feeling.
Healing Properties of Capsaicin
Though capsaicin is often associated with discomfort, it also has some beneficial properties that can be helpful for overall health and wellness.
Peppers come in all shapes, sizes, and spiciness levels and now you can add incredibly healthy to the list!
Reducing Inflammation
It’s true, it’s been scientifically proven that peppers contain capsaicin, which has been known to reduce inflammation in the body. Not only does capsaicin have anti-inflammatory properties, but it also contains antioxidants and is said to give a boost of energy that comes with many health benefits.
Eating a diet full of your favorite hot and spicy peppers is sure to create a happier, healthier lifestyle for those looking for relief from chronic inflammation.
Healing Properties of Capsaicin in Weight Loss
Studies have shown that capsaicin can not only help reduce inflammation, it can boost metabolism, aiding weight loss efforts by burning off excess fat stores.[1] Not only can capsaicin help decrease appetite, it also increases the body’s metabolism, making it easier to burn fat and calories.
To further support this point, studies have shown that individuals who supplement their diets with capsaicin experience improved fat oxidation levels. This means that the rate in which fat molecules are broken down into energy increases, resulting in more efficient fat burning.
Additionally, research also suggests that capsaicin may reduce the risks for arterial plaque build up when consumed over time – making this food additive a very attractive option for those looking for a healthier lifestyle!
Capsaicin Aids in Lowering Cholesterol
Capsaicin has been proven to aid in lower cholesterol levels when consumed as part of a healthy diet.
The heat generated from eating pungent hot peppers helps activate proteins that reduce fat buildup inside cells, helping to regulate cholesterol levels.
Studies have also shown that compounds from hot peppers can increase the body’s ability to process fats, importantly meaning less remains available for absorption. Eating spicy dishes that contain capsaicin is one way individuals can work to reduce their cholesterol levels and promote better overall health.
It has also been linked to improved cardiovascular health by lowering cholesterol levels[2] and helping to prevent stroke[3].
The Healing Benefits of Capsaicin Includes Pain Relief!
Getting the pain relief you need can often feel like a challenge, but capsaicin may provide some help.
There is evidence to suggest that capsaicin may help relieve pain and aching joints caused by arthritis or fibromyalgia[4]. These are two common chronic pain conditions.
By releasing neurotransmitters called Substance P in the body when applied topically, it can block incoming signals of pain thoughts that would normally be sent to the brain. (Creams)
Plus, it’s also thought to trigger release of endorphins, our natural feel-good hormones that mitigate sensations of pain.
So if you’re struggling with joint discomfort, maybe consider how spicy solutions like capsaicin might give you just the right amount of fiery relief. (Other natural pain relievers, particularly for joint pain are Devil’s Claw and Cat’s Claw.)
Useful in Treating Digestive Issues
Capsaicin has a wide range of medicinal uses and is particularly strong in treating digestive issues. Due to its anti-inflammatory effects, capsaicin may also be useful for treating digestive issues such as irritable bowel syndrome or inflammatory bowel disease[6].
It also possesses anti-bacterial properties that can help to eliminate harmful bacteria from the stomach and intestines.
It even has anti-inflammatory effects that reduce the pain associated with irritable bowel syndrome.
Consuming capsaicin helps to stimulate digestion and increase the production of digestive juices. This results in increased nutrient absorption with fewer toxins present in the body.
Not only is this great for relieving bloating and cramps, but it also improves overall immunity.
This miracle molecule can truly provide remarkable relief while also promoting healthier eating habits!
Healing Properties of Capsaicin Include Lowering Cancer Risk!
Preliminary studies are being conducted on how capsaicin may affect cancer risk as well
It appears that consuming foods containing capsaicin may actually reduce cancer risk. It does this by inducing cell death in cancer cells and reducing inflammation throughout the body.
In addition, capsaicin can stimulate the production of antioxidants and activate pathways related to fighting off carcinogens in the body.
As more research is conducted around the effects of capsaicin, it seems plausible that this interesting molecule could be used as a natural tool in treating certain cancers. By utilizing capsaicin along with proven medical treatments, perhaps an even greater reduction in cancer risk can be achieved.
Whoa! But Hot Peppers are Too Hot for Me!…
For many, the spicy sensation of capsaicin can be an unwelcome surprise. But, what if you could put a little bit of that kick into your favorite smoothie or morning coffee? (Okay, maybe not.)
Capsaicin supplements provide an easy way to get all the nutritional benefits without having to buy a sizzling pepper mill.
It may feel counterintuitive to use such a spicy ingredient in supplement form. However, these natural components have been deeply researched and found to boast multiple positive effects on your health, including hypertension reduction, alleviating headaches and improving digestion.
With a bottle of capsaicin capsules by your side, you’ll have control over how much heat you add — just the right amount to spice up your diet!
Peppers – Hot Stuff When It Comes to the Healing Benefits of Capsaicin!
All in all, it appears that adding more spicy peppers into our diets could be beneficial for our health and well-being!
So if you’re looking for a natural remedy to treat minor ailments or just want to spice up your meals with something hot (literally!), consider giving capsaicin a try!
Be sure to consult with your doctor before starting any new treatments or supplements. With a bit of caution and some scientific evidence backing its effects, capsaicin might just be the perfect addition to your health regime!
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2815905/
[2] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15705027/
[3] https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/12/4/890
[4] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18093821/