Cayenne Pepper And Its Capsaicin Compound

Though cayenne pepper is a good source of the nutrients listed above, a good amount of its health benefits comes from its hot tasting antioxidant capsaicin compound. Many of cayenne pepper’s benefits stems for its ability to prevent LDL cholesterol oxidation.

Studies Support That Capsaicin Prevents LDL Cholesterol Oxidation

High levels of LDL Cholesterol in the body often leads to a buildup of LDL on artery walls which can lead to atherosclerosis, an inflammatory response that leads to the thickening of artery walls. Studies show that it is the oxidation of the LDL cholesterol that allows the LDL cholesterol to penetrate the artery walls.

Once this oxidized cholesterol has been able to penetrate and hold the artery wall, it encourages other LDL molecules to accumulate in the area, and they continue to penetrate other areas of the artery wall. Over time a layer of LDL cholesterol can form a plaque lining on the artery wall.

This buildup results in a chronic inflammatory response in the walls of arteries, caused mostly by the accumulation of macrophage white blood cells in response to the buildup of the toxic oxidized LDL cholesterol. This buildup reduces the size of the pathway for blood to travel through, and it also hardens the walls of arteries and will compromise the healthy functioning of the heart.

Cayenne Pepper Lowers Blood Pressure And Improves Circulation

High blood pressure over-works the heart. Cayenne pepper’s antioxidant capsaicin has shown in clinical trials with mice to have the ability to reduce blood pressure. Though these results have yet to be proven in humans, the outlook looks promising. Cayenne pepper is a regular staple of my diet, and my last physical indicated that my blood pressure was excellent, so I believe capsicin has the same effect in humans.

The research indicates that capsaicin stimulates the blood vessel receptor TRPV1 activation which results in an increase of the production of nitric oxide (NO) in endothelial cells in the cardiovascular system. This results in the relaxation of blood vessel walls and a decrease in blood pressure.

Cayenne Pepper And Pain Relief

Studies show that cayenne pepper’s capsaicin reduces the amount substance P in the body, which is a chemical that carries pain messages to the brain. By reducing the amount of substance P in the body, pain messages to the brain are reduced resulting in less pain. Capsaicin is used in topical creams to treat arthritis, muscle pain, and nerve pain.

Cayenne Pepper To Lose Weight Keep Warm

Cayenne pepper increases heat production in the body through a process called thermogenesis, a process where cells convert energy into heat. This process increases body temperature and metabolism. This increase in heat is dependent on burning energy in the body which uses up calories. Interestingly, a friend of mine told me that he had a job where he would have to stand outside in the cold for a long time, and he would rub cayenne pepper on his feet and it would keep his feet warm.

References:
Capsaicin – Cell Metabolism
Capsaicin – NCBI
Cayenne – University of Maryland