I'm sure those who love spicy food enjoy eating one hottest peppers in the world, the cayenne pepper.
The pepper, which is a member of the Capsicum family, is very popular in Mexican dishes and Cajun cuisine.
But, lovers of the spicy little ingredient might also be happy to know that the cayenne pepper could do a lot more than just spice up a meal.
Similarly to apple cider vinegar, which helps with a variety of ailments like sore throats and heartburn, cayenne peppers also hold several health benefits of their own — some of which might be hard for some to believe.
These peppers have actually been used for therapeutic reasons for thousands of years. Native Americans and the ancient Chinese were among the first to use it both for food and medicine.
See 14 of the cayenne pepper's benefits below and tell us if you’re surprised by any of them.
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1. Prevents Allergies
The runny nose, watery eyes, and swelling that occurs with seasonal allergies is never fun. Cayenne peppers are a natural remedy that can help alleviate nasal congestion and stuffiness.
2. Improves Blood Circulation
Spicy foods are stimulants and can raise levels of circulation in the body. It's said to also help prevent blood clots.
3. Improves Digestion
Eating these peppers can help speed up your metabolism. It can also help relieve gas in the stomach.
4. Maintains Oral Hygiene
It's said to help produce saliva, which is very important for oral health.
5. Acts As A Cold Remedy
This spicy food thins the mucus in your nasal passages, helping you breathe again. It's recommended to sprinkle some in your food when you are sick.
6. Eases A Sore Throat
It may cause a burning sensation in your throat at first, but cayenne pepper can help stop throat pain within three to seven days.
7. Alleviates Toothaches
Making a paste using some cayenne pepper and water is said to help alleviate bothersome pains in the mouth.
#10 on the next page can help everyone at least once in their life!
8. Soothes Joint Pain and Inflammation
If you've suffered from this, you know how uncomfortable it can be. Applying a topical application of cayenne pepper can help soothe the ache, as it acts as a counterirritant.
9. Helps Prevent Stomach Ulcers
Some evidence shows that these peppers even have the power to help with gastric ulcers, despite contrary beliefs.
10. Relieves Migraines
Besides the severe pain, migraines can cause problems with vision, sensitivity to noise and light, as well as tingling throughout the body. With the help of cayenne, the pain might just go away. "It is said to bring relief by depleting Substance P, a neurotransmitter that helps transmit pain impulses," the New York Times explains.
11. Acts As An Anti-Cancer Agent
A study by researchers at the University of California at Los Angeles School of Medicine found that capsaicin stopped the formation of prostate cancer cells. Another study at Loma Linda University in California also found that it may prevent lung cancer.
12. Aids With Weight Loss
Another study by Laval University in Quebec found that those who consumed cayenne pepper in the morning had less of an appetite during the day.
13. Lowers Risk Of Heart Disease
It helps with blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglycerides.
14. Boosts Immune System
It has potential to boost your immune system, according to Dr. Andrew Weil, the director of the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona.
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