Reasons to Take Cayenne

Cayenne may provide benefits beyond just adding spice to your food.
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Hot and spicy, cayenne not only adds zest to foods, it delivers some powerful health benefits. The cayenne shrub Capsicum annuum produces red, orange or yellow pods that can be eaten raw or cooked or dried and powdered for use as a spice. Cayenne is also available in capsules to be taken orally and in creams for external use. Capsaicin, the active ingredient in cayenne, has been researched extensively to learn more about its beneficial effects.

Anti-cancer Effects

    Cayenne has been found to slow or prevent the growth of cancerous cells. A study by Dr. Sanjay K. Srivastava of the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine found that capsaicin showed anticancer activity against pancreatic cancer cells. Cell death was induced in the cancerous cells with no damaging effect to the normal pancreatic cells.

Diabetes Management

    Cayenne may help in the management of Type 2 diabetes. A study published in 2009 in the "Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand" evaluated the effect of 5 grams of capsicum given to healthy subjects. Researchers found that those who received the capsicum had decreased blood glucose levels and higher insulin levels compared to those who did not receive the capsicum.

Relief of Rhinitis

    Rhinitis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nose, often characterized by sneezing, a runny nose or a stuffy nose. In a study published in 2011 in "Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology," the effectiveness of a homeopathic preparation of capsicum and eucalyptol was evaluated. Results showed that capsaicin improved symptoms in the subjects with no adverse events observed.

Pain Relief

    Capsaicin is a strong pain reliever when applied to the skin. It works by decreasing the amount of a chemical in the body that's responsible for pain messages to the brain, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center website. When less of this chemical is present, you experience relief because the pain messages no longer reach the brain. Topical capsaicin cream has been used for conditions such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, low back pain and nerve pain from shingles and diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

Safety

    Consultation with a licensed health care professional before using any herbal supplement is advisable.

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