Capsicum Pepper Benefits, Effects, Uses and How it Works

Capsicum benefits may include relief from pain and headaches, support for cardiovascular health, support for weight loss and improved gastrointestinal function.

Supplements that contain capsicum extract are purported to exhibit anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, improve joint functionality, improve skin health and promote healthy blood sugar regulation.

These supplements have also been shown to moderate the appetite, increase metabolism, increasing the production of gastric mucus to prevent peptic ulcers from developing, promote nasal drainage to open sinus and airways and act as antioxidants.

The health benefits of capsicum supplements continue to be researched. This natural supplement is also safe to use at typical dosages, but can cause some side effects described below.

Capsaicin

Pepper Extract

Joints

Appetite Control

Vitality

How It Works:

• Supports healthy digestion & blood flow
• Promotes joint function & pain relief
• Promotes appetite control & weight loss

Dosage:

Between 1000 - 2000 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Possibly Safe

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Capsicum Benefits and Effects

Jalapeno, habanero and various other chili peppers make up the botanical genus called capsicum.

All chili peppers contain plant chemicals called capsaicinoids, the most studied of which is capsaicin.

Different chili peppers contain different capsaicin levels, resulting in different levels of spiciness when eaten

In addition to causing a spicy sensation, capsaicin is also being studied for several important health benefits.

Capsicum has been extensively studied in in-vitro, animal and some human trials.

Research shows showed that capsaicin activates TRPV1 (transient receptor potential vanilloid subtype 1) receptors. These are receptors that are involved in the detection of hot temperatures.

TRPV1 stimulation improves calcium signaling between nerves in the human gut, brain, circulatory vessels, sensory nerves and bladder.

Activating TRPV1 receptors causes a variety of biological effects throughout the body. Many people use capsicum peppers to reduce inflammation and inhibit oxidative stress.

Fresh, dried and powdered chili peppers have also been used traditionally to decrease the risk of heart disease, manage pain and naturally regulate blood sugar levels.

Capsicum Benefits for Weight Loss:

Capsicum pepper benefits for weight loss are attributed to increased thermogenesis, a heightened metabolic rate and suppression of the appetite.

Capsaicin extract from red chili peppers has been shown to stimulate thermogenesis, which is the production of heat in warm-blooded animals.

Humans are able to self-regulate their internal body temperature to maintain a core temperature of 36.6-37.4 degrees Celsius or 97.8-99.3 degrees Fahrenheit in adults

This process of thermoregulation requires a significant amount of energy to be burned to maintain a consistent temperature. If the core body temperature is increased, it can result in a higher rate of metabolism.

When capsicum extract is consumed, thermogenesis is increased through greater metabolic heat production and the body burns more stored calories and fat for energy.

Humans have white adipose (fat) tissue and brown adipose tissue. White fat stores energy. Brown fat is used to stimulate white fat metabolism.

Capsicum is a TRPV1 agonist that can activate brown fat tissue, thereby possibly increasing white fat metabolism. TRPV1 activation is clinically accepted as one way to counter obesity.

Researchers continue to study how capsaicin might help to prevent obesity in humans by activating TRPV1. More studies are needed to understand if and how capsicum peppers benefit weight loss and/or fat mass in humans.

Capsicum for Inflammation:

Capsicum health benefits are purported to include reducing inflammation.

Capsaicin is a known inhibitor of a neuropeptide called substance P, which plays a role in the regulation of pain sensations. By inhibiting the activities of substance P, capsaicin may have an effect on certain inflammatory processes.

Capsicum peppers have been studied for their effects on inflammation and related conditions like arthritis, diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage) and psoriasis.

Animals with induced inflammatory arthritis experienced delayed onset of arthritis and reduced paw inflammation when fed a diet containing capsaicin.

Capsicum peppers have also exhibited antioxidant and analgesic properties. Capsaicin is applied topically to reduce pain.

According to a 2016 research study, “Topical application of capsaicin is proved to alleviate pain in arthritis, postoperative neuralgia, diabetic neuropathy, psoriasis, etc.”.

In one double-blind study, nearly 200 subjects with psoriasis were treated with either a placebo or capsaicin cream.

Those who received capsaicin cream reported significant improvements in psoriasis symptoms relative to placebo controls. The only side effect of the cream noted was a temporary burning sensation at application sites. This burning sensation subsided after continued use.

Capsicum Benefits for Heart Health

Plant chemicals from capsicum peppers have been shown to lower triglycerides, platelet aggregation and cholesterol in the blood.

Chili pepper extract has also been observed to dissolve a substance called fibrin which is involved in forming blood clots. In cultures where capsicum pepper consumption is high, heart attack and stroke rates are much lower.

The antioxidant properties of capsicum peppers may also help to protect serum lipids from oxidation. Oxidized fats in the blood are associated with the development of arterial plaque which causes clogged arteries (atherosclerosis).

In one study of 27 adults, eating fresh-chopped chili peppers increased the ability of fat molecules in the blood to resist damage from free radicals.

In this study, treatment subjects consumed about one ounce of capsicum peppers daily for 4 weeks. Male and female subjects who ate chilis both saw decreased fat oxidation relative to individuals given a placebo.

Women treated with capsicum peppers in this study demonstrated a longer lag time before developing damage to serum cholesterol from free radicals relative to men who ate the peppers.

Male subjects who ate chili peppers containing capsaicin also experienced increased blood delivery to the heart and reduced resting heart rates.

More research is needed to determine the efficacy of capsicum peppers for preventing or treating cardiovascular and metabolic disorders in humans.

Additional Effects Being Studied

Some research suggests that capsaicin in capsicum peppers may have benefits for cancer, skin disorders, boosting immunity, clearing excessive mucus from the nasal passages and improving digestive health.

Research on using capsicum peppers for these and various other conditions is ongoing. Currently capsaicin is only FDA-approved in the form of topical creams and ointments for the treatment and management of pain.

Capsicum Pepper Side Effects

With oral use, capsaicin dietary supplements may cause gas, bloating, burping, diarrhea and other digestive system disturbances.

With topical use, it may cause stinging, burning, itching and/or patchy redness (erythema) at application sites. Certain other side effects are possible with oral consumption of capsicum peppers in sensitive individuals.

Chili pepper extract can interact with certain herbal supplements. Because of increased risk for bleeding, be cautious if combining capsicum peppers with other supplements that have anti-coagulant effects including angelica, danshen, fenugreek, ginger, garlic, ginseng and devil’s claw.

Capsicum peppers may also increase the risk of side effects when used with certain prescription medications.

Some of these include antiplatelet, anticoagulant and P450 cytochrome substrate medications as well as ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) inhibitors.

Talk with your doctor about capsicum benefits and side effects as they pertain to your health situation.

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