Cayenne Pepper Benefits for Circulation, Fat Loss, Heart Health & More

Cayenne pepper benefits for health are purported to include support for healthy circulation and blood vessels, appetite control, alleviation of pain and normal digestion.

Cayenne from the Capsicum frutescens plant has been used for hundreds of years in medicine systems throughout the Americas. Traditional healers recommended these peppers for heart problems, joint pain, gastrointestinal problems and more.

The biological effects of cayenne peppers and other varieties of chili peppers, are primarily attributed to a phytochemical called capsaicin. This is one of the capsaicinoids isolated from the fruit of this plant that gives it a spicy taste.

This compound has been extensively studied for its health-promoting effects. Evidence suggests that it may be useful for arthritis, nerve function, inflammation, circulation, detoxification, and more.

Extracts from cayenne pepper plants have also been studied for their anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, for the prevention of migraine headaches, to alleviate nasal congestion, support weight loss and longevity and for reducing risk factors for atherosclerosis.

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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Cayenne Pepper Health Benefits

Chili peppers like cayenne originated in South and Central America. Scientists believe that people were eating chilis as early as 7000 BC.

Researchers point out that humans are the only species that deliberately includes spicy foods in our diet. All other species of animals are repelled by spiciness due to the irritant effects of compounds like capsaicin.

Multiple population studies have been conducted showing that people who eat more chili peppers have better health outcomes in several areas.

According to the review from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, “People who eat spicy foods nearly every day have a 14% chance of living longer than those who consume spicy foods less than once a week.”

In one study, frequency consumption of hot peppers was linked to lower risk of cancer, heart disease, and respiratory conditions.

This epidemiological data is evidence of a correlation, but not necessarily causation. More research is needed to understand how eating spicy foods affects human health.

There have been some studies demonstrating that eating cayenne and other forms of Capsicum peppers can support health and general well-being.

Multiple mechanisms of action have been attributed to capsaicinoids extracted from thus genus of plants. Capsaicin from cayenne peppers has also been FDA-approved in topical formulations for pain relief.

The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database (NMCD) states that capsaicin is Likely Effective for chronic, neuropathic and musculoskeletal pain.

NMCD further states that capsaicin is Possibly Effective for the following:

• Back pain;
• Fibromyalgia;
• Cluster headaches;
• Perennial allergic rhinitis (PAR);
• Prurigo nodularis (hard, crusty, itchy skin eruptions);

NMCD states that people use these peppers for cramps, toothaches, poor circulation, alcoholism and seasickness. Various other oral, topical and intranasal uses are reported.

Cayenne peppers have also been used medicinally for migraine headaches, dyspepsia (heartburn), peptic ulcers, IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) and hayfever. However, the NMCD states that more research is required to evaluate therapeutic efficacy for these uses.

Capsaicin and TRPV1 Receptors

Cayenne peppers appear to work by activating the same receptors in the body that are responsible for responding to hot temperatures.

In the body, capsaicin stimulates transient receptor potential vanilloid subtype 1 (TRPV1) receptors. TRPV1 activation improves calcium signaling between cells in the brain, digestive system, bladder, gut, blood vessels and sensory nerves.

According to researchers at the University of California in Davis, “Besides capsaicin, TRPV1 can be activated by many physical and chemical stimuli such as noxious heat.” [9]

This results in a wide-ranging response in the body. Activating TRPV1 causes various biological changes which affect inflammation, pain and oxidative stress.

One of the most widely-researched effects of capsaicin has to do with its topical application on the skin. Chronic skin exposure to this compound induces analgesic effects via TRPV1 activation in skin nerves.

With continued exposure to capsaicin, the pain nerves are temporarily de-sensitized to any stimuli that would normally cause a pain response. Because of this, capsaicin is a common ingredient in various skin creams which help to manage pain.

Cayenne Pepper Weight Loss Benefits

Cayenne peppers are gaining popularity amongst people who want to reach and maintain healthy weight levels. It appears to have appetite-supressing effects, making it easier to follow a calorie-restricted diet.

Researchers at Laval University in Quebec, Canada found that people who ate these peppers at breakfast had lower caloric intake throughout the day and reported less appetite.

Cayenne peppers may also aid weight loss by increasing a process called thermogenesis, which refers to heat production in the body.

In humans, thermogenesis occurs when fats are metabolized by the body and converted into body heat. Increasing thermogenesis is thought to have a positive effect on weight loss and weight management.

Activating TRPV1 receptors may inhibit obesity by promoting the “browning” of white adipose tissue (white fat), which may increase the rate of thermogenic activity in adipocytes.

This mechanism of action is not yet well understood, but a 2016 research review stated that TRPV1 activation by capsaicin “is a promising strategy to counter obesity.”

More human clinical trials will be needed to understand if and how cayenne peppers can benefit weight loss and help with healthy weight management.

Cayenne Pepper for Circulation and Metabolism

Cayenne extract is purported to support circulation and improve the delivery of beneficial nutrients into cells throughout the body.

In population studies, regular consumption of chili peppers is associated with lower risks for obesity, cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus. More human studies are needed to determine specific cayenne pepper benefits for cardiovascular health and diabetes.

Capsaicin has demonstrated beneficial effects for cardiovascular function in studies involving experimental animals. Research from rat studies found that it could enhance blood flow and influence heart pumping action.

Recent research demonstrates the critical roles of TRPV1 in cardiovascular health, and in metabolic homeostasis (consistently effective energy production).

Experimental studies indicate that TRPV1 activation by cayenne peppers could help to improve lipid metabolism, diabetes and high blood pressure (hypertension). Further, TRPV1 activation has been shown to support the functioning of cardiometabolic organs.

According to the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, people have traditionally used cayenne peppers to benefit conditions including hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol), hypertriglyceridemia (high triglycerides), hypertension (high blood pressure), hypotension (low blood pressure), varicose veins and other conditions affected by poor circulation.

However, capsaicin has not been approved by the FDA as a drug for the treatment of any of these medical conditions. There is not enough research available to determine whether this chili pepper extract works for these uses.

Cayenne Pepper for Hair

Some people use cayenne pepper powder mixed with olive oil as a hair tonic. No research indicates that capsaicin helps to regrow or strengthen hair.

However, in one study, capsaicin seemed to enhance the effects of Chinese black tea for regrowing hair in shaved mice.

Significantly more research will be required to validate claims made about the benefits of this spice for hair growth.

Cayenne Pepper Side Effects

Cayenne peppers are considered safe when used as culinary ingredients, although some people may be more sensitive to the effects of eating spicy foods.

With dietary supplements, it is possible to achieve some of the health benefits of cayenne extract without the irritating effects of eating hot chili peppers. Supplement manufacturers will often formulate versions of cayenne extract in enteric-coated capsules to reduce potential digestive upset.

When taken orally, capsaicin can cause bloating, diarrhea, belching, gas and other gastrointestinal side effects in some people. Topical applications cause itching, burning and/or erythema (patchy redness) in about 10% of users.

Capsaicin may interact with medications including antiplatelets/anticoagulant drugs, ACE inhibitors, theophylline and cocaine. Capsaicin is contraindicated for conditions involving skin injuries.

Other side effects and interactions are possible. Talk to your doctor about cayenne pepper benefits and safety as they pertain to your unique health state.

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