Best Cayenne Pepper Capsules – How to Use, Benefits & Product Review

Cayenne pepper capsules provide one way to derive the benefits of capsaicin extract without having to consume hot chili peppers.

Cayenne extract supplements are commonly used by those trying to lose weight, people with digestive issues, for pain relief and to promote blood flow.

According to reviews of clinical research, the bioactive chemicals in cayenne pepper called capsaicinoids demonstrates multiple physiological effects.

Cayenne tablets and liquid extracts are typically sold in dosages of between 40,000 – 100,000 Scoville Heat Unites (SHU) of capsaicin extract. Some of these products are cool-formulated to make them easier to tolerate by sensitive stomachs.

Using oral cayenne capsules is purported to support healthy appetite control, increased basal metabolic rate (BMR), circulation, balancing lipids in the blood and alleviating minor joint pains.

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 Capsules Benefits

Chili peppers (Capsicum) have been valued in traditional medicine for thousands of years in China, Japan, Korea, India and North America.

In herbal medicine practices, they are believed to have pro-longevity effects and to protect against diseases and metabolic dysregulation.

Clinical research on cayenne pepper (Capsicum annuum), and on capsaicin in general, is extensive. There have been more than 3000 studies on these compounds examining the effects on weight loss, blood pressure, heart health and cancer.

Cayenne is said to have a “gastroprotective effect”, which means that it support digestive health and function. In traditional medicine, it was used to address stomach complaints, diarrhea and ulcers.

According to a 2016 research review, pure cayenne pepper extract supplements can help with the following [1]:

• Alleviating pain from arthritis, diabetic neuropathy, psoriasis and more;
• Stimulating mucous secretions, as well as gastric blood flow;
• Supporting cell membrane permeability for uptake of important micronutrients;
• Protecting the structural integrity of red blood cells from oxidative damage;
• Preventing cholesterol gallstone formation;
• Healing gastric ulcers;
• Stimulating digestion and bowel movements;
• Inhibiting acid secretion in the stomach;

These claims have not been evaluated by the US Food and Drug Administration. Currently, capsaicin is FDA-approved as a topical analgesic but is not approved for the prevention or treatment of other medical conditions.

Cayenne pepper supplements contain plant chemicals which demonstrate antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. By supporting antioxidant status and detoxification throughout the body, chili pepper extract is purported to promote overall health and well-being.

Some of the touted health benefits have been validated in clinical trials, but others require more research to evaluate. Research is on-going to understand how capsaicin and other capsaicinoids influence human health.

How Does Cayenne Extract Work?

Most of the purported health benefits of red cayenne capsules and powders are believed to arise from activation of TRPV1 ion channels, which are cellular receptors expressed in various tissues and organs throughout the body.

Some of the benefits associated with activation of TRPV1 receptors include:

• Reducing inflammatory cytokines at the endothelium and supporting endothelial function;
• Reducing oxidative stress and inhibiting systemic low-grade inflammation;
• Supporting insulin sensitivity and blood glucose regulation;
• Promoting the breakdown of stored fats into fatty acids (lipolysis) as well as fat oxidation;
• Supporting healthy low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels in the blod;
• Boosting thermogenic energy expenditure and enhancing basal metabolic rate;
• Reducing appetite and impulsive eating;
• Helping to promote normal blood pressure;

Research has shown that activating TRPV1 causes a diverse set of biological activities. [2] The capsaicin in cayenne pepper capsules is the most potent known activator of TRPV1; only small amounts are required to turn on these receptors systemically.

Is Cayenne Effective for Weight Loss?

One of the most common reasons for using cayenne tablets and capsules is to help promote weight loss and prevent over-eating.

Capsaicin demonstrates anorexigenic (appetite-suppressing) and thermogenic effects. It appears to increase the rate at which the body converts stored energy into heat, resulting in more calories being burned throughout the day.

In a 2017 study at the Arizona State University, Capsimax containing natural capsicum extract in a controlled-release coating was studied for its effects on healthy weight management.

Capsimax was shown to increase resting energy expenditure (the amount of calories burned by the body while at rest) by 6% following a single dose.

In another study, capsaicinoids were shown to improve metrics of body composition when taken for 12 weeks. Waist and hip circumference were decreased by 2.4% after 6 weeks and caloric intake was significantly lower over the 12-week treatment period.

Using a cayenne supplement may reduce hunger cravings when following a calorie-restricted diet. Capsaicin also increases feelings of fullness after meals and has been shown to change micronutrient composition of food intake by reducing the amount of fat consumed in meals.

Capsaicin may also help maintain rates of fat oxidation and energy expenditure which usually decline during periods of caloric restriction. [3]

Another way this supplement may work is by influencing how fat is stored in the body.

A 2016 research study from the University of Wisconsin reports that, “TRPV1 activation by capsaicin triggers browning of white adipose tissue to counteract obesity. Our results suggest that TRPV1 activation is a promising strategy to counter obesity.”

Browning refers to causing white adipose cells to behave more like brown adipose cells and oxidize fat without generating ATP. This could reduce fat stores in adipose cells and reduce their size.

More research is needed to determine the efficacy of cayenne pepper capsules for long-term weight loss and healthy weight maintenance in humans.

If you are interested in using chili pepper supplements to promote weight loss, it is important to take these products as part of an overall diet and exercise program.

Cayenne and the Master Cleanse

Cayenne capsules can also be used as part of a detoxification program like the 10-day Master Cleanse protocol.

The Master Cleanse is also commonly called the “Lemonade Diet“. It is a detox diet that involves refraining from all solid foods.

For 10 days, participants on this program only consume lemonade made from purified water, juice from fresh organic lemons, real maple syrup and cayenne pepper powder.

This detoxification method has been popular for decades and was famously employed by celebrities like Beyonce and Jared Leto to help them cut body fat before movie roles.

Some people find it difficult to tolerate cayenne powder in their drinks and prefer to use oral supplement capsules instead. Cayenne extract tablets made with a controlled-release coating may prevent some of the side effects while still providing purported health benefits.

The Master Cleanse recommends mixing 1/10th of a teaspoon of cayenne pepper powder in every serving of lemonade. That is approximately 200 mg of cayenne extract per serving.

Supplement Dosage Guide

Red cayenne pepper supplements are typically standardized to provide between 30-400mg per serving. Products can vary in terms of their concentration of capsaicin alkaloids.

Most products are formulated to provide 40,000 Heat Units per serving, but some high-potency supplements provide 100,000 Heat Units per capsule.

Manufacturers generally recommend starting with the lower dose to gauge tolerance and only increasing if required to achieve desired benefits.

There has not been enough research to determine the optimal capsaicin dosage to use as a dietary supplement. Anecdotally, different uses are said to require different dosages.

Potential Side Effects

Cayenne and other Capsicum peppers are rated Likely Safe by the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database when used orally in quantities commonly found in foods.

These peppers have Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) status in the United States as per the Food and Drug Administration. This means that while some people may experience mild adverse reactions, the peppers are not likely to cause serious side effects.

When taken in medicinal amounts or used as a dietary supplement. Cayenne is rated Possibly Safe. Long-term use or taking high dosages is rated Possibly Unsafe.

Capsaicin in cayenne pepper capsules may cause burning or stinging if it comes into contact with the skin. Some users experience an allergic reaction when they take these products.

Taken orally, cayenne pepper capsules might cause certain digestive side effects. Some people experience diarrhea, gas, burping and/or bloating when they first begin using the supplement.

There are possible interactions between capsaicin and some health conditions, medications and herbal supplements. If you are considering using oral cayenne pepper capsules to address a specific health goal, seek medical advice to determine whether this product is appropriate for you.

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