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Is cayenne pepper good for your health? These spicy peppers contain capsaicin which is associated with a number of health benefits.
Cayenne peppers are a type of hot chili pepper from the Capsicum annuum family. They have long been used in Native American medicine to stimulate circulation, calm digestive disorders and to promote pain relief.
Cayenne extracts have been used both topically and in dietary supplements to alleviate pain from arthritis, improve skin health, stimulate digestion, decrease appetite and to combat viral and bacterial infections.
Increasing your dietary consumption of this pepper may also have anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant benefits. Capsaicin is also associated with increased fat oxidation and energy metabolism in the body.
Preliminary research has looked into the effects of regular consumption of chili peppers on risks for certain types of cancer, heart disease, diabetes and obesity. [1, 2] More research is needed to understand how eating red cayenne peppers can promote human health.
Joints
Appetite Control
Vitality- Supports healthy digestion & blood flow
- Promotes joint function & pain relief
- Promotes appetite control & weight loss
Top Capsaicin Products* ❯Is Cayenne Pepper Good for You?
Cayenne peppers are commonly used for their pro-circulatory and detoxification benefits. Capsaicin extract from this pepper is also FDA-approved as a topical analgesic (pain reliever).
These peppers have a long history of use in traditional medicine for conditions including dyspepsia, flatulence, skin conditions, rhinitis (runny nose), migraine headaches and more.
Like other chilis, cayenne peppers contain various nutrients including vitamins A and C, certain minerals, potassium and a lipophilic alkaloid called capsaicin (methyl-n-vanillyl nonenamide).
Many of the purported health benefits of this pepper are attributed to capsaicin and other capsaicinoid compounds, including dihydrocapsaicin, nordihydrocapsaicin, homocapsaicin, and homodihydrocapsaicin.
The more capsaicin that a specific Capsicum pepper contains, the hotter it will taste to the mouth. This is measured by the Scoville Heat Scale, first described by Wilbur Scoville.
Red cayenne (Capsicum baccatum or Capsicum frutescens) has a Scoville Heat Unit (SHU) rating of between 30,000 – 50,000. Some specimens may contain more capsaicin, up to 190,000 SHU.
This scale is based on how diluted a sample must be in alcohol to eliminate the perception of hotness when placed on the tongue. An extract that measures 30,000 SHU must be diluted to a 1:30,000 concentration in order for it to not taste spicy.
Compared to other members of the chili pepper family, cayenne is in the middle of the scale of hotness. While it is more pungent than bell peppers, Jalapeño and poblano peppers, it is not as hot as habaneros or scotch bonnets.
Capsaicin initiates numerous responses in the body and brain and appears to act by binding to adrenaline and TRPV1 receptors (transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1)
It takes just a small amount of capsaicin to activate TRPV1 receptors throughout the body. [4] These receptors are found in brain, gut, spinal cord, muscle, liver, fat and other cell types.
Activation of TRPV1 increases intracellular calcium signaling, leading to various physiological effects. [3] These receptors appear to be responsible for temperature detection and regulation and influence a wide range of functions within the body.
Cayenne Pepper Health Benefits
There are various health benefits associated with cayenne peppers. In traditional medicine from China, Korea, Japan, India and North America, chili peppers have been used for centuries for various ailments and conditions.
According to Dr. Edward Group of the Global Healing Center, cayenne has been used in traditional medicine for the following:
- Heartburn
- Delirium
- Tremors
- Gout
- Paralysis
- Fever
- Dyspepsia
- Atonic Dyspepsia
- Flatulence
- Sore Throat
- Hemorrhoids
- Menorrhagia in Women
- Nausea
- Tonsillitis
- Scarlet Fever
- Diphtheria
While some of these traditional uses have been studied in clinical trials, many lack research data to evaluate efficacy.
The FDA has approved topical use of cayenne for alleviation of pain, but has not approved this supplement as a drug for the prevention or treatment of any other medical conditions.
Below are some of the common purported health benefits of eating cayenne peppers that are supported by research studies.
Pain Relief
When applied topically as a cream, cayenne pepper extract has been shown to reduces symptoms of pain.
Capsaicin-based creams are used for back injuries, diabetic neuropathy (peripheral nerve dysfunction), rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia and other conditions which cause muscle, bone and/or joint pain.
The pain-relieving properties are linked to capsaicin which has been shown to reduce levels of Substance P – a chemical messenger that sends pain signals to the brain.
It may work by depleting Substance P in the spinal cord and peripheral nerves. This is hypothesized to reduce the pain signals that reach the brain.
The University of Maryland Medical Center (UMM) reports that cayenne pepper creams are used in hospitals to reduce pain after surgeries, mastectomies and amputations.
Oral supplements containing capsaicin are also reported to improve joint comfort and reduce minor aches and pains.
Weight Loss
Many people use cayenne pepper extract to help them reach and maintain their weight goals. It is commonly taken in the form of a lemon and cayenne pepper cleanse, designed to support detoxification.
Capsaicin demonstrates appetite-reducing and thermogenic effects. It may influence how much food is consumed and preferentially promote the oxidation of fat instead of carbohydrates.
In one human study, men who consumed cayenne extract before breakfast had less appetite than men who did not. Taking 750 mg before meals reduced ab libitum fat intake by roughly 14%. [5]
Other research suggests that cayenne peppers may support body fat reduction by inhibiting a process called adipogenesis. In adipogenesis, immature fat cells differentiate to become mature fat storage cells (adipocytes).
By impeding this process, capsaicin may influence how the body stores fat. In one in vitro study examining isolated adipocytes, capsaicin reduced the amount of fat that was accumulated during adipogenesis by more than 60%. [6]
Cayenne peppers may also support weight loss by inhibiting the activities of fatty acid synthase (FAS); a protein-based enzyme used in producing long-chain fatty acids. In one study, FAS activities were reduced by more than 90% after oral administration of capsaicin. [7]
More research is needed to understand how cayenne pepper extract may support weight loss and weight management in humans.
Preventing Infection
Cayenne is purported to have a positive effect on the immune system and may demonstrate antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti-yeast, anti-viral and immunomodulatory effects.
It has been used to promote the health of the gastrointestinal system and the genitourinary system. One lesser-known use for this pepper is to combat the growth of Candida yeast which can cause infections.
Candida is a normal constituent of the human microbiome. However, Too much candida can cause bone and joint pain, weakened immunity, hormonal imbalance and various digestive problems.
Cayenne pepper may be good for your health because it has been shown to combat fungal infections. In one in-vitro study, cayenne pepper extract was found to be active against sixteen separate fungi strains, one of which was Candida. [8]
Cancer
According to a 2016 research review, “Preponderance of the data strongly indicates significant anticancer benefits of capsaicin.” [9]
Capsaicin is believed to alter the expression of genes that control blood vessel formation (angiogenesis), metastasis, growth arrest and cell survival in cancer cells.
There have been a number of animal and in vitro studies examining the effects of this cayenne pepper constituent on carcinogenesis can cancer cell proliferation.
However, the data available so far is preliminary and there are no human studies available to evaluate.
According to researchers, “more information to highlight molecular mechanisms of its action is required to improve our knowledge to be able to propose a potential therapeutic strategy for use of capsaicin against cancer.” [9]
Should You Use Cayenne Supplements?
In addition to the uses mentioned above, natural health practitioners recommend this supplement to address a wide range of health goals. Some of the other uses for cayenne extract include:
- Digestive disorders like diarrhea, upset stomach and dyspepsia (heartburn);
- Autoimmune disorders like psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis (RA);
- Dermatologic conditions like eczema, dermatitis and acne;
- Stimulating circulation and supporting blood detoxification;
- Relieving migraine and cluster headaches;
- Preventing the formation of blood clots;
- Improving plasma lipid levels (fat within the blood);
- Balancing blood glucose levels and supporting insulin sensitivity;
- Preventing and healing stomach ulcers;
- Normalizing blood pressure and supporting vascular health;
- Boosting energy metabolism and thermogenesis;
There are various other traditional uses for cayenne pepper as well. Most of the uses for cayenne pepper require more research to determine therapeutic efficacy..
If you are considering adding cayenne pepper to your daily diet, then be aware that capsaicin can interact with certain diseases, prescription drugs and herbal supplements.
It is best to ask your primary healthcare provider about whether it is appropriate for you to increase your dietary intake of chili peppers or use a supplement. While cayenne pepper may be good for general health, spicy foods may not be well tolerated by all people.
- Srinivasan K1. Biological Activities of Red Pepper (Capsicum annuum) and Its Pungent Principle Capsaicin: A Review. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2016 Jul 3;56(9):1488-500. doi: 10.1080/10408398.2013.772090.
- Sun F1, Xiong S2, Zhu Z3. Dietary Capsaicin Protects Cardiometabolic Organs from Dysfunction. Nutrients. 2016 Apr 25;8(5). pii: E174. doi: 10.3390/nu8050174.
- Sun F1, Xiong S2, Zhu Z3. Dietary Capsaicin Protects Cardiometabolic Organs from Dysfunction. Nutrients. 2016 Apr 25;8(5). pii: E174. doi: 10.3390/nu8050174.
- Yoshioka M1, Imanaga M, Ueyama H, Yamane M, Kubo Y, Boivin A, St-Amand J, Tanaka H, Kiyonaga A. Maximum tolerable dose of red pepper decreases fat intake independently of spicy sensation in the mouth. Br J Nutr. 2004 Jun;91(6):991-5.
- Zhang LL1, Yan Liu D, Ma LQ, Luo ZD, Cao TB, Zhong J, Yan ZC, Wang LJ, Zhao ZG, Zhu SJ, Schrader M, Thilo F, Zhu ZM, Tepel M. Activation of transient receptor potential vanilloid type-1 channel prevents adipogenesis and obesity. Circ Res. 2007 Apr 13;100(7):1063-70. Epub 2007 Mar 8.
- Impheng H1, Pongcharoen S2, Richert L3, Pekthong D4, Srisawang P1. The selective target of capsaicin on FASN expression and de novo fatty acid synthesis mediated through ROS generation triggers apoptosis in HepG2 cells. PLoS One. 2014 Sep 25;9(9):e107842. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0107842. eCollection 2014.
- Renault S1, De Lucca AJ, Boue S, Bland JM, Vigo CB, Selitrennikoff CP. CAY-1, a novel antifungal compound from cayenne pepper. Med Mycol. 2003 Feb;41(1):75-81.
- Clark R1, Lee SH2. Anticancer Properties of Capsaicin Against Human Cancer. Anticancer Res. 2016 Mar;36(3):837-43.
Article last updated on: July 3rd, 2018 by Nootriment