Cayenne pepper has been used as a natural medicine for centuries, and its popularity is only increasing. Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin, which is a compound that has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cardio-protective properties.
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When it comes to heart health, read on to learn about the powerful benefits of what cayenne pepper can do for you.
In animal studies, cayenne pepper was found to improve blood flow and regulate cardiac function. It also inhibited the growth of cancer cells in test tubes.
These findings suggest that cayenne pepper may be able to help reduce the risk of heart disease or stroke.
The anti-inflammatory and anti-atherosclerotic properties of capsaicin in cayenne pepper help to reduce the formation of fatty plaques, arteries, and blood vessels.
By lowering blood pressure and increasing the release of nitric oxide and other vasodilators, capsaicin promotes blood flow to tissues.
Your arteries carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart to all parts of the body.
Arteries have smooth muscle cells that help control blood pressure and contract the vessel walls in response to stress or excitement.
Now, because we’re under lots of stress, and cortisol and adrenaline being raised, what happens is the sympathetic nervous system causes your blood vessels to constrict.
Vasoconstriction is the term used to describe the narrowing of blood vessels due to a decrease in blood flow. This can lead to symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, icy hands and feet, dizziness, headache, and fatigue.
Now, in order for blood to flow through the arteries to those cells and organs of the body, the heart must pump harder, thus increasing blood pressure. However, cayenne pepper and nitric oxide boosters help to keep the arteries open.
Capsaicin keeps your blood pressure in check, and takes pressure off your heart, allowing for adequate circulation to all cells of your body so you can stay healthy.
By increasing blood circulation, cayenne pepper helps lower plaque formation in the arteries.
The anti-inflammatory properties of cayenne pepper are what make it so powerful.
It inhibits the development of inflammation in the arteries which triggers plaque accumulation.
It also helps reduce LDL, or bad cholesterol, which is the nasty cholesterol that forms as plaque in the inner layer of our arterial walls.
Capsaicin and cayenne pepper, according to studies, also boost your metabolism.
When your metabolism rises, you use energy faster to burn fat stores, resulting in an increase in metabolism. It also decreases your appetite, resulting in a sense of fullness that encourages you to eat less.
So here’s the bottom line. Yes, cayenne pepper may help you burn more calories. It may help you lose weight by stimulating your metabolism.
And when your arteries are healthy, it will have a significant impact on your cardiovascular system.
By taking cayenne pepper, hopefully we can avoid heart attacks and strokes, but the most important thing is the powerful anti-inflammatories and antioxidants can be really beneficial for your health.
So how often should you take it?
There isn’t enough scientific evidence to recommend any specific dosage schedule for cayenne pepper; however, experts usually recommend taking small doses regularly throughout the day (for example, adding 1 or 2 tablespoons to your food or take it raw). Taking large doses at once might not be effective because it could cause nausea or other side effects.