Cayenne pepper: characteristics and uses

Cayenne pepper is considered to be the king among medicinal plants.It is distinguished from other varieties by a wide list of uses for therapeutic and prophylactic purposes. To understand how best to apply it in different areas without harm to health, you need to know its features, healing properties and possible harm.

Cayenne pepper belongs to the family of perennials Pasanova. He owes his name to the port city of Cayenne. This is the so-called Capsicum Cayenne, which the British because of the color called chili. In our country, it is customary to call it red paprika, although sometimes it is possible to hear the name “rehouse,” “Brazilian” or “Indian.” It looks like a classic chili. The native land of this vegetable is considered to be tropical America, although it is grown as a crop in South India, as well as in Mexico and Thailand.

It is a leguminous vegetable with a different color depending on the variety of the variety. For example, as it ripens, it changes color from greenish and light violet to red, whitish and violet. The shape of the fruit can be not only heart-shaped and oblong: in addition, it can be round, resemble cherry and olive fruits.

Cayenne pepper today is considered a popular spice of a variety of traditional dishes. In comparison with other varieties of pepper, it is more stinging, the size of the diameter of ripe fruit can vary from 0.5 to 1.5 cm or more. This vegetable is considered one of the best among analogues, the parameters of the bush, depending on the variety of the variety, can be up to 1 meter high. Due to its composition, cayenne pepper is used not only in cooking, but for cosmetic purposes, nutrition, traditional medicine.

The name of cayenne pepper, as a type of chilli, can be called not quite accurate. Usually so called all the most acute varieties of pepper. However, the difference is still there, although it is small. The fruits of cayenne pepper when ripe always change shade, they do not remain green. Its size, like the seeds are smaller, and the peppercorns themselves are more often not only red, but also light orange.

It is quite hot and sharp, in ground form has a light orange shade, sometimes yellowish or gray-yellow. It differs in cost and useful properties. Its effect on the body is more pronounced, while often under its name in stores there may be a mixture of hot peppers or chili with various additives.

The fruits of cayenne pepper are composed of a wide range of components, including nutrients and antioxidants. For example, it contains fiber, protein, B vitamins (thiamine, pyrodoxine, folic acid), as well as A, E, K, manganese, potassium, and riboflavin. The burning of pepper is due to the presence of the active ingredient capsaicin. It is he who is responsible for the therapeutic effect inherent in this vegetable.

The amount of capsaicin can vary. On the Scoville spicy scale, its concentration is 40,000 units, while the usual paprika has only 1 of it. In addition to capsaicin, other alkaloids are also present in cayenne pepper: chavicin and piperidine.

In addition, the vegetable has esters and fatty oils. Vitamin C it contains more than in oranges, it contains calcium and iron. This pepper is characterized by the ability to enhance the effects on the body of other medicinal plants. Due to its sulfur content, red pepper has a beneficial effect on the health of the body. It is useful in relation to a number of diseases, can be used in different forms (raw, dried, as an infusion or decoction).

Today, the benefits of this vegetable is a scientifically proven fact. Scientists were able to establish a whole list of its useful qualities. For example, it is relevant for arthritis, helps to eliminate the painful rheumatic sensations. In addition, it can be used in case of diseases of the bones and joints, with gout.

Cayenne pepper has a different type of effect on the human body, namely:

• antibacterial;
• antiviral;
• disinfecting;
• regenerative;
• antitumor;
• antimicrobial;
• secretory;
• immunomodulatory;
• blood purifying;
• antifungal.

Along with the ability to relieve pain, it relieves inflammation in places of pain. Therefore, cayenne pepper is often the active component of therapeutic ointments and creams. Due to capsaicin, which prevents pain signals from entering the brain, the vegetable is used to reduce joint, lumbar and muscle pain. It is effective in the postoperative period, as well as in pain associated with damage to the nervous system.

When properly eaten, it can improve the performance of the gastrointestinal tract. In addition, it reduces the discomfort when overeating, relieves bloating, improves metabolism. It is eaten with bowel spasms. It is a catalyst for the production of gastric juice, as well as saliva, necessary for normal functioning of the digestive system.

This product not only speeds up the metabolism and increases brain activity. He is considered one of the strongest antioxidants that have a great effect on cancer cells. It is able to inhibit the growth and development of tumors. Other useful properties include the ability to inhibit the growth of adipose tissue. For this reason, it is added to drugs with anti-cellulite effect.

Cayenne pepper is successfully used for colds, SARS, flu, sinusitis. It is an effective remedy for nasal congestion, can relieve the lungs of accumulated mucus. It should be noted, and the ability of red pepper to regulate body temperature. For example, it can reduce the risk of hypothermia associated with impaired blood circulation. For this reason, this product is used in atony of the extremities.

Due to the ability to normalize blood flow, cayenne pepper is used when necessary to stimulate blood flow to diseased areas of the body. It can eliminate toxins and deliver essential nutrients. In addition, it is quite effective for:

• cleansing blood from cholesterol;
• normalization of blood pressure;
• increased potency;
• alleviating the symptoms of psoriasis, relieving itching and peeling of the skin;
• fighting infectious diseases;
• normalization of the urogenital system;
• destruction of fungal microorganisms;
• restoration of body defenses;
• reduce pain during menstruation and the normalization of the cycle;
• combat excess weight.

Not to mention the most valuable properties of cayenne pepper for the skin and mouth. Regular and proper use of the vegetable has a beneficial effect on the health of the curls. It contributes to their strengthening, active growth and healthy shine. In addition, the use of pepper in a metered amount affects the health of the nail plates, which is why they stop breaking and become stronger.

Few people know, but red pepper, in addition to other useful qualities, is the prevention of caries. This is due to the stimulation of salivation, due to which the oral cavity gets rid of many microorganisms. Cayenne pepper prevents the destruction of enamel and dulls the toothache. In addition, it reduces the feeling of hunger, for which reason it is actively used for weight loss.

It can be used in diabetes, migraines and diseases of the cardiovascular system. According to scientific research, pepper extract taken orally helps prevent a heart attack. It dissolves fibrin, therefore it is the prevention of thrombosis.

Other properties include the ability of red hot peppers to cure headaches, ease breathing, relieve coughing, and asthma.

Along with the mass of the advantages of cayenne pepper and its healing properties, there are cases when its use is impossible.If you ignore this aspect instead of the obvious benefits and treatment, it can cause significant harm to the human body. For example, it is harmless in small quantities, but if you use it without measure, your stomach will ache and your health will worsen. Excessive passion for spicy dishes is not only undesirable, but unacceptable in such diseases as gastritis, colitis, gastric ulcer and other disorders of the digestive system organs.

Do not use hot peppers to those who have diseases of the kidneys, liver, as well as disorders of the nervous system. In addition, it is worth thinking about the contraindications for external use of those who have particularly sensitive skin, because pepper can become its irritant.

With regards to the first, it is worth noting that it is far from always harmless for the emerging fetus. As for nursing moms, they should know: eating cayenne pepper reduces the production of breast milk. Despite the possibility of the vegetable to heal wounds with minimal trace in the form of a scar, it is contraindicated for easily excitable people and those who have cramps, as well as epileptic seizures. You can not eat it daily, and even several times a day. This will not give a positive dynamic, but on the contrary, it will negatively affect the state of the intestines and digestive organs.

The use of pepper for treatment should be a course and no more. You can not eat pepper, if at the moment a person takes medications that thin the blood. Ignoring this fact can lead to bleeding. It is important to take into account the fact that you can not use cayenne pepper, if at the same time a person takes inhibitors that save him from high blood pressure.

Today, in addition to traditional fresh pepper, you can find cayenne pepper in the form of powder or capsules. Apply for medicinal purposes can be a different type of vegetable. As a rule, those who can not use it in powder form, buy capsules.

The method of use depends on the type of disease and the principle of exposure. Capsules accept, washing down with warm water. Tincture on alcohol is sometimes bought in a pharmacy or independently mix alcohol with pepper, insist for two days, and then take half an hour before meals. Hot drink is prepared by combining ground red pepper with ginger, lemon juice, honey and boiled water. According to the rules of cooking, the mixture is boiled for two minutes, and then take half a glass before a meal.

Cayenne pepper can be used as a separate product or together with other spices. It is not only dried and crushed, but also can be supplemented with vegetable oil, which will allow to reveal its taste properties to the maximum extent. They are sprinkled with seafood (for example, fish, oysters, crabs). Often it is used in addition to hot soups and various stews, complemented by pastries and desserts.

In addition, red pepper is added to:

• hot chocolate with cinnamon;
• egg soufflé, omelets and salads;
• meat marinades;
• vegetable salads.

At the same time, spices are added at all a drop, in order not to provoke an allergic reaction or to initially reveal the presence or absence of individual intolerance. You can not constantly increase the dosage of pepper. This will lead to an oversupply of spices and negative consequences. In addition, the therapeutic and prophylactic effect of this use will be reduced, as well as the benefits to the body.

To improve digestion, you can add powdered pepper in breading mix, mix with vegetable oil.To fully feel the aroma and taste of pepper, it is added to dishes that do not include heat treatment. At the same time try to add quite a bit of spice to reveal its spicy aroma and burning taste.

For medicinal purposes, pepper is used in different ways. It depends on the desired effect, as well as the specific focus of the pepper-based product.

For example, it is possible to accelerate recovery from colds, by mixing a pinch of powdered pepper with vodka or warm milk. Usually, after consuming such a mixture, a person sweats, therefore, apart from the composition itself, in order to get rid of a cold, it is also necessary to take shelter well.

When muscle pains become intolerable, as well as for arthritis, neuralgia, rheumatism and radiculitis, oil is prepared on a peppery basis. To do this, try to use vegetable oil and fresh powdered pepper. According to the recipe, no more than 30 g of pepper is taken for a glass of oil, and then it is removed to a dark and cool place for 2 weeks to infuse. Before use, filter the mixture.

Tincture, which can be used to restore potency and normal brain function, is prepared with vodka. According to the available recipe, take 25 g of powdered spices with a glass of vodka and insist for at least two weeks. It is recommended to drink it during the meal. As a rule, the maximum dosage in this case should not exceed 20 drops.

A similar recipe can be used to combat obesity. However, in order to burn excess fat, you need to take only 15 drops and dissolve them in half a glass of water. It is necessary to drink this liquid half an hour before eating.

One of the effective means for losing weight is considered a recipe with the addition of pepper in green tea with honey.

Simply adding seasoning to different dishes will increase the blood flow to the genital area. The course of cayenne pepper will make them more sensitive, which will affect the sexual desire of both sexes. This spice is eaten with severe pain in the uterus and sprinkle food with it when you need to remove excess moisture from the body, which is indicated by swelling. In these cases, you need quite a bit of pepper.

When it is necessary to normalize pressure, it is enough to dissolve a pinch of pepper in water. According to reviews of those who have tried this method, the measure is effective, but it does not replace treatment. In addition, you can add pepper in the ointment for rubbing.

For cosmetic purposes, pepper from the city of Cayenne is often used externally, although its use as a seasoning also has a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin and hair. For example, in the fight against baldness, pepper is mixed with salt, applied to the hair roots and covered with a towel. Such massage manipulations contribute to the activation of blood circulation of skin cells. In this case, each hair follicle receives nutrients, due to which the hair becomes stronger and more resistant to the effects of negative environmental factors.

As a rule, such useful procedures allow the skin to return the lost elasticity, making it elastic and taut. This increases muscle tone and burns a certain part of the fat layer. However, such procedures should be carried out with caution, because pepper with prolonged exposure can burn the skin.

For wraps take a pinch of powdered pepper, 40 g of cosmetic clay, about the same honey and some water. First, the clay is combined with water to the consistency of thick cream. After that, add pepper and honey heated in a water bath to the mass. The mixture in the form of heat is applied to the problem areas of the body (abdomen, thighs, buttocks). At the same time, it is necessary to apply the composition to undrained skin, wrapping it with a film and leaving it on the body for no more than 20-25 minutes.

Often, burdock oil is added to the powder and heated on a water bath, making a warming hair mask. In the absence of an allergic reaction, it is incubated for 15 minutes, then washed off with shampoo and warm running water.

For dietary purposes, cayenne pepper is used when it is necessary to lose excess weight. It speeds up metabolic processes due to thermogenic substances, burning extra calories. It is important to rely not only on the beneficial properties of the spice: it is important to eat right. It is important to consider that the effect of pepper on the body is short-term.

Do not put the entire burden solely on the spice, because you need to simultaneously control all the food intake. Indeed, everything eaten by man along with spice will be much faster excreted from the body. At the same time he will get rid of toxins and toxic substances. However, in this case, dietology implies the use of other active substances.

Here, a more convenient type of application are capsules, which are used strictly according to the scheme coursework. As a rule, no more than three capsules are taken per day after meals. This allows the body to more easily digest and digest food. But despite the huge benefits in nutrition, this treatment can be prescribed only by a doctor.

To make the effect more pronounced, you should drink as much liquid as possible all the time when you use spices. First, you can drink before eating a glass of lightly salted water. Before lunch you can drink regular water without any additives. After that, add a little pepper to the water.

Some drink liquids with pepper and bedtime. However, for this they use not black, but green tea, after which a slight burning sensation is felt. It is impossible to add pepper to black tea for the reason that it instantly reduces its effectiveness. As a rule, coursework does not exceed 5 days. Moreover, if there is any side effect, the intake of the pepper diet is immediately stopped.

Dietary intake is relevant not only for overweight, but also in the presence of certain diseases. Sometimes it is used together with coffee, although this is only possible if a person does not have diseases of the cardiovascular system. When extra pounds are a real problem, cayenne pepper is added to steamed food.

To the effect of the use of hot red pepper was pronounced, it is necessary to take into account several nuances. For example, treatment, as well as use for preventive purposes, will have an effect only if the vegetable is grown in natural conditions, harvested in time and properly stored. Few people know, but you can determine wholesome pepper by its color. If it is greenish or not completely red, it can speak both about the unripe product and its expiry date.

You need to buy the product in a trusted store to be completely confident in its quality. Spice can be stored only in a dry container, tightly closed with a lid. It is advisable to put the jar in a cool place, away from direct sunlight.

The cost of cayenne pepper is about 70 rubles for 10 g. At the same time, you can buy it in almost any supermarket.However, you need to choose thoroughly, based on the color of the vegetable or powder. It is important to consider the expiration date indicated on the label.

To rid the body of sinusitis or frontal sinusitis and other ailments, accompanied by thickening of mucus, it is necessary to buy powder and add it to food. For preventive purposes, you can buy and dried vegetables. For treatment, you can choose capsules or powder.

Given the mass of beneficial properties of cayenne pepper, we must not forget that in itself it is not a drug. You can not lay on him treatment, refusing the recommendations of the doctor. You can not replace them with drug treatment, especially if the disease is serious enough. This is nothing more than an additive with a healing effect.

It can actually reduce pain and improve the condition of the body. But if you do not deal with the existing problem until it has acquired a large scale, not only traditional medicine and pepper will not help, but also drugs that could stop the course of the disease when the doctor spoke about them. You can not exceed the dosage of the consumed product, since a large amount in this case does not mean perfect health. It should be understood that only moderation and course application will improve the condition of the body, if health problems are not running.

With regards to the use of pepper for weight loss is to understand that without appropriate physical exercise, you can not wait for a significant weight loss. Even taking into account the fact that the spice can burn fat and dull the feeling of hunger, it is important to realize that without effort there is no result.

According to reviews on the pages of sites dedicated to the benefits and contraindications of cayenne pepper, it can be noted that it is really good for human health. However, this reasoning is valid provided that the use is dosed and moderately. At the same time, buyers do not limit themselves in choosing the variety of pepper. They get fresh vegetable, dried product and ground powder.

I am glad that the comments are left not only by women, but also by men, noting the obvious effect of the use of spices.

The comments indicate the strengthening of the body after taking the pepper course, the positive dynamics in the diet for weight loss. In addition, according to reviews of men, this tool increases the potency in adulthood, which is important for men over 40 years old. Women note a visible effect if there are problems with pressure, improvement of the skin condition and normalization of the menstrual cycle.

For more information about what is useful cayenne pepper, see the following video.