Cayenne Pepper 50g (Certified Organic)

Not everyone has the ability, knowledge and vision to create spicy, dynamic meals which have the power to also change their health – but now you do.

Your day has finally come.

Introducing cayenne pepper, otherwise known as the “King of medicinal herbs.” Peppers have been used for the last 9,000 years to help reduce acidity in the body, and improve circulation, whilst also adding a bit of spice to your life.

Cayenne pepper can be consumed in either its natural, dried powdered form or as a topical cream or capsule for detoxifying the body. It’s classified as a moderately hot chili pepper, skinny and red, usually 10-25cm long with a curved tip. It’s a cultivar of Capsicum annuum, which is also closely related to bell peppers, paprika and jalapenos.

Cleaned dried fruit of leaves of Capsicum annum. 100% organic natural red coloured dried powder.

Several studies have shown the Capsicum should be used to treat obesity, as it simulates thermogenesis by increasing energy expenditure and consuming oxygen in your body, which can result in weight loss. It has also shown to assist with metabolic and vascular health and have positive effects on hypertension, non-alcoholic fatty liver, atherosclerosis, diabetes, cardiac hypertrophy and may reduce the risk of a potential stroke.

In case you’re already across all of this but may have been confused by other articles referencing “Capsicum” and “Capsaicin” – the “capsaicin” is a chemical found in the fruit of the capsicum plant and is currently being studied to test its ability to reduce pain and a remedy for osteoarthritis.

Now let’s get to the benefits…

Disclaimer

This content is strictly the researched opinion of BioHax Australia and is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of medical advice or treatment from a personal doctor or health care professional. All viewers of this content are advised to consult their doctors or qualified health professionals regarding specific health questions. Neither BioHax Australia nor the publisher of this content takes responsibility for possible health consequences of any person or persons reading or following the information in this educational content. All viewers of this content, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their doctor before beginning any nutrition, supplement or lifestyle program.

• Helps produce saliva to improve digestion and prevent bad breath
• Stimulates flow of enzyme production to metabolise food and toxins
• May help relieve migraine pain and neuropathic pain
• Encourages fibrinolytic activity which helps prevent blood clots
• Helps stimulate circulation, eliminate acidity and regulate blood sugar
• Increases the bodies temperature and boosts metabolism
• Relieves joint and nerve pain
• Anti-inflammatory can soothe bloating that comes from food intolerance's and allergies
• Works as an anti-irritant for the prevention and healing of ulcers in low doses
• Treatment for Psoriasis (topical cayenne pepper cream)
• Helps the body lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides
• Supports the immune system to fight colds and flu through beta carotene and antioxidants and source of Vitamin A
• Vitamin E helps organ function and naturally slow down the aging process
• Possible anti-cancer agent
• Active against 16 different fungal strains including candida

Cayenne Peppers are a type of chili pepper; closely related to bell peppers and the famous jalapenos, which all belong to the nightshade family. Christopher Columbus discovered them when travelling across the Caribbean to central and south American and brought them back across to Europe in the early 15th century. From here it was named “Cayenne” after the city of Cayenne in French Guiana. It was considered a substitute for black pepper, and a much cheaper alternative. Today, Cayenne pepper can be found and grown all over the world. These peppers have an impressive nutritional profile and a loaded with antioxidants, which are beneficial for your health.

The Cayenne Pepper Diet

There’s a well-known detox and weight-loss protocol called the “Cayenne Pepper Diet”, which detoxifies the body by flushing out all the toxins over a 10-day period. This regime consists of two tablespoons of lemon or lime and a pinch of cayenne pepper mixed in with 250mls of water. It must then be consumed at least six times per day to be effective. No clinical results have been published.

The fiery capsicum is actually a herb?

Capsicum, also known as a chili pepper or red pepper is classified as a herb. It is high in vitamins A, C, B6, E, potassium, flavonoids and manganese. Studies have shown Cayenne can rebuild the stomach and intestines, but more importantly, a study on pancreatic cancer through the use of ‘capsaicin” at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine found it disrupted mitochondrial function, inducing apoptosis (programmed death of cancer cells) without effecting healthy pancreatic cells. 

Here is the impressive list of cayenne pepper nutrition facts contained in the recommended dosage of 1 teaspoon per day:

• 17 calories
• 1 gram of fat
• 2 milligrams sodium
• 3 grams carbohydrate
• 1 gram dietary fibre
• 1 gram sugar
• 1 gram protein
• 44 percent vitamin A
• 8 percent vitamin E
• 7 percent vitamin C
• 6 percent vitamin B6
• 5 percent vitamin K
• 5 percent manganese
• 3 percent potassium
• No cholesterol 

Cayenne peppers are recognised as being safe to eat.

However, too much of a good thing can also have its downside. And studies have shown eating to much can give you an upset stomach.

If you’re taking medication for blood thinning like Warfain, please check with your doctor before trying cayenne pepper as it may increase your risk of bleeding.

The following cautions have been listed by WebMD:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Capsicum is LIKELY SAFE when applied to the skin during pregnancy. But not enough is known about its safety when taken by mouth. Stay on the safe side and don’t use capsicum if you are pregnant.

If you are breast-feeding, using capsicum on your skin is LIKELY SAFE. But it is POSSIBLY UNSAFE for your baby if you take capsicum by mouth. Skin problems (dermatitis) have been reported in breast-fed infants when mothers eat foods heavily spiced with capsicum peppers.

Damaged or broken skin: Don’t use capsicum on damaged or broken skin.

Surgery: Capsicum might increase bleeding during and after surgery. Stop using capsicum at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Moderate Interaction

Be cautious with this combination

• Cocaine interacts with CAPSICUM

Cocaine has many dangerous side effects. Using capsicum along with cocaine might increase the side effects of cocaine including heart attack and death.

• Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) interacts with CAPSICUM

Capsicum might slow blood clotting. Taking capsicum along with medications that also slow clotting might increase the chances of bruising and bleeding. Some medications that slow blood clotting include aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), naproxen (Anaprox, Naprosyn, others), dalteparin (Fragmin), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin, warfarin (Coumadin), and others.

• Theophylline interacts with CAPSICUM

Capsicum can increase how much theophylline the body can absorb. Taking capsicum along with theophylline might increase the effects and side effects of theophylline.

Minor Interaction

Be watchful with this combination

Medications for high blood pressure (ACE inhibitors) interacts with CAPSICUM

Some medications for high blood pressure might cause a cough. There is one report of someone whose cough worsened when using a cream with capsicum along with these medications for high blood pressure. But is it not clear if this interaction is a big concern. Some medications for high blood pressure include captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), ramipril (Altace), and others.

How much cayenne pepper should I take daily?

It is recommended to take 1 teaspoon per day of cayenne pepper powder benefit from all its nutritional value.

How should I store cayenne pepper powder?

To maximise shelf life, it should be stored in a cool, dry, dark place away from direct light and heat in an air tight bag or jar. Properly stored it should last 3-4 years. Cayenne pepper does not spoil over time, but it will start to lose its strength and not have the desired effect in food on for nutrition.

To test the strength of cayenne pepper, rub or crush a small amount into your had and if the smell or taste the aroma is weak, then you should replace it.

Health Benefits of Cayenne Peppers

Learn how to benefit from Cayenne Pepper for cleansing, detoxifying and neutralising acidity.