Cayenne pepper belongs to the capsicum family of peppers. It is one of the hottest chilies in the pepper family. The heat in the cayenne peeper is due to the high content of capsaicin. Cayenne pepper can also be found in dry form. Cayenne pepper is a skinny red pepper with a little curve at the bottom.
Benefits of Cayenne Peppers:
It helps with Migraines. Migraines create constriction of blood circulation in your head. Cayenne helps in reducing the pain transmission by decreasing pain aggregation factor which is the real cause of migraines.
It helps to increase the Metabolism. Cayenne pepper has capsaicin which boosts the metabolism. The high rate of capsaicin produces extra heat in the body which helps to burn calories. Capsaicin also suppresses hunger.
It helps lower Blood Pressure. Capsaicin helps open the blood vessels increasing the blood flow in your body.
It helps increase the Digestion. Cayenne pepper increases the blood circulation and increases the digestive enzymes and helps fight against bacteria.
It helps in Pain Reduction. Several studies show that cayenne pepper reduces the pain. Capsaicin has excellent pain-relieving properties and can work well when applied to the painful areas in the body. It is excellent for arthritic joint pain and helps to relieve pain in joints.
Several studies indicate that it can prevent cancer. Capsaicin plays a major part by having anti-tumor abilities. It is particularly effective in prostrate, breast and colon cancer. It is not a cure but can help in preventing the cancer from spreading.
How to Buy and Store Cayenne Pepper:
When buying cayenne peppers look for peppers which are bright, shiny, and firm. Look for dark red color peppers, avoid wrinkly, soft and peppers which have spots on them.
To store place cayenne peppers in a paper bag or in the refrigerator or tight container in your pantry.
How to Use Cayenne Pepper:
Add a dash of ground cayenne to soups or stews.
Sprinkle over your egg dishes, Quiches to perk up the breakfast.
Add a touch of Cayenne Pepper to your hummus.