Ingredient Spotlight : Cayenne
Cayenne belongs to the genus Solanaceae. This genus includes sweet and chili peppers. Cayenne is very versatile and is used as a spice and has medicinal properties. This pepper is a carotenoid-rich non-leafy vegetable. Capsaicin, which is derived from the pepper has far-reaching medicinal properties that we can explore as follows:
Capsaicin may play a role in activation of Brown Adipose tissue, which can aid metabolism.
Capsaicin may have an effect on metabolic rate and appetite that can positively affect weight control.
Capsaicin may decrease our desire for sweet and salty foods, fatty foods, and also increase satiety or fullness. This may also happen because of increased secretion of glucagon-like peptide-1 or GLP-1 secondary to capsaicin in the diet. This also may aid in glucose control.
The cayenne pepper is rich in carotenoids like capsanthin , capsorubin, lutein, β-carotene, violaxanthin, antheraxanthin, zeaxanthin and β-cryptoxanthin, which are beneficial to our body and have an excellent antioxidant profile.
Capsaicin is also used as an analgesic in various topical applications for conditions like osteoarthritis, neuropathic pain, musculoskeletal pain, post surgery pain, and other scenarios.
* Carotenoid: These antioxidants are derived from Vitamin A, are present in brightly-colored vegetables and fruits, and have nutritional benefits
*Brown Adipose Tissue: A class of Fat or Adipose tissue that plays a role in energy metabolism
*GLP-1 or Glucagon-Like Peptide-1: A peptide secreted within the gastrointestinal tract that helps increase satiety and slows stomach emptying
*Caution: It has been reported that reckless use of cayenne as a weight-loss agent has resulted in chest pain and ER admission
Knowledge is Strength and Ignorance is no longer Bliss. The longer you stay misinformed the more you will harm yourself in every way. Remember, the above discussion lets us know about the various properties of cayenne, but this spice was never meant to replace conventional medicine. As always, I hope you stay connected with your physician, eat smart, and strive to live long and strong!
