Cayenne pepper adds flavor to dishes and health benefits

Anyone looking to follow a healthy diet is certainly used to consuming pepper. This is because, in addition to giving a spicy touch to food and being used in the cuisine of several countries around the world, this spice is well known for the benefits it can offer to health and also for having a thermogenic effect.

For some time now, however, a type of pepper has gained special prominence: cayenne pepper. But what’s different about her? What benefits can it offer? How to consume it? These are very common questions.

Karina Valentim, nutritionist at Patrícia Bertolucci Consultoria em Nutrição, explains that pepper (Capsicum Frutensces L.) is made up of more than 200 varieties, and one of them is the Cayenne type, originating in the city of Cayenne, in French Guiana.

“Capsicum peppers are known to have a higher degree of burning than Piper peppers – popularly known as black pepper”, highlights the nutritionist.

Red, cayenne pepper can also be called “cayenne pepper” or “cayenne pepper” – a variation that takes its name from the city of Cayenne (Cayenne), in French Guiana.

Pepper is widely used in the cuisine of several countries, such as India, the United States and Mexico, and has gained a lot of attention in Brazil, being an ingredient in many healthy recipes.

Cayenne pepper benefits

Below you know the main benefits associated with the consumption of cayenne pepper:

1. Treatment of diseases

Karina explains that, in traditional Chinese and Indian medicine, cayenne pepper has been used to treat arthritis, rheumatism, stomach pains, skin rashes, among other applications. “These therapeutic applications are related to the content of capsaicinoids, phenolic compounds and carotenoids present in peppers,” she says.

2. Disease prevention

Karina points out that several diterpene glycosides isolated from cayenne pepper exhibited antihypertensive effects, which may be related to the prevention of hypertension.

“Among the phytochemicals present in this pepper, the polyphenols deserve a special mention: some epidemiological studies have demonstrated a possible correlation between the dietary intake of pepper polyphenols and the prevention of disease states, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases and neurovegetative disorders. However, there are still few studies carried out in humans”, adds nutritionist Karina.

Other studies, according to Karina, have shown that capsaicin in cayenne pepper cultivars could act by inhibiting the in vitro growth of the bacterium Helicobacter pylori, responsible for many cases of gastritis and gastric ulcer.

3. Digestion aid

“According to reports from Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, the use of cayenne aids in digestion, as it stimulates the production of saliva and proteolytic enzymes in the stomach”, highlights Karina.

4. Antioxidant, decongestant and anti-inflammatory properties

Michelle In Forçatti Rodrigues, nutritionist at Dr. Family, highlights that the capsaicin present in pepper gives it antioxidant, decongestant and anti-inflammatory properties.

5. Aid in weight loss

Also due to the presence of capsaicin, cayenne pepper promotes an increase in heart rate and improves blood circulation. In addition, it has thermogenic power. “Because the organism has more difficulty in digesting and, with that, it spends more energy, inducing the metabolism to accelerate more”, explains Michelle.

“In this way, it helps in weight loss and fat burning if its consumption is associated with a healthy, balanced, fractionated diet and the regular practice of physical activity”, adds nutritionist Michelle.

How to consume cayenne pepper

Cayenne pepper is available in powder form, in natura or in capsules. “The best way to consume it is as natural as possible, adding it to everyday foods and preparations, thus giving it more flavor and adding functional properties to the food”, says Karina.

But it’s no use thinking that, to enjoy the benefits that cayenne pepper can offer, just consume it occasionally. Michelle highlights that it is necessary to consume it regularly and always associated with a healthy and balanced diet and the regular practice of physical activity.

“There is no stipulated maximum amount, consumption varies from person to person, but care must be taken, as excess can cause insomnia or headache”, adds Michelle.

Karina explains that cayenne pepper can be used in small doses (pinches) in everyday preparations, salad dressing, to season meat and fish, or even to consume in soups, broths and juices. “Some experts in traditional Ayurvedic medicine recommend consumption along with teas,” she says.

Nutritionist Michelle points out that the benefits of pepper can be obtained if it is consumed in different ways: “we can add it to the tapioca filling, to seasonings of various dishes such as meat, chicken, fish, rice and omelets or to make jam. Added to green or ginger tea we intensify its thermogenic effect even more”, she exemplifies.

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Regarding contraindications, Karina points out that children, the elderly, pregnant and lactating women should be careful when using cayenne pepper.

24 recipes with cayenne pepper

Find out below how cayenne pepper can be used in everyday life:

teas

1. Lemon tea with honey, cayenne pepper and cinnamon

Recipe recommended by nutritionist Karina Valentim to increase immunity:

• Boil 1 liter of water;
• Add the zest of 2 lemons and a cinnamon stick and let it boil for 5 minutes;
• When you turn off the heat, add the juice of 2 lemons;
• Sweeten with 1 tablespoon of honey with propolis and 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper powder.

2. Tea for digestion

Recipe recommended by nutritionist Karina:

• Heat 200ml of water;
• Then, with the fire off, add mint leaves and 1 sachet of fennel.
• Then add ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper powder.

3. Mallow tea with propolis

Recipe recommended by nutritionist Karina to relieve toothache:

• Make a tea using 1 cup of previously boiled water and 1 tablespoon of mallow, 3 drops of propolis and ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper powder.
• Leave the tea to rest for 5 minutes, strain and rinse with it 3 times a day.

Karina points out that cayenne pepper can also accompany herbal infusions, such as dandelion, artichoke and hibiscus, which also help in the liver detox process. “However, just like a medication, the use of teas or infusions can lead to liver and kidney toxicity. Studies have already shown that herbs have compounds that can often interact with allopathic medicines. Overuse of infusions or teas can lead to symptoms such as headaches, nausea, vomiting, dizziness and even skin allergies,” she says.

“Therefore, for safe consumption of infusions or teas, it is important to have the guidance of a nutritionist or doctor specializing in phytotherapy”, adds the nutritionist.

Plates

4. Chili Mexicano: This is a traditional recipe for Chili Mexicano, a dish based on beans, ground beef and cayenne pepper.

5. Chickpea and carrot salad: to get out of the monotony of the leaves, bet on diversified ingredients, such as chickpeas, carrots and cayenne pepper.

6. Light chocolate mousse: how about a delicious, easy recipe that takes few ingredients and is ready in 15 minutes?

7. Thai Chicken: a different dish, full of flavor and easy to make. It’s even better with cayenne pepper.

8. Egg Cocotte: this is a recipe of French origin that can have a thousand variations. It is often served for breakfast, but it is a great option for a small dinner or starter. Cayenne pepper will give a special flavor to the dish.

9. Chickpea curry: the recipe uses chickpeas, tomatoes, carrots, ginger, curry, among other ingredients, and the cayenne pepper, as always, adds that special touch.

10. Fish curry: the dish can be made with large fillets of boyfriend or other firm white fish. In addition to cayenne pepper, it takes flavorful ingredients like mustard seeds, curry leaves, onions, garlic, etc.

11. Thai chicken and rice with chestnuts: another Thai chicken recipe option. In addition to cayenne pepper, the dish uses paprika and zathar (Arabic seasoning that mixes sesame, coriander seeds, oregano, cumin and pepper).

12. Crispy zucchini sticks: with only 22kcal per serving, the recipe is mouthwatering and can be served at any time of day.

13. Thermogenic apple puree: the mixture of sweet and spicy is thermogenic in the right measure and makes this recipe the highlight of the meal.

14. Shrimps in green curry: a good dish for those who love shrimp. Cayenne pepper is optional, but it sure adds a delicious touch to the dish.

15. Pasta with funghi sauce: a delicious pasta recipe that goes great with cayenne pepper.

16. Thai skewers: a different way to taste chicken and that gets a special touch when cayenne pepper is used, in addition to the various ingredients.

17. Spinach Pie: A healthy and quick recipe with a dash of cayenne pepper. Gluten-free and fat-free.

Remember: to enjoy the benefits of cayenne pepper it is necessary to consume it regularly, and always associated with a healthy diet. The best way to include this spice in your menu is to rely on the guidance of a nutritionist.

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. They do not replace the advice and follow-up of doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, physical education professionals and other specialists.