The Cayenne Pepper: Hot, Hearty, and Healthy
Honoring the Origin of the Cayenne Pepper
The cayenne pepper—pungent with a hot flavor—is a member of the Capsicum annuum pepper family. It is a moderately hot chili pepper used in a wealth of cuisines. Capsicum annuum is a species of the plant genus Capsicum native to southern North America, the Caribbean, and northern South America. It’s the most commonly cultivated of the five domesticated capsicums.
The cayenne pepper isn’t for those who aren’t keen on hot spices. In fact, it blows jalapeño out of the water. A jalapeño pepper comes in at a whopping 5,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU), while a cayenne pepper ranges from 30,000 to an eye-watering 50,000 SHU.
Health Benefits
Cayenne peppers have numerous nutrients that are incredibly good for your health. Its antioxidants and vitamins A, B, C, and E, along with potassium and manganese, are said to improve heart health, promote weight loss, improve digestion, control blood sugar, and strengthen immunity. It’s important to consume in moderation because of its powerful properties. Excess consumption can lead to heartburn, indigestion, and stomach irritation.
According to the National Library of Medicine, cayenne peppers also help lower blood pressure and keep your heart vessels happy and healthy. When consumed properly, they increase circulation while also improving the strength of your heart and reducing plaque buildup in your arteries. In addition, when you eat a well-balanced diet, cayenne peppers can help lower cholesterol and blood fat levels, which can aid in weight loss.
If, like many of us, you’ve kicked off 2023 with a resolution to level up your health and wellness, using cayenne pepper in any cuisine, drink, or holistic healing ritual can help. And, because it’s officially flu season, consider adding it into your routine to help ward off infection.
Incorporating Cayenne into Your Diet
The cayenne pepper is incredibly versatile, meaning it can be used in practically any dish. You can add it into spice mixes, salad dressings and marinades, or sprinkle it over any dish or soup as a seasoning. It can also be a staple ingredient in your top-secret chili sauce recipe. It's smoky, spicy flavor adds a kick to any dish or cocktail.
Next time you find yourself with a cold, sore throat, or any aches and pains, ditch the pharmacy run and head to the grocery store to cook up a cayenne pepper tea. It can help soothe ailments like fever, cough, sore throat, or an upset stomach. All you need is water, ginger, lemon, jaggery, and of course, cayenne pepper.
Whether you’re experimenting with dishes and implementing the powerful cayenne pepper as a seasoning or for health reasons, Spice Madness has you covered. If you love heat and health, add cayenne pepper to your spice lineup. Visit our website today to purchase and be one step closer to crushing those health resolutions and killing it in the kitchen!
