Cayenne pepper adds flavor to dishes and health benefits

Those looking to follow a healthy diet are certainly already used to consuming pepper. This is because, in addition to giving a spicy touch to foods and being used in cooking in various countries of the world, this spice is well known for its health benefits and also for its thermogenic effect.

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

Karina Valentim, nutritionist at Patrícia Bertolucci Nutrition Consulting, explains that the pepper (Capsicum Frutensces L.) is composed of more than 200 varieties, and one of them is the Cayenne type, originating from the city of Cayenne, French Guiana.


Are peppers of the genus Capsicum known to have a higher degree of burning than peppers of the genus Piper? popularly known as black pepper ?, points out the nutritionist.

Red, cayenne can also be called? Cayenne? or "cayenne pepper" ? variation due to the name of the city of Cayenne (Cayenne) in French Guiana.

Read also: 10 replacements to make your diet healthier in summer


Pepper is widely used in the cooking of many 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.

Benefits of Cayenne Pepper

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

1. Treatment of diseases


Karina explains that in traditional Chinese and Indian medicine, cayenne pepper has been used to treat arthritis, rheumatism, stomach pain, rash, among other applications. "These therapeutic applications are related to the content of capsaicinoids, phenolic compounds and carotenoids present in peppers," he says.

2. Disease prevention

Also read: 10 Foods That Can Prevent Cancer

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, polyphenols deserve special mention: some epidemiological studies have shown a possible correlation between dietary intake of pepper polyphenols and the prevention of disease states including cancer, cardiovascular disease and neurovegetative disorders. But there are still few human studies ?, adds nutritionist Karina.

Other studies, according to Karina, have shown that capsaicin in cayenne 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 digestion as it stimulates the production of saliva and proteolytic enzymes in the stomach," says Karina.

4. Antioxidant, decongestant and anti-inflammatory properties

Michelle Inforçatti Rodrigues, a nutritionist at the Dr. Familia clinic, points out that capsaicin present in pepper gives it antioxidant, decongestant and anti-inflammatory properties.

5. Weight Loss Aid

Also due to the presence of capsaicin, cayenne pepper promotes increased heart rate and improves blood circulation. In addition, it has thermogenic power. "Because the body has more difficulty digesting and thus uses more energy, inducing metabolism to accelerate more," explains Michelle.

"This way, it helps in weight loss and fat burning if its consumption is associated with a healthy, balanced, fractionated diet and regular physical activity", adds nutritionist Michelle.

How to consume cayenne

Cayenne pepper is found in powder, fresh or capsules. "The best form of consumption is as natural as possible, adding to everyday foods and preparations, thus giving more flavor and adding functional properties to foods," says Karina.

But there is no point in thinking that to enjoy the benefits that cayenne pepper can offer, you just have to consume it eventually. Michelle points out that it is necessary to consume it regularly and always associated with a healthy and balanced diet and regular practice of physical activity.

"There is no maximum amount stipulated, consumption varies from person to person, but care must be taken as too much can cause insomnia or a headache," Michelle adds.

Karina explains that cayenne pepper can be used in small doses (pinches) in everyday preparations, salad dressing, seasoning meat and fish, or even to consume in soups, broths and juices. "Some specialists in traditional Ayurvedic medicine indicate consumption along with teas," he says.

Nutritionist Michelle points out that the benefits of pepper can be obtained by eating it in a variety of ways: We can add it to the tapioca filling, seasoning of various dishes such as meat, chicken, fish, rice and omelets or make jelly. Added to green or ginger tea, we intensify its thermogenic effect?

Check out the product diversity in the gallery:

Cayena Pepper for R $ 42,10 at Mercado Gourmet

Green tea with cayenne Dr. Dukan for $ 10.59 at Dukan Diet Shop

Cayenne Pepper Powder Nomu for R $ 18.80 at Bem Vivo

Cayenne Lotus for $ 17 on Everything Healthy

Cayenne Pepper Powder for R $ 38 at Bombay

Cayenne Pepper 500mg for $ 109 at GNC Supplements

Now Foods Cayenne 500mg for $ 32.25 at Evitamins

Cayenne Pepper 450mg for R $ 52,35 at Biovea

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

24 Recipes with Cayenne Pepper

See below how cayenne pepper can be used on a daily basis:

Teas

1. Lemon tea with honey, cayenne pepper and cinnamon

Recipe indicated by nutritionist Karina Valentim to increase immunity:

  • Put to boil 1 liter of water;
  • Add the peel of 2 lemons and a cinnamon stick and simmer for 5 minutes;
  • When you turn off the heat, add the juice of 2 lemons;
  • Sweeten with 1 tbsp of honey with propolis and 1 tsp of cayenne pepper powder.

2. Tea for digestion

Recipe indicated by nutritionist Karina:

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

3. Mallow tea with propolis

Recipe indicated by nutritionist Karina to relieve toothache:

  • Make a tea using 1 cup of boiled water and 1 tbsp of mallow, 3 drops of propolis and ½ tsp of cayenne powder.
  • Leave the tea 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 aid in the liver detox process. However, just like a medicine, the use of teas or infusions can lead to liver and kidney toxicity. Studies have 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 ?, he says.

"Therefore, for a safe consumption of infusions or teas is important to have the guidance of a nutritionist or doctor with expertise in herbal medicine," adds the nutritionist.

Plates

4. Mexican Chili: This is a traditional recipe for Mexican Chili, bean dish, ground beef and cayenne pepper.

5. Couscous with roasted cauliflower, grain o and almonds: a super-creative dish featuring cayenne pepper, among other delicious ingredients.

6. Hot Chocolate with Pepper: How about adding pepper to the classic hot chocolate recipe? Great tip for winter!

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

8. Egg Cocotte: This is a recipe of French origin that can have a thousand variations. It is very well served for breakfast, but is a great option for a dinner or entree. Cayenne pepper will give the dish a special taste.

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

10. Fish Curry: the dish can be made with big boyfriend fillets or other firm white fish. In addition to cayenne pepper, it carries tasty ingredients such as mustard seeds, curry leaves, onions, garlic, etc.

11. Thai Chicken and Brown Rice: One more choice of Thai chicken recipe. In addition to cayenne pepper, the dish includes paprika and zathar (Arabic spice that mixes sesame, coriander seed, oregano, cumin and pepper).

12. Tofu skewer with peanut spicy sauce: a very different meatless dish that goes well with cayenne pepper.

13. Pineapple Chicken Curry: One more curry option, which is a blend of spices and spices, very common in India, Thailand and other Asian countries.

14Green Curry Shrimps: good dish tip 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 well with cayenne pepper.

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

17. Homemade Pepper Sauce: Make your own sauce in a super practical way. Use fresh burned peppers (cayenne, girl's finger, chilli, etc.).

18. Pork ribs with barbecue sauce: the recipe takes cayenne pepper in the sauce, along with other tasty ingredients such as ginger, garlic, onion etc.

19. Pepper Stuffed Bread: good tip for those who love bread and also pepper!

20. Spinach Pie: Healthy and quick recipe that takes a dash of cayenne pepper. Gluten free and fat free.

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

22. Chickpea and Carrot Salad: To get out of the monotony of leaves, bet on a variety of ingredients such as chickpeas, carrots and cayenne pepper.

23. Light Chocolate Mousse: How about a delicious, easy recipe that takes a few ingredients and is ready in 15 minutes?

24. Crispy Zucchini Sticks: At just 22kcal per serving, the recipe is mouthwatering and can be served at any time of the day.

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 have the guidance of a nutritionist.

Impressive Cayenne Pepper Benefits - Experience Dramatic Effects on your Body - Miracle Herb (April 2024)


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