Cayenne Pepper: One of the Amazing Seasonings

History of discovery

Cayenne pepper is native to regions with warm climates: South America, India, Africa. About 5000 years before the birth of Christ, local tribes were able to unravel its beneficial properties and actively used them in everyday life. So, pepper was used as:

• a natural anesthetic that can cope with severe pain;
• an effective means to fight the enemy - when dried particles of the pods get on the mucous membrane of the eyes, they cause severe lacrimation;
• an important component in embalming the deceased;
• spices in cooking;
• immunostimulant.

Europe learned about the exotic spice thanks to Christopher Columbus. Cayenne pepper quickly gained popularity among the people, becoming a more affordable alternative to expensive black pepper.

The fiery overseas vegetable also owes its name to sailors. In those distant times, South American spices were sent to Europe by ship from the port of Cayenne. This is how the name “cayenne pepper” became firmly established among the people. Nowadays it is widespread almost all over the world, but East Africa is traditionally the leader in cultivation and import.

Cayenne pepper: for hair

Many women know that cayenne pepper is incredibly beneficial for hair. The unique ability to activate blood microcirculation in the scalp makes this pepper an excellent tool for strengthening and nourishing hair follicles. Thus, weakened hair is noticeably transformed, its growth is accelerated and hair loss is reduced. In addition, cayenne pepper copes remarkably well with problems such as dandruff, since it has a pronounced antifungal and antibacterial effect.

Cayenne pepper extract is most often used to make medicinal masks. For best results, it is usually used in conjunction with organic oils, such as burdock, olive, coconut oil or Shea butter. However, before using such a mixture for the first time, you should make sure that you are not allergic to the components included in its composition.

How and where it grows

The shrub is perennial, branched, no more than 1.5 m high. The bark is rough, light brown. The leaves are ellipse-shaped, green with purple veins, 15-20 cm in length, arranged alternately on the stem.

During flowering, the bush is covered with small white or white-violet flowers. In hot climates, cayenne peppers are capable of flowering year-round, producing their greatest blooms in June. After a couple of months, fruits form - small pods, characteristic of all types of pepper. They are modest in size, only 1.5*0.5 cm, and do not exceed a large bean. The color of the pods depends on the variety and can be red, brown, green, yellow.

Cayenne pepper: composition

The chemical composition of cayenne pepper is similar to other types of pepper. It is an excellent source of many active substances, including:

• vitamins - vitamin A, vitamin B2, vitamin B3 and vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K;
• minerals - potassium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, sulfur, selenium, calcium, zinc;
• alkaloids - capsaicin, piperidine, chavicin;
• carotenoids;
• essential fatty oils.

Beneficial features

The main substance that determines the properties of cayenne pepper is capsaicin. It is a natural alkaloid found in all hot peppers.

Chemical composition and calorie content

In addition to capsaicin, hot pepper contains saponins, essential and fatty oils, vitamins, tannins, minerals, and antioxidants. Such a rich composition allows the pods to be used not only as a piquant spice in cooking, but also as a medicinal remedy.

The energy value of 100 grams of pods is 40 kcal. The use of this product will not harm your figure, but you should not abuse it due to the high content of capsaicin.

Benefits of cayenne pepper

Thanks to the harmonious combination of capsaicin and other beneficial elements, pepper has the following qualities:

1. Significantly speeds up metabolism: food is digested faster, burning of fat cells is accelerated.
2. It has a pronounced antiviral and antibacterial effect.
3. Strengthens the myocardium, has a beneficial effect on the condition of blood vessels: prevents the adhesion of fatty plaques to arterial walls, the formation of blood clots, and the aggregation of platelets.
4. In women it increases libido, in men it improves potency. A similar effect occurs due to the rush of blood to the reproductive organs.
5. Stimulates the formation of joy hormones - endorphins, which successfully fights depression.
6. Reduces pain in various joint problems.
7. Slows down the rapid growth of tumors, inhibits irreversible cell mutations.

Medicine has long adopted one of the main properties of hot exotic fruits - to cause a rush of blood, and began to add them to warming ointments and mustard plasters.

What are the benefits of cayenne pepper?

The fruits produce the following effects:

• antiviral;
• antibacterial;
• relaxing.

Consumption of spices contributes to:

• eliminating signs of depression;
• weight loss;
• normalization of blood sugar levels.

Including the product in the diet is useful for malignant neoplasms. The spice has a beneficial effect on the condition of blood vessels and skin.

The benefits of cayenne pepper for women

It has been proven that the plant helps speed up metabolic processes. Neutralization of inflammation in the chronic stage, which is often observed against the background of obesity, is essential. Eating the spice eliminates the pain syndrome characteristic of PMS.

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Cayenne pepper can be both beneficial and harmful during pregnancy. It has an immunomodulatory effect, preventing ARVI. However, abuse of the product can lead to miscarriage and premature birth.

Cayenne pepper is actively used in cosmetology by enhancing the effects of hair care products.

The spice is considered as a remedy for postpartum depression, which is due to the stimulation of endorphin production. These substances are called joy hormones. The fruits should not be consumed in the early postpartum period during lactation, so as not to cause possible adverse reactions.

Benefits of cayenne pepper for men

The product improves blood circulation and prevents erectile dysfunction. Fruits reduce the intensity of inflammatory processes and the risk of malignant prostate tumors. The effect is due to the presence of capsaicin.

Cayenne pepper is recommended to be included in a man's diet on a regular basis.

Contraindications

With all its undeniable advantages, cayenne pepper has a number of contraindications for people with:

• gastrointestinal diseases in the acute stage;
• ARVI with complications;
• hypertension;
• allergic reactions;
• tendency to emotional overexcitation.

Like any other product, hot peppers should be consumed with caution and monitor the body's reactions.

Abuse of cayenne pepper can lead to burns of the gastric mucosa, inflammation of the liver and kidneys, and acute disorders of the digestive system.

Cayenne pepper: for vessels

Cayenne pepper is a real boon for vessels. First of all, this is due to the ability of cayenne pepper to stimulate blood circulation. It normalizes blood vessels, dilating them when they are narrowed and narrowing them when they are dilated. As a result of this action, blood movement improves, and, consequently, the body's cells receive nutrients much faster. Improved blood flow also occurs due to the fact that cayenne pepper effectively fights the formation of cholesterol plaques that form on the walls of blood vessels. Thus, the risk of developing many cardiovascular diseases is reduced, including:

1. atherosclerosis,
2. thrombosis,
3. stroke,
4. heart attack,
5. coronary heart disease.

Features of taste

Cayenne pepper is characterized by a pronounced hot taste due to the high concentration of capsaicin.

Hotness and pungency on the Scoville scale

American chemist Wilbur Scoville proposed a special heat scale that allows you to compare the degree of heat of different varieties of pepper. So, for cayenne pepper this figure is about 30,000-50,000 units. For comparison, the heat of paprika is only 1 unit.

Interestingly, the pungency and piquant taste of the pod are directly related to its seed part. By removing it, the burning sensation can be significantly alleviated. With regular use of the spice, one becomes accustomed to its peculiar bitterness, and the body reacts less acutely than when first introduced to it.

Difference between cayenne pepper and chili pepper

Cayenne pepper is often called chili. Indeed, both hot vegetables belong to the same group of Capsicum subshrubs, but to different species. The only difference is that the chili pods are only red. Translated from the ancient language of the Aztecs, Chilli sounds like “red.” Cayenne pepper has a richer palette and can be red, brown, green, orange and yellow.

Cayenne pepper: spice

Cayenne pepper is a traditional spice in Eastern, African and Mexican cuisine. Among culinary experts, it is also known as Indian, Brazilian or chili pepper, and the seasoning made from the unripe fruits of this plant is called pepperoni.

Cayenne pepper does not have a distinct taste, but it adds a spicy kick to dishes and drinks, and goes well with other spices, such as turmeric. It is especially often used when preparing meat, fish, poultry, vegetables and seafood.

Features of application

Due to its pungent taste, rich composition, stimulating and analgesic effect, cayenne pepper is used not only in cooking, but also in cosmetology and folk medicine.

Cooking

It is recommended to add hot pepper to the dish during cooking, as it is a spice and not a seasoning. It is better to start with modest portions: a pinch or 1/3 of a small pod will be enough.

Interestingly, the characteristic pungency and scorching bitter taste of pepper is preserved even when 1 g of spice is diluted in 1 liter of water.

You should be very careful when cooking with cayenne pepper. After cutting the pods, you should wash your hands thoroughly. If the juice gets on the mucous membranes, you can get a burn. In this case, you should immediately rinse the affected area with warm water.

ethnoscience

Hot peppers with high scores on the Scoville scale are ideal for preparing the following medicinal products.

Anti-cold warming agent

With the onset of the ARVI season, it is recommended to prepare a universal remedy in advance.

Ingredients:

• Cayenne pepper (ground) – 20 gr.
• Sage and parsley - 15 g each.
• Cloves and cardamom - 8 g each.
• Vinegar (wine) – 700 ml.

The ingredients should be poured with vinegar and placed in a dark place for 14 days, remembering to shake the container once a day. After two weeks, the finished product is filtered and stored in the refrigerator.

When the first signs of illness appear, apply according to the following scheme: dilute 5 ml of infusion in a glass of water and take three times a day after meals. You can gargle and rinse your nose with the same solution.

Pepper tincture for rubbing

A warming tincture will help relieve muscle pain, spasms, hypothermia, as well as radiculitis and rheumatism.

Ingredients (dry):

• Cayenne pepper – 60 gr.
• Horseradish leaf and black radish peel - 150 g each.
• Walnut partitions – 70 gr.
• Vodka – 700 ml.

The components are mixed, poured with vodka and infused for a week in a dark place. Vodka can be replaced with triple cologne. Before use, the resulting tincture should be mixed with any vegetable oil (olive, sunflower, jojoba) to prevent burns.

Cosmetology

Due to its warming effect, pepper is successfully used to solve problems with hair loss and fight cellulite.

Strengthening composition

Weak, lifeless hair can be strengthened with an oil mixture based on hot pepper.

Ingredients:

• Cayenne pepper (ground) – 1 tsp.
• Olive oil – 2 tbsp. l.

Mix the ingredients, heat the mixture in a water bath, and while warm, thoroughly rub into the hair roots. Wrap your head in polyethylene and a towel and leave for 30 minutes. Wash off with shampoo.

Fight cellulite

Hot pepper can cause a rush of blood, thereby achieving a noticeable anti-cellulite effect. The mixture should be used at least 1-2 times a week.

Ingredients:

• Cinnamon (powder) – 50 gr.
• Cayenne pepper (ground) – 10 gr.
• Olive oil – 50 ml.

Mix the ingredients and massage onto problem areas. Wrap in polyethylene, insulate with a towel or woolen scarf. After 20 minutes, thoroughly rinse the mixture with warm water and apply anti-cellulite cream.

Uses of cayenne pepper in cooking

The pods are practically not consumed as a separate product, due to their pungency. Typically, cayenne pepper, which has beneficial properties, is combined with the following dishes:

• dry salty cookies;
• souffle;
• omelettes;
• egg salads;
• vegetable stew;
• soups;
• Fish and seafood.

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The mixture of cinnamon, spices and cocoa has a special taste. To prepare cheese cookies take:

• Cheddar cheese and butter - 120 g;
• cumin - 2 tbsp. l.;
• egg - 1 pc.;
• salt and cayenne pepper - 0.5 tsp each;
• flour - 300 g.

The dish is made like this:

1. Pepper and salt are mixed with flour.
2. Then add the butter, cut into pieces, and grind until crumbs are obtained.
3. Add egg, cheese and cold water to the mixture.
4. Make a sausage from elastic dough, roll it on parchment with caraway seeds.
5. The dough is wrapped in cling film and placed in the refrigerator for half an hour.
6. The sausage is cut into circles and baked in the oven for about ten minutes.

The finished cayenne pepper cookies are golden in color.

How to select and store

The fruits are sold both dried and raw. Their color should be bright orange. Preference should be given to pods with fairly smooth skin without visible damage.

Attention! It is not recommended to purchase wrinkled and limp fruits.

The raw product is stored for 14 days in the refrigerator, after placing the pods in a bag or plastic container. Before freezing, the fruits are cleared of seeds.

The ground spice is a mixture of several varieties, which is distinguished by a brown tint. It is stored in a glass jar and tightly closed. The spice is placed in a place protected from sunlight.

How to choose

When choosing a product, special attention should be paid to packaging - it must be hermetically sealed. Paper containers are not suitable in this case, as they will not provide the proper level of preservation for the spice.

The pepper itself should be rich in color. It can be yellow, orange, green, red and maroon. Pale color indicates poor quality of the vegetable.

Cayenne pepper: ground

Most often found on sale is ground cayenne pepper , packaged in plastic or glass containers.

1). An example is cayenne pepper "Cayenne" from the manufacturer Simply Organic .

This organic product meets international quality standards, which is confirmed by the presence of QAI and USDA organic certificates. This ground pepper perfectly enriches the taste of any dish; it is especially suitable for soups, vegetables, meat and porridge. The product is available in convenient 82 g glass jars.

Directions for use: Use cayenne pepper as a seasoning when cooking.

Storage Features

Storing hot spice at home is easy. The storage method depends on the form in which you want to consume it:

1. Fresh vegetables should be stored in a cool, dark place, preferably in the refrigerator. A prerequisite is the presence of sealed polyethylene packaging. In this form, the pods can be stored for up to 14 days without losing their freshness and their sharp, piquant taste.
2. To preserve peppers for a longer period, it is recommended to freeze them. To do this, you need to cut the pre-washed and dried pods into pieces, package them in bags or plastic containers, and place them in the freezer.
3. Drying will also help preserve the burning fruits. It is enough to tie them to a rope and leave them to dry in a sunny, well-ventilated place for several days. If this is not possible, the pods can be dried in the oven at 50 degrees.

Cayenne pepper: extract

cayenne pepper supplement is a liquid extract.

2). Particularly popular among customers is the liquid cayenne pepper (59 ml) “Cayenne Extract” from Christopher's Original Formulas . This drug is a 50% alcohol solution of cayenne pepper without any fillers.

Recommendations for use: the drug in an amount of no more than 1 pipette is diluted in 1 cup of hot water.

Where to buy cayenne pepper, its cost

Fresh peppers can be purchased at grocery supermarkets. The ground version is available both in grocery stores and online. The latter option is especially convenient for those who live in small towns and do not have the opportunity to buy spices in local stores.

The cost of pepper is affected by weight, country of origin, type, and packaging.

Hot cayenne pepper has many benefits. When used correctly, it can add completely new flavor notes to familiar dishes. The overseas spice has proven effectiveness in strengthening the body, eliminating muscle pain, and some cosmetic problems. The main thing is not to overuse cayenne pepper, and then it will bring one benefit.

Cayenne pepper: for weight loss

Today, cayenne pepper is one of the most effective natural remedies for weight loss. Thanks to the content of the thermogenic substance capsaicin, this fiery seasoning raises body temperature and increases the rate of metabolic processes in the body by as much as 25%! Thus, even at rest, the number of calories burned increases significantly. In addition, cayenne pepper prevents the rise in blood sugar, and, therefore, reduces the feeling of hunger.

cayenne pepper capsules and pure powder are used, which can be added to dishes or drinks. External use of this seasoning in the form of wraps also gives good results. This procedure allows you to noticeably tighten the skin, restore its elasticity and firmness, and reduce the volume of subcutaneous fat.

, it is unlikely that you will be able cayenne pepper alone In addition, this fruit helps saturate the body with essential nutrients and vital energy, the lack of which is often observed in those losing weight.

Cayenne pepper: contraindications

Cayenne pepper is the hottest spice in the world, so it has some contraindications. First of all, you should not use it if:

• gastritis,
• stomach ulcer,
• acute intestinal diseases,
• hypertension.

This type of pepper is not recommended for those who suffer from epileptic attacks or have nervous disorders.

External use of cayenne pepper also has a number of restrictions. It should not be applied to sensitive skin prone to allergies and irritations, and should not be used for varicose veins, pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Cayenne pepper: instructions

Before you start taking cayenne pepper , you should carefully read the included instructions. It should be borne in mind that this hot spice is not at all harmless and, if abused, can cause a burn to the gastric mucosa and cause inflammatory diseases of the kidneys, liver and digestive organs. Therefore, taking cayenne pepper should be wise.

Cayenne pepper: how to take

Information on how to take this or that cayenne pepper can be found in the attached leaflet. As a rule, capsules with this pepper extract are recommended to be consumed in quantities of 1 to 4 pieces per day. Due to the fact that such drugs can be irritating to the stomach, many manufacturers recommend taking them with food. As for the use of pure dried cayenne pepper as a seasoning for food, it is necessary to observe moderation, focusing not only on taste preferences, but also on your own well-being.

There is another way to use cayenne pepper - dilute it in water and drink 1 glass a day. Instead of plain water, you can use medicinal herbal teas. The ability of cayenne pepper to enhance the effects of other medicinal plants will make such drinks even more beneficial, and the herbs will help neutralize the natural pungency of this fruit.

Cayenne pepper: reviews

On the Internet you can find many positive reviews about cayenne pepper . What we are talking about is not only the taste of this seasoning, but also its medicinal properties. People note that cayenne pepper speeds up recovery from colds, adds strength and energy, and warms up in cold weather.

Many people say that consuming cayenne pepper suppresses appetite and helps achieve good weight loss results.