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In our country, cayenne pepper is clearly underestimated in terms of its medicinal properties and the benefits that its use in the diet and externally as part of lotions, tinctures, rubbing and masks can give. We only know a bright reddish-orange seasoning that gives a spicy taste to food and dishes with Asian accents.
Originally from Mexico, cayenne pepper arrived in the Old World with Christopher Columbus and, having conquered it, spread across the mainland. Although the natives did not hide the medicinal benefits of pepper fruits from Columbus, they began to use it as a remedy for thousands of ailments relatively recently.
Scientists from various universities are still conducting desk studies of all the new medicinal properties of hot pepper and find confirmation of them, and then, pharmacists and cosmetologists – application.
Fact: during archaeological excavations in Latin America, traces of hot peppers were found, and not wild, but cultivated. Even ancient people 7000 years ago already used cayenne pepper for healing and food.
What is cayenne pepper?
Cayenne pepper is a type of chili pepper that belongs to the Capsicum frutescens family and is a vegetable crop. A low shrub gives small fruits ranging in size from 0,5 to 15 centimeters. The shape of the fruit, as well as their color, can be different depending on the variety of pepper.
The properties beneficial to the human body are explained by the high content of capsaicin. The more it is, the richer and redder the pepper and the more vigorous the taste.
As a seasoning, it does not have a pronounced taste, it only gives the dish a sharpness, piquancy. But in symbiosis with any other medicinal active substance, it enhances its effect. For example, an ointment with the addition of cayenne pepper from sciatica. Capsaicin increases blood flow, due to which the active substance with anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect penetrates tissues faster and begins to act.
Scoville scale estimates cayenne pepper at 30-000 heat units. The average indication of capsaicin is expressed in moderate-to-high pungency and sharpness. Making it optimally suitable for consumption and treatment.
The surprising fact is that in regions that traditionally use (and sometimes abuse) cayenne pepper as a seasoning – a higher life expectancy. According to statistics, the population of those places is less prone to obesity and cardiovascular disease.
How is cayenne pepper different from chili pepper?
Often, in everyday environment, these concepts are used as synonyms, but this is not so. Powdered: Coarse, flaky, deep red, cayenne is very hot, and powdered chili is finer in texture with a brownish tinge. It has a spicy taste and is less spicy – up to 30 SHU. Although the sharpness depends on the type of chili.
Rules for taking cayenne pepper
The daily dose of capsaicin in cayenne powder is 3 tsp, i.e. 1 tsp for three appointments.
To make the most of the beneficial properties of cayenne pepper, you need to take it orally as part of a liquid or eat a fresh fruit, but not everyone can do this. Also does not lose its useful characteristics, cayenne as a seasoning or as part of tea drinks.
Cayenne tea with lemon and ginger
Bring 1 cup of water to a boil. Add to it 3 tablespoons of grated ginger, lemon juice and boil for half a minute. Then add cayenne powder. Let it brew for 5-10 minutes and you’re done.
Cholesterol lowering drink
Grind until smooth 3 tomatoes, 3 sprigs of parsley, 1 zucchini, a bunch of basil, 1 clove of garlic, a stalk of celery, a small beet and 3/4 tsp. cayenne pepper powder. The resulting smoothie, if necessary, strain and drink fresh. You can salt a little.
What can replace cayenne pepper in your diet?
The closest in composition and set of nutrients to cayenne pepper is Tabasco pepper. It is more juicy and has a more pronounced taste.
Thai pepper is almost similar in capsaicin content, but more than twice as hot in Scoville units.
You can also use serrano pepper, paprika, red pepper.