What is Cayenne:

Cayenne pepper is one of the most popular spices used throughout the globe. The scientific name: Capsicum annuum var annuum. It comes from the Capsicum family of chiles and is native to Central America. If you were to calculate the “Scoville heat units” of cayenne it would be around 30,000 to 50,000. The hotness produced by cayenne is caused by its high concentration in a substance called capsaicin. Technically referred to as 8-methyul-N-vanillyl-6-nonenamide. It’s hot even used in small amounts but provides an array of benefits to the human body.

Health Benefits:

Over 80 units can be found in the health benefit chart for this chili pepper. The reported health benefits of cayenne are almost too unbelieveable, but its reputation keeps growing among medical researchers as well as alternative health afficionados. Let’s get into some of the specifics of cayenne pepper benefits: It has been known to increase metabolism, fight inflammation, clear congestion, natural pain reliever, cardiovascular benefits, boost immunity, prevent stomach ulcers, lose weight, relieves muscle pains, it can kill cancer cells in the prostate, lungs, and pancreas to immediately stop a heart attack within 30 seconds, etc…

It is rich in vitamins and minerals. From Vitamin A, B1, B6, C, D, E, K, Beta Carotene, Beta Cryptoxanthin, Leutin+Xeaxanthin, Beta Tocopherol, Gamma Tocopherol,Delta Tocopherol, Folate, Niacin, Choline, Betaine.

To the Minerals; Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Phosphorus, Potassium, Sodium, Zinc, Selenium, Fluoride.

How to Use:

Cayenne, chopped and grounded, used as condiment in the preparation of pepper sauce, soups, curries and to marinate meat, fish and poultry.

I love spice so I put it in any dish I eat. I would suggest you try it before you add it to any food. I love the whole foods brand 365 because it is spicy, but any brand should be fine. My husband likes it a little milder so he generally buys Crystal hot sauce as it is made with Cayenne.

Cayenne chilies either fresh or powdered form, can cause severe burning sensation to hands and may cause severe irritation to mouth/nasal passages, eyes and throat. Therefore, it may be advised in some sensitive individuals to use thin hand gloves and face masks while handling.

Again I am not a doctor or nutritionist, so please do your own research or consult a professional before using Cayenne in any medical manner. I hope that you enjoyed this and happy Spicy cooking.

Below I included some helpful websites that talk about Cayenne.

http://lifestyle.iloveindia.com/lounge/nutritional-value-of-cayenne-pepper-6028.html

http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=nutrientprofile&dbid=71

http://www.cayennepepper.info/health-benefits-of-cayenne-pepper.html

http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/cayenne-pepper.html