The Benefits of Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper is the chili pepper family native to Central America which has been used in cooking for several thousands of years. It is packed with minerals, vitamins and certain phytonutrients and is considered the wonder SPICE for disease prevention and health promoting properties.  Studies suggest  the alkaloid compound, Capsaicin, that gives the strong spicy pungent character, has anti-bacterial, anti-carcinogenic, and anti-diabetic properties.  Some of the minerals and vitamins contained are vitamins C, B6, A, Niacin, Riboflavin, Iron, Copper, Zinc, Manganese, Magnesium, Selenium and Potassium.  Potassium is an important electrolyte in the cells that helps control your heart rate and blood pressure.  Cayenne pepper is also full of antioxidants that can help protect the body from free radicals generated by stress and other  disease conditions and can also be beneficial for the treatment of arthritic pain.