Cayenne, Greek for "bite" comes from the family of peppers used to flavor foods. The most important substance Cayenne is a group of chemicals known collectively capsaicin. Pure capsaicin is extremely toxic and will burn a hole through you. Even a drop of 100,000 dilution can raise blisters. These natural chemicals are powerful new darlings of pharmaceutical companies and capsaicinoids drugs are developed for a wide range of health problems.
Recent research has discovered a new receptor in the nervous system called "capsaicin receptor." Capsaicin is authorized to act as an anti-inflammatory agent. FDA has recently approved a capsaicin aerosol that, when sprayed into the nose relieves headaches that are resistant to other anti-inflammatory agents such as aspirin and ibuprofen. Because it is made from a food and not a drug, you can now buy several versions of this spray over-the-counter at your local pharmacy.
Capsaicin topically to the skin has anti-inflammatory effects elsewhere in the body, away from where it has been applied. Creams currently available containing capsaicin.
Inflammation induced by obesity contributes to the development of metabolic syndrome, which causes insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease, and cardiovascular disease. In one study, food capsaicin reduced fasting glucose, fasting insulin decreased, and significantly reduces the deterioration of glucose tolerance in mice.
Capsaicin promotes fat loss
Capsaicin has many other effects on weight control. In the 1990s, controlled studies have shown that red pepper meal significantly increases thermogenesis and energy consumption. In the brain, causing catecholamine stimulation and increased activity of the sympathetic nervous system, which regulates heart rate, blood pressure and respiration. Simply, capsaicin stimulates the body, but not in the same way as a stimulant like caffeine.
Red pepper also reduces appetite. A 2009 review of the most controlled studies concluded that capsaicinoids have been shown to reduce food intake, increase thermogenesis and increased lipolysis (fat for fuel). The only adverse outcome is an upset stomach associated with taking too much too soon.
Probably the most important effect is that capsaicin activates an enzyme with a complicated name. In simple terms, the fat is released for use as fuel for the muscles, and then excrete body fat. Also inhibit the formation of new fat in the body and new fat cells. As an added benefit, also inhibits the formation of cholesterol and triglycerides.
Use Capsaicin for life
Using capsaicin is simple. Eat the peppers in the kitchen and meals whenever possible. Change your diet to include hot sauces, curries, chillies and chutneys. Make them a part of your meal.