Capsaicin Pepper - Exposed

Capsaicin in peppers is the active compound for heat in red peppers, and red peppers are often used in food...but some believe there are medical issues that red peppers can help treat. Historically it was used primarily as a food, or as a spice for food. However, some believe that it can help reduce the risk of heart disease, treat colds, reduce or treat pain, lose weight, lessen the likelyhood of developing diabetes, and even help kill cancerous tumors and reduce the likelyhood of stomach ulcer development. But are there any studies that back up any of these claims? And if so, are red peppers a possible safe alternative to traditional western chemical based medications?

The History:

Chili Peppers, red and other varieties have been used for human consumption for over 9,000 years. Some archaeological digs have shown evidence in Ecuador that chili peppers were planted, harvested, and domesticated for at least the last 6,000 years. This is one of the oldest cultivated crops, and its origins are in central and south america.

Christopher Columbus is credited with naming chili's "pepper" after noticing that the chili of the americas tastes similar to the european black peppers.

Soon after, chili peppers were brought back by Diego Alvarez Chanca, a doctor on board Columbus' 2nd voyage. In 1494, these peppers were first written about for their possible medicinal effect.

From this point on, chili's were grown around the world, and used in a variety of culinary applications and some particular medical applications.

Capsaicin Pepper - The Real Deal:

The good news is, there have been some promising studies regarding cayenne pepper and weight loss. It turns out populations that have a high intake of pepper based spices in foods have lower incidence of obesity. There was a more specific study conducted in Canada, that found adding red pepper to meals increased thermogenesis and fat oxidation. In an additional study, it found that red peppers can reduce appetite. So it may not only help burn fat, but red pepper may also reduce the desire to eat large quantities of food.

More recent research has shown limited evidence that the active ingredient in chili heat, capsaicin, may inhibit fat cell growth. It does this by possibly activating AMPK, a protien in body tissues that regulate energy expenditure, and stimulate muscle fat oxidation. More research is needed to corroborate this however.

Some of the best research has been in the area of pain relief, specifically for general physical pain and arthritic pain. In a 4 week double blind study of over 100 arthritis patients, it found that capsaicin based creams can be a safe and effective treatment for arthritis. This is great news for arthritis sufferers, because it offers an organic alternative to chemical, sometimes addictive medications.

It is believed to help reduce pain by interfering with a molecule that the nervous system uses to signal the sensation of pain called "Substance P". The chemical in red pepper, capsaicin, can reduce Substance P and therefore reduce discomfort. While it may sound trivial, this can make a very big difference in relieving pain, including nerve pain, lower back pain, and various forms of arthritis.

Other types of pain that clinical studies have shown red pepper based creams and ointments to be effective in reducing are: nerve pain, and post mastectomy pain.

Capsaicin (Red Pepper) Exposed:

So, it turns out red pepper, and specifically the chemical capsiaicin in peppers, can be of genuine benefit when it comes to weight loss, and even more so to reduce certain types of pain. Pain relief in particular has been proven in multiple studies, and is even approved by the FDA when it comes to treat certain nerve pain. More research is needed to find the optimal applications to acheive weight loss, and the other rumored health benefits of capsaicin in peppers.