I recently read about Cayenne pepper in Marina Pantouria’s book “health without drugs”
and having researched it further.. here is what I discovered: Cayenne pepper is derived from dried chili peppers.It contains capsaicin, an ingredient which helps relieve headaches and nasal congestion. It was named after the city of Cayenne, capital of French New Guiana, where it was originally comprehensively cultivated.
It originates inCentral and South America from where Christopher Columbus and Magellan brought it to Europe after doctors noticed that natives used it both medicinally as an analgesic, as well as as a spice.
Whilst common pepper is considered as a non nutritious spice, cayenne pepper is considered as a super-food as it contains antioxidants such as flavonoids, vitamin C, B carotene. It is also rich in fiber as well as in vitamins B6, E and K.
The list of Cayenne pepper’s healing effects is -albeit by exaggeration- endless. This is further proven by the fact that over three thousand medical studies have been documented in international medicinal practice. Cayenne is also known as “the king of herbs”.Famous herb healer Dr Shulze, once said “If you learn to use but one herb in your life, this should be cayenne pepper..it is the most powerful of them all”. Elsewhere, Dr Christopher stated that during his 35 years of practice he never lost a patient from heart attack as he administered a cup of cayenne tea (one table spoon in a cup of hot water) and as soon as the patient consumed it they were up and about!
Cayenne pepper:
- Improves blood circulation and heart function as it helps reduce cholesterol
- Helps heal ulcers even though spicy foods are often accused of causing them!
- There are – yet to be medically substantiated indications- that cayenne helps cure prostate cancer
- It Boosts the immune system
- Tea made of Cayenne pepper effectively cures the common cold
- It reduces appetite and therefore helps against obesity which is one of the greatest medical problems of our day.
It is evident that chili peppers and cayenne pepper are a nutritional miracle. Beware though, in case you feel “hot” avoid using water. Capsaicin is not water soluble – it is soluble by fatty substances. So to feel “relieved” eat buttered bread, yoghurt or an alcoholic drink which will dissolve it.
Varvara Solomonidou,Wellness Specialist, Personal Trainer, Seminar & Conference Lecturer, Pilates Master Trainer “AthensTrainers® Ultimate Pilates System®”, General Manager & Owner of AthensTrainers®
Sources:
Pantouria Maria “Health without drugs”
(In case you are interested in the book contact us or email to dimitrisp20@yahoo.gr)