Spices can do more than just add great flavor to your food. As it turns out, they can actually do wonders for your health, as well. While some spices are known for their brain-healthy benefits, many can also boost your immune system and even aid weight loss. That includes one particularly spicy variety: cayenne pepper.
To learn more about how sprinkling cayenne onto your meals can improve immunity and support a fast metabolism, we spoke to registered nutritionist-dietitian Catherine Gervacio. She told broke down a few of the benefits for us. Find all of her expert insight below.
Health benefits of cayenne
Love spicy food? Good news! Cayenne, a hot spice regularly found in Mexican, Thai, Korean, Indian, and a range of other cuisines, can give your health a boost. There are a few reasons for this. For starters, Gervacio says, it offers up a good amount of vitamin C to support your immune system. Vitamin C, found in many foods, is a fantastic antioxidant that can aid in the production of white blood cells and protect your body. "A small tsp, of cayenne already has about 1mg of vitamin C," Gervacio notes.
Additionally, this hot stuff contains an anti-inflammatory compound called capsaicin, which "can help defend the body from oxidative stress" and can even play a role in weight loss. "As for weight loss, capsaicin may have the ability to increase the metabolic rate," she says.
Luckily, there are plenty of ways to make this versatile food into your diet. "Cayenne can be added to sauces and dips for an extra kick in different meals," Gervacio suggests. "Examples of these include hummus, guacamole, or barbecue sauces." She also recommends sprinkling it into dishes like pasta, stews, or soups. Additionally, she points out, "Some enjoy them on roasted vegetables or grilled meats."
Plus, cayenne makes a great topping for healthy snacks like popcorn and nuts. Yum!
Of course, it's important to remember that a single spice isn't going to be a miracle worker. "Relying on cayenne alone is not enough to boost immunity and contribute a substantial weight loss," Gervacio reminds us. "A healthy diet with exercise and good habits is still the best way to ensure healthy weight loss." Noted!
