It never ceases to amaze me how many powerful
"medicines" are available to us through naturally-occurring foods.
Capsaicin is the topic this time. Capsaicin is the phytonutrient or phytochemical (phyto meaning found in plants) compound found in hot peppers; it is also found, in lesser amounts, in sweet peppers. Hot peppers are also a good source of vitamin C, beta-carotene, and potassium. Capsaicin is responsible for the burning sensation you feel on your lips and tongue when eating hot peppers. (It can also irritate mucous membranes, eyes, and any areas of broken skin, so precautions such as not touching your eyes when handling hot peppers and washing your hands thoroughly afterward need to be taken.) Hot peppers include cayenne, habanero, jalapeno, spur or tobasco, Serrano, green and red chilies, among others.
Cancer Capsaicin has antioxidant properties, fighting the production of free radicals which cause cell damage. Cell damage can lead to cancer. Capsaicin has been shown to disrupt the mitochondria (major energy source) of cancer cells, causing programmed cell death (apoptosis) of cancer cells without harming normal cells. In studies, capsaicin suppressed the growth of human prostate cancer cells and killed 80% of them. It also reduced the size of prostate and pancreatic tumors by 80% compared to untreated tumors. Capsaicin is also effective against bladder and breast cancer.
Heart Health Capsaicin increases circulation and blood vessel function. Studies show it lowers LDL cholesterol and decreases arterial plaque. Cayenne tincture can purportedly stop heart attacks within 30 seconds. Interestingly, Dr. John R. Christopher testifies that he would pour a mixture of 1 tsp. of cayenne in a cup of hot water down the throats of heart attack patients (if they were still breathing), and they would be up and around in a matter of minutes.
Weight Loss Spicy foods increase satiety (feeling "full") which can result in less eating. Capsaicin may help the body burn more calories by increasing metabolism, shrink fat tissue, lower blood fat levels, and fight fat build-up. Capsaicin promotes the breakdown of white fat cells (bad fat) while stimulating the production of brown fat (good fat). (You may recall an article Dr. Nic wrote in the August 2015 newsletter entitled "White Fat Brown Fat Bad Fat Good Fat.") Capsaicin also lowers insulin levels after eating, which is beneficial in treating Diabetes.
Pain Relief Although it seems contradictory, the "burning" sensation of capsaicin actually relieves pain. Capsaicin activates the sensory receptors of nerves; prolonged application of capsaicin (It is used in topical creams and pain patches as well as in capsule form.) depletes the internal chemical stores of those nerves, "exhausting" them. When the nerve cells are no longer capable of responding, it results in the inability to perceive pain. Capsaicin also increases blood flow to the skin. It is used to treat the burning/itching of psoriasis as well as migraines and cluster headaches.
Detoxification Ninety percent of people have some kind of worms/parasites in their bodies, which is a very unpleasant fact. Daily drinking a mixture of 1/4 tsp. cayenne in a glass of water is an effective way to eliminate those unwanted guests.
Hot peppers have been used for thousands of years in healing, and American Indians used them regularly. Cayenne pepper was applied directly to fresh wounds to stop bleeding and sterilize the wound. Hot peppers raise body temperature, promote sweating, and stimulate the release of mucous from the respiratory passages (That explains a runny nose while eating spicy food!), which aids in reducing fevers and relieving cold/sinus congestion.
Hot spicy peppers are just one more example of God's provision through the foods He created for us. Incorporating hot peppers (along with other spices, garlic and onions) into the diet is a great way to heal and maintain health, so spice it up!
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