Description
Capsaicin is a substance known to give the spicy flavor to certain products such as peppers. It is also known for its effect that helps to soothe pain of different kinds.
Possible Benefits
- Helps calm different types of pain
- Can help you lose weight
- It can help in the treatment of cancer
- Helps prevent blood clotting
- Relieves pain in muscles and joints
Required Equipment
Hot pepper or any product containing capsaicin (powder, skin patches, cream)
How to Do It
It can be consumed in different ways. First, through the food itself in different preparations. It is also possible to consume it in powder form by adding it to food or drink. Finally, it is possible to find presentations of dietary supplements that contain it.
Why it works
- In terms of its analgesic effect, this substance facilitates the release of a chemical called substance P as well as other neurotransmitters, thus modifying the process of pain transmission, and thus the person experiences relief.
- Its possible intervention in cases of cancer is due to the fact that capsaicin acts indirectly on the mitochondria of the cells that contain cancer, by killing them, so that its action is suspended.
Time Commitment
2-5 minutes
Suggested Frequency
In the treatment of pain, daily.
Suggested Time of Day
Up to four times a day (if it is a skin product)
Side Effects
Some people may be allergic to this substance. Skin irritation and mild burning may occur.
Notes
- Capsaicin is a substance with antioxidant properties, which is why its potential to promote health at the cardiovascular level is being studied.
- When using this substance on the skin to relieve pain, make sure that the area where you apply it is healthy and free of wounds or other skin damage, so as not to cause discomfort.
- Used to give a spicy flavor to foods.
Supporting Studies and Articles
Expand Collapse- Capsaicin: Current Understanding of Its Mechanisms and Therapy of Pain and Other Pre-Clinical and Clinical Uses. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6273101/
- Capsaicin may have important potential for promoting vascular and metabolic health. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4477151/
- Dietary capsaicin and its anti-obesity potency: from mechanism to clinical implications. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5426284/
- Harnessing the Therapeutic Potential of Capsaicin and Its Analogues in Pain and Other Diseases. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6272969/
- Use of Capsaicin to Treat Pain: Mechanistic and Therapeutic Considerations. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27809268
- Application of capsaicin as a potential new therapeutic drug in human cancers. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/jcpt.13039
- Capsaicinoids supplementation decreases percent body fat and fat mass: adjustment using covariates in a post hoc analysis. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6088424/
- Chili pepper as a body weight-loss food. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27899046
