The burning sensation in the mouth when eating food flavoured with cayenne pepper is caused by capsaicin, an oily component of cayenne with many healthy properties. Capsaicin is also found in other types of pepper. Capsaicin is an active ingredient in many prescription and over-the-counter medications: ointments, creams, arthritis patches, and medications for the pain of shingles and diabetes-related nerve pain.

 

The tried and tested chicken soup for colds can be spiced up with cayenne pepper, as it constricts the blood vessels in the nose and throat and relieves congestion there. Cayenne pepper also stimulates the metabolism and increases calorie burning for up to two hours after eating. Cayenne is an anti-inflammatory agent and an antioxidant. It has cancer-preventive properties and may even help in the treatment of cancer.

One study found that cayenne and chilli lowered blood sugar levels, meaning that diabetics had to inject smaller amounts of insulin.