Most people know what capsaicin is, but maybe not in the form of a name. The chemical found in chili peppers gives them the famed fiery flavor. The heat of capsaicin makes it ideal for spicing up food items, and it has a wide range of medicinal properties.
With a history that dates back to around 7,000 years ago in Mexico, chili peppers are renowned for their nutritional significance (they're abundant in minerals and vitamins). Capsaicin is also famous for its antibacterial and anticancer properties.
Capsaicin is a major ingredient in lotions, ointments, and patches to relieve pain. It is a neuro receptor known as TRPV1 located in the peripheral nerves, the brain, bladder blood vessels, and various other places. Because this receptor is extensively distributed across the entire body, there could be numerous advantages of capsaicin's effects on health that haven't yet been investigated.
Health Benefits
Capsaicin, a chemical that doesn't contain nutrients or calories, binds to TRPV1, a channel in nerves that senses internal and other sources of heat. Exposed to heat sources such as capsaicin can weaken TRPV1 receptors with time, which means that your body slowly becomes more and more tolerant of capsaicin.
The health benefits of Capsaicin are believed to include:
Heart Health
Capsaicin's anti-inflammatory properties have been believed to explain its positive effects on heart health. For instance, a three-month study showed that capsaicin dramatically decreased the risk factors for heart disease among adults with very low HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol) levels.
Weight Loss
Certain studies have shown that capsaicin may increase metabolism, the speed at which you utilize energy, as well as burn calories. Some have suggested that it could also help reduce appetite, which can help you eat less.
Pain Relief
Capsaicin is an essential ingredient in many pain-relief treatments that are available as creams, lotions, or patches. There are over-the-counter versions available for minor muscle or joint discomfort. Prescription-strength capsaicin patches are applied at the doctor's office to treat conditions like postherpetic neuralgia and diabetic nerve pain in your feet.
Health Risks
While capsaicin can have positive health effects, it's not suitable for all people. Some people are more susceptible to its effects than the rest of us. There are some adverse side effects due to capsaicin, particularly if your body isn't accustomed to it.
Potential side effects of capsaicin are:
Nausea and Vomiting
Capsaicin patches could help relieve pain; however, their higher levels of capsaicin can cause issues. Nausea and vomiting are frequently reported side effects associated with these patches.
Diarrhea
Capsaicin has been known to irritate the stomach lining, causing diarrhea and stomach upset. It could also cause food items to be digested faster and make your stool feel hot as it travels throughout your system.
Acid Reflux
Capsaicin can aggravate the symptoms associated with acid reflux. The heat sensation it generates can irritate your stomach's lining, creating heartburn, reflux, and other problems.
Amounts and Dosage
In a research study that examined the use of capsaicin-based therapies to reduce weight loss, the participants had no issues after taking 66 milligrams capinoids (substances that have chemical similarities to capsaicin) every day over 12 weeks.
Another study, which tracked 27 participants for four weeks, discovered that they could consume about 30 grams of chopped chilis daily without noticing adverse health effects.