Chili peppers (Capsicum annuum) are the fruits of Capsicum pepper plants, notable for their hot flavor. Capsaicin is the main bioactive plant compound in chili peppers, responsible for their unique, pungent taste and many of their health benefits. FIGHT INFLAMMATION Chili peppers contain a substance called capsaicin. Capsaicin is a potent inhibitor of substance P, a neuropeptide associated with inflammatory processes. Capsaicin is being studied as an effective treatment for sensory nerve fiber disorders, including pain associated with arthritis, psoriasis, and diabetic neuropathy. NATURAL PAIN RELIEF Topical capsaicin is now a recognized treatment option for osteoarthritis pain. The side effect reported with topical capsaicin cream is a burning sensation at the area of application. CARDIOVASCULAR BENEFITS Red chili peppers, such as cayenne, have been shown to reduce blood cholesterol, triglyceride levels, and platelet aggregation, while increasing the body’s ability...