Herbs of Life

Cayenne Pepper (Capsicum Frutescens) (cont'd)

Cayenne shares some of the same health-promoting properties of certain herbs, in particular those of garlic and hawthorn. Studies indicate that cayenne can be beneficial for our health, especially for our hearts, by its blood purifying, blood pressure and cholesterol-lowering capabilities.

As for its cholesterol-lowering capabilities, research showed that when cayenne was taken along with dietary cholesterol, it prevented significantly the rise in liver and serum cholesterol levels.

CONSTITUENTS OF CAYENNE PEPPER

• Alkaloids known as capsaicin  
• Carotenoids: lutein, carotein, capsanthin  
• Vitamin A  
• Vitamin C  
• Other bio-active compounds