Cayenne pepper
Cayenne pepper
Cayenne pepper (pronounced: /kaɪˈɛn/), is a type of Capsicum annuum, a species of the plant genus Capsicum native to southern North America and northern South America.
Etymology
The name 'Cayenne' is derived from the city of Cayenne in French Guiana. It is known in various regions by different names. For instance, in Britain, it's often referred to as the Guinea spice, cow-horn pepper, red hot chili pepper, or, especially in its powdered form, red pepper.
Description
Cayenne peppers are usually a bright red color and are considered very hot. They are typically dried and ground to make the powdered spice, but they can also be used fresh in various recipes. The heat of the cayenne pepper is due to its high concentration of a substance called capsaicin, which has been widely studied for its pain-relieving properties, among other health benefits.
Medical Uses
Cayenne pepper is often used in alternative medicine, as well as in dietary supplements. The capsaicin in cayenne pepper has potential health benefits as a natural pain reliever, metabolism booster, and digestive aid. However, more research is needed to confirm these effects.
Related Terms
- Capsicum: The plant genus to which cayenne pepper belongs.
- Capsaicin: The chemical in cayenne pepper that gives it its heat and potential health benefits.
- Capsicum annuum: The species of the plant that produces cayenne pepper.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Cayenne pepper
- Wikipedia's article - Cayenne pepper
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