Capsaicin

Other names: Capsicum frutescens, Capsicum annum, capsicum cream, cayenne pepper, chili pepper, hot pepper, paprika, pimiento, red pepper. Capsaicin (pronounced cap-SAY-sin) is the active ingredient in chili peppers. It's what gives chili peppers their kick.

The benefits of Capsaicin are

• Destroys Cancer Cells : Capsaicin prevents the replication of prostate cancer cells, according to a 2006 study published in "Cancer Research" led by Akio Mori of the University of California at Los Angeles School of Medicine. Prostate cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death in the United States. The disease usually affects older men. In 2010, there were 217,730 new prostate cancer cases and 32,050 deaths, according to the National Cancer Institute.
• Pain Management : Capsaicin alleviates pain by wearing down the pain messangers in an injured area. Specifically, when capsaicin is applied to an inflamed or injured area, it stimulates a pain messager called substance P. Each time the capsaicin is applied, more substance P is released until no more is available and the nervous system no longer recognizes the pain in the affected area, according to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. The pain relief is temporary and must be repeatedly applied.
• Indigestion Treatment : Capsaicin's pain treatment properties can also be applied internally to treat digestive disorders. According to the University of Pittsburg Medical Center, oral consumption of capsaicin reduces the pain associated with indigestion. The compound depletes substance P in the stomach, and temporarily relieves the burning sensation that characterizes dyspepsia.
• Capsaicin may also prevent stomach ulcers caused by drugs used to treat inflammation, such as aspirin.
• Weight Loss : capsaicin reduces fat production and cuts hunger.