Cayenne peppers are moderately hot chilli peppers used for seasoning dishes. They get their spicy flavour from a phytochemical called capsaicin.
Research has found that capsaicin improves blood flow to tissues by lowering blood pressure and stimulating the release of vasodilators, like nitric oxide. Vasodilators allow blood to flow more easily by relaxing the tiny muscles found along blood vessel walls. These effects can increase blood vessel strength and reduce plaque buildup in arteries.
Because they encourage blood flow to affected areas, cayenne peppers are often included in creams for pain relief.
