Almost 50 percent of men over the age of 50 have an enlarged prostate or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), according to the researches. By the age of 80, nearly 90 percent of men will live with BPH. Studies have confirmed that diet plays a large role in prostate health. There is a list of food with BPH-fighting properties and cayenne pepper is near the top.
Many people consider cayenne peppers to be the king of medicinal herbs. In fact, these peppers have been used for thousands of years to help in treating many health problems. Cayenne peppers boast an impressive nutrition profile, which includes a variety of antioxidants and vitamins that are beneficial for your prostate health.
A single teaspoon of cayenne pepper contains 15 percent of the daily recommended value in vitamin A (good for fighting against infections and in maintaining urinary tract healthy).
Cayenne peppers also tend to have a higher carotenoid content – especially lycopene and many scientists agree that lycopene is the most powerful antioxidant in nature! Lycopene, the natural antioxidant, has been demonstrated to slow or even stop the growth of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). In a recent study, men got great results when they are using a 15 mg of lycopene per day.
Cayenne peppers are an excellent source of vitamin C, and it is almost certainly very important vitamin in giving benefit to the enlarged prostate and against infections. Additionally, men with enlarged prostates reported that vitamin C modest diuretic effect makes urination easier.
The active ingredient in cayenne peppers is Capsaicin – substance that gives them a hot taste, in fact more capsaicin in cayenne pepper the hotter it is. Capsaicin has an impressive number of health benefits. It is extremely effective for heart and blood circulation problems; it reduces appetite and helping in weight loss, lowers blood sugar and blood pressure. Capsaicin has important potential for promoting vascular and metabolic health. All this helps to maintain health in general and therefore the health of the prostate.
Dr Jelena Radovanovic