Cayenne Pepper

A phytochemical known as capsaicin gives cayenne pepper its hot taste. Capsaicin increases blood flow to tissues by reducing blood pressure and encouraging the release of nitric oxide and other vasodilators, or compounds that help your blood vessels expand.

“There is some evidence that capsaicin can affect blood pressure and improve blood flow”, says Ginger Hultin, RDN, spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and owner of ChampagneNutrition, based in Seattle. By relaxing the smallest muscles found in blood vessel walls, vasodilators make it easier for blood to flow through your veins and arteries. According to research, eating cayenne pepper enhances blood vessel health, improves circulation, and lessens arterial plaque accumulation. Furthermore, because they can promote blood flow to the affected area, these hot peppers are widely included in pain-relieving creams.