The Power of Capsaicin in Jalapeño Peppers: A Natural Remedy for Pain, Inflammation, Age-Defying benefits, and much more. Jalapeño peppers considered a fruit with their vibrant green hue and fiery kick, are more than just a culinary delight.
So, what is CAPSAICIN– Capsaicinis a chemical compound found in chili peppers that is responsible for that spicy or burning sensation that we experience. The benefits of including Jalapeño peppers, that are a fruit, in your diet is that they relieve pain, especially back pain by rejuvenating nerves, consist of anti-inflammatory chemicals, support weight management and cardiovascular health, Immunity boosters, and aid in digestion. But one of the biggest benefits that Jalapeño peppers provide is age-defying skin and hair.
These Jalapeño spicy peppers owe their heat to capsaicin, a bioactive compound that has garnered significant attention for its therapeutic potential. Capsaicin’s benefits extend far beyond adding zest to dishes, like a bowl of pinto beans that I enjoy having with my meal at lunch and dinner—it has been studied for its ability to relieve nerve pain, alleviate back pain, reduce inflammation, promote nerve regeneration, aid in weight control, lower cholesterol levels, and improve skin with an ace-defying appearance.
In this article, I would like to explore how capsaicin in jalapeños can serve as a natural remedy for these health concerns especially in the area of how we aging, offering a holistic approach to wellness while enjoying your meal. Usually something that is healthy doesn’t taste appetizing.
Capsaicin and Nerve Pain Relief
I know all to well about knee, hip, and back pain due to my active lifestyle especially at the age of 68. After my Military service, I was a Grid Engineer for 35- years working with line crews on transmission lines. Even the last week I worked at age 57, I was out working with one of my crews for the last time. You may not miss the work; but you do miss the friendships that you form, especially with linemen. The photograph below, I’m the dude in the middle on a energized 115kV Line doubled-channel steel cross-arm.
Nerve pain, or neuropathic pain, arises from damage or dysfunction in the nervous system and is often described as burning, tingling, or shooting sensations and numbness in the bottom of the feet. Conditions like diabetic neuropathy, postherpetic neuralgia, sciatica are common causes, as well as degenerative disc like I have in my lumbar area from heavy construction. Capsaicin has emerged as a promising treatment for nerve pain due to its unique mechanism of action. Capsaicin has helped relieve my issues from disc issues.
Capsaicin works by interacting with the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) receptors, which are found on pain-sensing nerve fibers. When applied topically, capsaicin initially stimulates these receptors, causing a burning sensation. However, repeated exposure desensitizes the nerves, reducing their ability to transmit pain signals. This process, known as defunctionalization, effectively “numbs” the nerves in the treated area.
Clinical studies support capsaicin’s efficacy. For instance, a 2015 review in The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews found that high-concentration (8%) capsaicin patches provided significant pain relief for patients with postherpetic neuralgia and HIV-related neuropathy compared to placebo. Over-the-counter capsaicin creams, typically containing 0.025% to 0.1% capsaicin, are widely used for localized nerve pain. Applying these creams derived from jalapeños or other chili peppers can offer relief for those suffering from chronic neuropathic conditions and back issues, making capsaicin a valuable tool in pain management.
But pain treatment is just one aspect of capsaicin, capsaicin provides nerve rejuvenation, as well. This is huge for people like me over the age of 60 dealing with nerve issues.
Alleviating Back Pain
Back pain, whether acute or chronic, affects millions worldwide and can stem from muscle strain, herniated discs, or conditions like arthritis. If you are over the age of 50 these issues become a serious issue for you. But the last thing you want to do is slack back on having an active lifestyle. Last thing you want is to cut back on being active, you have to do the very opposite, remain active.
Capsaicin’s analgesic properties make it an effective option for managing back pain, particularly when inflammation or nerve irritation is involved. This the results that I have had by including Jalapeño peppers with my meals for lunch and dinner. I have found tremendous benefit on not just including Jalapeño peppers in my diet, but having them with my lunch and dinner meals.
Topical capsaicin products, such as creams, gels, or patches, are applied directly to the affected area. The compound’s ability to desensitize TRPV1 receptors reduces the perception of pain in the back, providing relief without the systemic side effects of oral painkillers. A 2011 study published in Spine demonstrated that capsaicin cream significantly reduced pain and improved function in patients with chronic low back pain compared to placebo.
Capsaicin’s warming effect also enhances blood flow to the area, which may further alleviate muscle tension and promote healing. Blood flow after strength training release collagen from your muscles to replace and rejuvenate skin cells for younger looking skin, not just by years, but decades. Below in this photograph, taken in my gym in April of 2025, I am 68 years old.
For individuals seeking a natural alternative to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or opioids, capsaicin-based treatments derived from jalapeños offer a safe and effective holistic option. However, users should apply capsaicin cautiously, as it can cause skin irritation, and avoid contact with sensitive areas like the eyes.
When eating Jalapeño peppers, I prefer to cut them up and eat them with a fork to avoid having contact with the pepper especially if you inadvertently touch your face or eyes.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Inflammation is a common underlying factor in many chronic conditions, including arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and even obesity. Capsaicin exhibits potent anti-inflammatory properties, which contribute to its therapeutic versatility. By modulating inflammatory pathways, capsaicin can help reduce swelling, pain, and tissue damage, especially in joints.
Capsaicin inhibits the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and suppresses the activity of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), a key regulator of inflammation. A 2016 study in Food & Chemical Toxicology highlighted capsaicin’s ability to reduce inflammation in animal models of arthritis, suggesting its potential for managing joint pain and stiffness. This is another issue for those of us that are over the age of 50, having to deal with joint pain and stiffness that discourage us from keeping active and following our fitness regimen.
For individuals consuming jalapeños as part of their diet, capsaicin’s anti-inflammatory effects may provide systemic benefits. While topical applications target localized inflammation, dietary capsaicin from spicy foods like jalapeños may help lower overall inflammation levels in the body. This makes jalapeños a flavorful addition to an anti-inflammatory diet, alongside foods like turmeric, berries, and fatty fish.
Possible Nerve Regeneration
This is a huge benefit for those of us over the age of 50 as they age have to deal with nerve degeneration. Emerging research suggests that capsaicin may play a role in nerve regeneration, offering hope for conditions involving nerve damage. While capsaicin is known for desensitizing nerves to reduce pain, low doses may stimulate nerve repair and growth under certain conditions.
A 2017 study in Neural Regeneration Research explored capsaicin’s effects on peripheral nerve regeneration in animal models. The researchers found that capsaicin, at controlled doses, promoted the release of nerve growth factor (NGF), a protein critical for the growth, maintenance, and survival of neurons. This suggests that capsaicin could support recovery in conditions like peripheral neuropathy, where nerve damage impairs sensation and function.
While these findings are preliminary and primarily based on animal studies, they open the door to future research on capsaicin’s regenerative potential. Incorporating jalapeños into a balanced diet may provide trace amounts of capsaicin that support overall nerve health, though therapeutic applications would likely require targeted formulations. Another reason to enjoy those TEX-MEX dinning.
My Health and Fitness Book, THE SARSO DIET & FITNESS Program that has provided me with the ability to drop 52- pounds, 6.5- inches off my waistline, and drop 3- decades off the appearance of my age now at age 68 in less than 4-months. The SARSO DIET & FITNESS Programs turns your body into a Turbocharged calorie-burning juggernaut where I went from 37.75- inch waistline on November 28, 2024 down to 31.75- inch waistline by February 27, 2015 that represents dropping 45- pounds. My book is on KINDLE in both E-Book and Paperback:
The biggest success isn’t that I dropped 6.50- inches in 4- months by February 2015; but I have kept the weight and inches off now going on now for 10- years.
Jalapeño Peppers: A Fiery Boost for Age-Defying Skin and Hair After 60
Jalapeño peppers, with their zesty kick and vibrant green hue, are a surprising ally for maintaining youthful skin and hair, even after 60, as I am at age 68. These nutrient-packed peppers deliver antioxidants, vitamins, and unique compounds not just to combat the aging process, but reverse the aging process by including strength training in with your fitness regiment.
Rich in vitamin C, jalapeños promote collagen production, essential for firm, elastic skin. This antioxidant neutralizes free radicals, reducing wrinkles, age spots, and sagging—common concerns in older age. Capsaicin, the source of their heat, enhances blood circulation, delivering oxygen and nutrients to skin cells for a radiant complexion. Improved circulation also nourishes hair follicles, strengthening strands and potentially reducing thinning, a frequent issue over 60. Especially if you couple this with strength training and aerobic-cardio fitness.
Jalapeños are low-calorie and high in fiber, supporting digestion and detoxification. A healthy gut minimizes skin dullness and inflammation, keeping complexions clear and vibrant. Their anti-inflammatory properties further reduce puffiness and chronic conditions linked to aging, like arthritis, which can indirectly affect appearance. Vitamins A and E in jalapeños protect skin from UV damage and support cell repair, while vitamin E nourishes the scalp, promoting shinier, healthier hair. ALL WAYS Wear Sunscreen and sunglasses always.
Capsaicin’s metabolism-boosting effects aid weight management, enhancing overall energy and confidence, which reflects in appearance.
For hair, jalapenos’ nutrients may improve texture and resilience, countering brittleness. Add them to salsas, soups, or smoothies for easy incorporation. Start with small amounts to adjust to the spice, pairing with cooling foods like avocado to ease digestion, especially important for older adults.
Consult a doctor if you have sensitivities or digestive concerns, as spicy foods can irritate some. With moderation, jalapeños offer a flavorful, natural way to support glowing skin and lustrous hair, proving age is no barrier to radiance.
I don’t know too many people over the age of 50 or older that wouldn’t want to look like they are in their mid-30’s, again.
Weight Control
Capsaicin’s role in weight management has gained attention as obesity rates rise globally, now up to 47% of all categories of the population, even in kids. The compound’s thermogenic properties increase energy expenditure and fat oxidation, which can aid in weight loss and prevent weight gain.
When consumed, capsaicin activates brown adipose tissue (BAT), which burns calories to generate heat. A 2014 meta-analysis in Appetite found that capsaicin supplementation increased energy expenditure and reduced appetite, leading to modest weight loss in overweight individuals. Additionally, capsaicin may reduce cravings for high-fat and sugary foods, further supporting weight control efforts.
Jalapeños, being low in calories and rich in capsaicin, are an excellent addition to a weight-conscious diet. Especially if Jalapeños are a part of a meal for satisfaction factor. Adding chopped jalapeños to salads, stir-fries, or smoothies can enhance flavor while boosting metabolism. However, the effects of dietary capsaicin are dose-dependent, and consuming excessive amounts may cause digestive discomfort, so moderation is key.
Lowering Cholesterol
High cholesterol levels are a major risk factor for heart disease and strokes, and capsaicin may offer cardiovascular benefits by improving lipid profiles. Studies suggest that capsaicin can lower levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, often referred to as “bad” cholesterol, while increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, or “good” cholesterol.
A 2015 study in Phytotherapy Research found that capsaicin supplementation in animal models reduced LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels while enhancing HDL cholesterol. Capsaicin achieves this by upregulating enzymes involved in cholesterol metabolism and inhibiting cholesterol absorption in the gut.
Incorporating jalapeños into meals may contribute to these heart-healthy effects over time. For example, pairing jalapeños with lean proteins and vegetables in dishes like grilled chicken tacos, pinto beans, or stuffed peppers can create a nutrient-dense, cholesterol-lowering meal. While dietary capsaicin alone is not a substitute for medical treatment, it can complement a heart-healthy lifestyle.
Practical Considerations and Precautions
While capsaicin offers numerous health benefits, it’s important to use it wisely. Topical capsaicin products should be applied sparingly and with gloves to avoid skin irritation or accidental contact with mucous membranes. Start with low-concentration creams (e.g., 0.025%) to assess tolerance, and consult a healthcare provider before using high-potency patches. Also, until you get acclimated to jalapeños, you might want to drain some of the liquid off to reduce the spice heat of the jalapeños. When consuming jalapeños, individuals with sensitive stomachs or conditions like acid reflux should eat them in moderation to avoid gastrointestinal discomfort. Those on medications or with underlying health conditions should seek medical advice before using capsaicin supplements or high-dose treatments.
By incorporating jalapeños into a balanced diet or using capsaicin-based products under medical guidance, individuals can harness the therapeutic potential and benefits of this remarkable compound, turning up the heat on their journey to better health. Please enjoy one of my favorite dishes of jalapeños with a bowl of pinto beans (a food that is consider the perfect food) with a whole wheat roll and a glass of southern iced tea. In the photograph below, I am 68 years old taken at our Southern Classic Car and Airshow we had in November of 2024.
