Are There Sexual Benefits to Cayenne Pepper?

You might have heard anecdotes about spicy foods increasing sexual performance, helping with erectile dysfunction (ED), improving libido, and more. But will eating a hot cayenne pepper get you heated in more ways than one? 

Cayenne pepper contains high levels of the compound capsaicin, which gives the pepper its fiery flair. Capsaicin can “increase heart rate, induce sweating, and trigger the release of endorphins, potentially mimicking sensations similar to sexual arousal,” says registered dietitian Michelle Routhenstein, R.D. 

Eating spicy foods may also increase blood flow to your nether regions, which could lead to “heightened sexual arousal,” she adds.

About the Experts

Michelle Routhenstein, R.D., C.D.C.E.S., is a protective cardiology dietitian at Entirely Nourished in New York, NY. She helps patients with disease management through a variety of health-promoting behaviors, including finding the best foods for their bodies.

Ana Reisdorf, R.D., is a registered dietitian and health writer in Nashville, TN. She has more than a decade of experience as a dietitian, helping clients identify which foods are best for their nutritional needs.

Jim Staheli, D.O., is the Medical Director for Broad Health, Hone Health’s affiliated medical practice and a family medicine doctor in Atlanta, Georgia.

Joshua Calvert, M.D., is a urologist who specializes in vasectomy and vasectomy reversal, Peyronie’s disease, testosterone management, and male infertility.

Are There Benefits to Cayenne Pepper Sexually?

It’s true that certain foods can benefit sexual function and the reproductive system, says registered dietitian Ana Reisdorf, M.S., R.D. However, these foods shouldn’t be considered “nature’s Viagra.” Instead, eating foods rich in vitamins and minerals may help support sexual function for the long haul, Reisdorf explains. 

Eating complex carbs, healthy fats, and protein may also help you last longer in bed by increasing your stamina. “Factors like overall diet, lifestyle, and underlying health conditions play a significant role in sexual health,” adds physician Jim Staheli, D.O.

In terms of cayenne pepper specifically, there just isn’t enough scientific evidence to suggest that eating hot peppers improves sexual function instantaneously. “People are looking for a silver bullet to treat any sort of bedroom complaint,” says urologist Joshua Calvert, M.D. 

Does cayenne pepper help with erectile dysfunction?

In a nutshell, probably not. “Unfortunately, there’s no legitimate data to support that any sort of pepper could contribute to improved erectile function,” Calvert says. But neither will it do any harm. 

Cayenne pepper is rich in vitamin C, which can help with nitric oxide production. In turn, nitric oxide can improve penile blood flow (1). “One lesser-known benefit of vitamin C is its potential to increase nitric oxide levels in the body,” Staheli explains. “Nitric oxide helps relax the smooth muscles in the arteries and the small, spongy spaces of the penis, leading to improved blood flow and potentially enhancing erectile function.”

However, plenty of foods provide vitamin C, and increasing your vitamin C levels alone won’t treat erectile dysfunction (ED). “While vitamin C may support nitric oxide production and vascular health, it may not be a standalone solution for erectile dysfunction,” Staheli says. 

Getting a physical exam, which includes getting your testosterone levels checked, can help uncover the root cause of your ED. 

“As patients age, there is a natural decline in hormonal balance, leading to unfavorable signs and symptoms,” says Staheli. Common symptoms of low testosterone can include fatigue, depression, irritable mood, low libido, and more. “As symptoms begin to impact quality of life, seeking out proper medical care is imperative,” Staheli adds.

Does cayenne pepper help with testosterone? 

One small-scale French study published in 2015 found that men with higher levels of testosterone preferred spicy foods more than those with lower T levels (2). But correlation doesn’t equal causation here. (Likewise, other research has linked higher testosterone levels to increased risk-taking (3), but again, this is only a correlation.)

“While some studies have suggested a relationship between the preference for spicy foods in men with higher testosterone levels, the direct impact of consuming spicy foods in an attempt to raise testosterone levels is not entirely clear,” notes Staheli. 

He mentions one animal study that revealed that capsaicin increased testosterone levels in rats, but more research is needed to determine whether humans would also experience this effect (4).

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Health Benefits of Cayenne Pepper

While research on the sexual effects of spicy foods is limited, many studies show the health benefits of eating cayenne pepper and other foods that contain capsaicin. From pain relief to weight management, there are plenty of reasons to incorporate capsaicin-containing foods into your diet—and potentially your grooming routine. 

Cayenne pepper has anti-inflammatory benefits

“Capsaicin has powerful pain-relieving (5) and anti-inflammatory properties (6), especially when applied to the skin,” says Staheli. Reisdorf, similarly, says products containing capsaicin are often used topically to treat arthritis and joint pain (7, 8).

But cayenne peppers and other capsaicin-rich foods aren’t just great in muscle-soothing creams—they can also help protect your heart. “Capsaicin is a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound that mitigates oxidative stress and inflammation, which may help protect against heart disease (9),” Routhenstein says. “A small amount of cayenne pepper may provide these nutritional benefits.”

Cayenne pepper can support well-being

Because they’re rich in vitamin C and other nutrients, cayenne pepper can help your body fend off colds, aid with digestion, and even relieve headaches, Staheli says. However, you’ll need a strong spice tolerance to reap their full nutritional benefits.

“While you may read that cayenne pepper is rich in Vitamin C, A, and B6, you would have to eat at least half of one to obtain a large quantity of these nutrients,” Routhenstein says. “Depending on your spice tolerance and acid reflux, this may not be a good idea.” 

Capsaicin can help with weight management 

A diet that includes cayenne pepper “supports weight loss” and can lower LDL cholesterol, Staheli says. Capsaicin-containing foods can also improve the body’s blood flow, as we noted earlier—one study found that diets high in spicy food were linked to lower hypertension levels (10).

Plus, some research has found that dietary capsaicin can help with gastrointestinal health (11) by increasing blood flow and microcirculation and other positive effects, helping to ease gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and other GI conditions.

Capsaicin could improve your endurance

Some research suggests that consuming capsaicin-rich foods, such as cayenne pepper, could improve your next workout. While capsaicin doesn’t seem to affect aerobic endurance, it “acutely enhances muscular endurance,” according to a 2022 review (12).

In short? Capsaicin could help increase the number of reps you do in the weight room before your muscles fatigue (13).

Cayenne Pepper Side Effects

Cayenne peppers have plenty of health benefits, but like any food, they can also have side effects. The most common is heartburn. That’s because capsaicin slows digestion, which causes the food to sit around in your stomach longer, allowing stomach acid to creep back up your esophagus (14, 15). 

If you experience unpleasant side effects after eating spicy peppers, try finding those anti-inflammatory benefits in other foods. 

“Another way to get the nutritional benefits of capsaicin is to add paprika to your foods,” Routhenstein suggests. “Paprika offers a sweet and peppery flavor profile without the intense heat of spicy peppers, all while providing a flavorful, heart-healthy boost.”

If you decide to go the supplement route, watch out for contraindications: Capsaicin supplements may interfere with certain medications, so make sure to talk to your doctor beforehand.