Saunas, cupping, and cold dips in ice baths are common methods used by professional athletes and mere mortals to speed recovery after exercise. If you think you've tried everything, just wait. New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers claims he found the next best thing in rehab, according to a new interview with the New York Jets. Associated Press.
The 40-year-old footballer has been drinking a chilli and water cocktail as part of his rehabilitation regime.
“T-Mo [New York Jets punter Thomas Morstead] “He gave me a little fountain of youth that he said he had had for a while,” Rodgers said. access point. “Of course it's all legal… He takes things like hot peppers and water, so he gave me some before the game.”
You might be tempted to roll your eyes at another athlete offering a “magic solution” that doesn't actually work, but there may actually be some truth behind this unique concoction.
Capsaicin, the active compound of red pepper, has many known benefits.
Getty Images/CreatiVegan.net
Like many other peppers, cayenne pepper is used in Southwestern, Mexican, and Cajun cuisine. But their uses go far beyond adding some spice to a dish. Chinese and Ayurvedic doctors have used cayenne pepper for centuries to treat circulatory problems and epilepsy, as a digestive stimulant, and more.
Today, capsicum powder is used in a variety of ways, mostly in creams or supplements to reduce pain. Research shows that using capsaicin in a cream not only reduces pain in the long term, but when taken orally can reduce discomfort and relieve pain in athletes.
Related: This Is the Best Time to Take Creatine, According to Science
So how does cayenne pepper reduce pain? According to Mount Sinai, capsaicin reduces the amount of substance P, a neurotransmitter found in the brain and spinal cord that is responsible for carrying pain signals to your brain. The less substance P is present, the longer it takes for your brain and body to realize you are in pain.
While more research is needed on the use of oral cayenne for pain relief and recovery, Rogers and Morstead may be on to something. But before you start guzzling down these spicy concoctions after your morning workout, be prepared for some not-so-fun side effects like stomach irritation and gastritis. Regular consumption of cayenne pepper may also interfere with some blood-thinning medications such as aspirin and ibuprofen, so consult your doctor before use.