Chili pepper ferment extract is a unique ingredient in PHYTO5’s Wood element Yogi Body Gel specifically for its ability to help increase blood flow and create better absorption of Yogi Body Gel’s other ingredients on the skin’s surface. Only a tiny bit of extract is formulated into the product therefore the burning that many might associate with chili peppers is nonexistent. Studies show no 'meaningful irritation or contact dermatitis’ when chili pepper is formulated appropriately into skincare as it is in PHYTO5’s.
For the active athletic person, the fact that chili pepper ferment extract is a unique ingredient in Wood element Yogi Body Gel can be very important. This is because the capsaicin compound found in chili pepper has potent pain-relieving properties. In addition, chili (Capsicum frutesense) is a stimulant and thermogenic which means it actively helps encourage blood circulation thereby bringing oxygen and nutrients to the skin and also causing a feeling of warmth important for good athletic performance. Capsaicin is also a potent muscle relaxant.
The capsaicin compound in chili pepper functions as an external analgesic since it desensitizes neural pain receptors. This can also be an important consideration for those who are experiencing arthritic pain.
The ferment extract of chili pepper captures the full range of phytocompounds found in chili pepper making it very useful in skincare. Today’s cosmetics industry utilizes chili pepper as a fragrance ingredient and skin-conditioning agent. It is antimicrobial and antioxidant, both of which are extremely important for good skin health.
Chili pepper offers the following additional health benefits
helps keep hair and skin healthy
improves digestive health and metabolism
fights fungal infections, colds and flu
alleviates migraine headaches
provides joint pain relief
fights inflammation
encourages greater cardiovascular health
promotes red blood cell growth
improves vision and overall ocular heath
In addition, studies suggest that chili pepper can decrease the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Because chili peppers are high in antioxidants, cartenoids,* and vitamin C, chili pepper helps regulate insulin. A number of Australian scientists found that a meal containing chili pepper can result in proper insulin production in the body that reduces blood sugar levels. (As documented in “Effects of chili consumption on postprandial glucose, insulin, and energy metabolism;” see endnotes for complete citation).
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Endnotes:
Carotenoids are a class of phytonutrients ("plant chemicals”), mainly yellow, orange, or red fat-soluble pigments, including carotene, which give color to plant parts such as ripe tomatoes and autumn leaves; carotenoids are found in the cells of a wide variety of plants, algae and bacteria and help plants absorb light energy for use in photosynthesis. They also have an important antioxidant function of deactivating free radicals — single oxygen atoms that can damage cells by reacting with other molecules, according to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University.**
** “Carotenoids.” Linus Pauling Institute, 1 Jan. 2021, lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/dietary-factors/phytochemicals/carotenoids.
“Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Capsicum Annuum Extract, Capsicum Annuum Fruit Extract, Capsicum Annuum Resin, Capsicum Annuum Fruit Powder, Capsicum Frutescens Fruit, Capsicum Frutescens Fruit Extract, Capsicum Frutescens Resin, and Capsaicin1, 2007.” SAGE Journals, 1 Jan. 1984, journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10915810601163939?journalCode=ijtb&.
Ahuja, Kiran DK, et al. “Effects of Chili Consumption on Postprandial Glucose, Insulin, and Energy Metabolism.” OUP Academic, Oxford University Press, 1 June 2006, academic.oup.com/ajcn/article/84/1/63/4633023.
“Carotenoids.” Linus Pauling Institute, 1 Jan. 2021, lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/dietary-factors/phytochemicals/carotenoids.