The vibrant red colour of paprika is because it contains high levels of carotene, the same pigment found most notably in, believe it or not, carrots.
Polyphenols, such as curcumin, have gained popularity because epidemiological studies have repeatedly shown that diets rich in them can provide inflammatory relief. At the molecular level, polyphenols help stabilize oxidation in cellular components. Oxidation can lead to damage to organelles within cells, including mitochondria, the cell powerhouses where much of the cell's energy is produced by the oxygen we breathe. Eating foods with antioxidant properties, such as berries, nuts, healthy fats, and turmeric, is thought to help maintain levels of oxidative damage.
Pronounced as “gwaa-hee-oh“, guajillo is hotter than ancho chili powder and brings a spicy kick that ranges from 2,500 to 5,000 SHU. Apart from its spicy taste, this substitute has a lot more going on in flavor than cayenne. It is pleasingly sharp, tangy, and smoky just like paprika. That is why it’s also a good substitute for both hot and smoked paprika.