Believe it or not, paprika is one of the most beneficial spices you can add to your dishes. This is because the active ingredient in paprika is capsaicin which has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant benefits. Paprika is a native of South America that was naturalized when introduced to both Hungary and Spain. It is often divided into three categories; hot paprika, sweet paprika, and smoked paprika. It is used around the world in meat rubs, marinades, and seasoned salt and can even be used to naturally color foods.