Hot Peppers- 3 Reasons to Bring on the Heat

Turn up the heat with this spicy superfood.

When it comes to hot peppers and improving your health…the hotter, the better.  It turns out that the same compounds that make your eyes water and your pulse quicken when you munch a particular hot pepper have some amazing health benefits, too! Discover tasty ways to add this superfood to your meal plan with some of our best pepper recipes, and learn more about the health benefits of this healthful, yet spicy, food below.

You’ll love these PEPPER RECIPES:
Turkey and Quinoa Stuffed Peppers
Roasted Broccoli and Red Peppers
Mexican Vegetarian Loaf with Cayenne Peppers
Jazzy Pork Tenderloin with Chile Peppers
Skinny Chicken Tortilla Soup with Jalapeno Peppers
Habanero Guacamole Dip

 

For a complete list of superfoods, check out 50 Superfoods, the Ultimate Shopping List.

 

3 REASONS TO BRING ON THE HEAT WITH HOT PEPPERS:

1. Peppers are Loaded with Capsaicsin, an Anti-Inflammatory Cancer Fighter

All peppers, from bell peppers to ghost peppers and every pepper in between, contain compounds, called capsaicsinoids, which allow them to offer extraordinary health properties. It is capsaicsin that gives peppers their spicy flavor, so the spicier the pepper, the more of these health benefits that can be had. Research has shown that foods loaded with capsaicsin have the ability to fight inflammation, prevent heart disease, alleviate arthritis pain, lower blood pressure, and improve circulation.

2. Hot Peppers Offer Other Important Nutrients, Too

In addition to capsaicsin, hot peppers contain vitamin A, vitamin C, beta-carotene and other powerful antioxidants. Scientists have discovered that this healthy combination of nutrients can help fight cancer by attacking the cells that cause it.

3. You Can Still Enjoy the Benefits of Peppers, Even if You’re Not a Fan of Spicy Foods

Don’t let that stop you from receiving all of the health benefits that hot peppers can offer. Start by adding the hottest peppers you can tolerate to your cooking, even if they’re mild. Over time, your body will build up a tolerance to spice, and you may even find yourself reaching for the hot sauce.

Here are a few of our favorite peppers:

Habanero Peppers– a small red/yellow pepper with high heat

Jalapeno Peppers- a small green pepper that is particularly popular in Tex-Mex cuisine; the heat rating of these peppers can vary

Thai Peppers- a small red pepper with very high heat

Poblano Peppers– a very flavorful pepper with mild heat

There are literally hundreds of peppers to choose from! You’re sure to find a few varieties that are just right for you.

 

For more delicious recipes and healthy lifestyle tips, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter.

 

This post may include affiliate links.

Kym Votruba

More by Kym

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *