Keep the Fire Burning: Red-Hot Metabolism

Photo: Courtesy of broscience.co

Cayenne, the spice of life, can literally heal pain, boost your metabolism, and possibly prevent a heart attack. This curvaceous little red pepper has a slew of other amazing benefits. I love cayenne pepper so much that I add it to everything, even coffee for an extra punch.  I must confess, I’m a little over-the-top with cayenne. It’s an affair I started years ago and a marriage I continue to this day. Okay enough about me, let’s talk cayenne.

This red pepper got its name from the region of its origins, the Cayenne regions of the French Guiana, a name derived from the Tupi Indians. Cayenne is now grown in India, East Africa, Mexico, and the United States and in most tropical and subtropical areas. Cayenne is also known as capsicum, Guinea spice, African chilies, red-hot chili pepper, and red pepper in its powdered form. It’s high in vitamins and minerals: Vitamin A, B₆, E, C, riboflavin, potassium, and manganese.

Cayenne pepper belongs to the genus Capsicumand.  Capsicum, the fruit of the capsicum plant, is used medicinally, and can be found in many medicines. You might have noticed a number of sports remedies containing capsaicin, used to reduce joint pain, common sports injuries, pain from surgery, and other ailments:

• Nervous system disorders: diabetic neuropathy, trigeminal neuralgia, and shingles
• Cluster Headaches (Migraines)
• Joint problems such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
• Skin conditions such as psoriasis

As an antioxidant, capsaicin protects the cells of the body from:

• Harmful free radicals, and
• Protects against bacterial infections

In addition, the capsaicin in cayenne peppers:

• Lowers cholesterol
• Regulates high blood pressure
• Prevents heart disease
• Alleviates cramps

Detoxifying Properties

Cayenne pepper is also used for its detoxifying effect. It stimulates circulatory system by opening the capillaries, eliminating acidity, and regulating blood.

• Enhances metabolism, which in turn facilitates fat burning and weight loss and suppresses the appetite
• Regulates the digestive system by stimulating gastric juices which in turn, aids in food digestion, and moving bacteria and toxins out of the body

Using Cayenne in Diet

There are many ways to add cayenne to your diet. One of my favorite detox drinks is cayenne added to lemon, ginger, warm water with a touch of agave nectar. And a second favorite is to add it to a nutritious treat such as nuts.

Photo: Courtesy of  Aleksandrs Kosarevs/iStock/Getty Images

 

Cayenne Tea

Ingredients

3 thin slices of ginger

1 slice of lemon or 1 wedge of lemon

1 teaspoon of agave nectar or molasses

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

A cup of boiled water

Directions

Place ginger, agave nectar, and lemon into the cup.

Pour hot water over it.

Add cayenne and stir.

Cayenne-Spiced Pecans

Ingredients

3 1/2 cups pecan halves

1/2 cup maple syrup

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Line the baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.

Add all ingredients in a bowl and combine.

Spread pecans on the baking sheet.

Bake for 15 minutes and stir every 5 minutes.

Remove from oven place on a large plate or tray.

Place in the refrigerator for ten minutes to cool, for crisp nuts.

Store pecans in a Mason jar or airtight container for about a week.

Enjoy!