Negative Calorie Diet - Health Benefits of Hot Peppers

Negative Calorie Diet

Hot peppers... they can add a gentle kick to any dish, or they can set your whole mouth on fire. But are you aware that hot peppers are also good for you? The substance that causes the burn, capsaicin, has several healthy benefits.

Capsaicin can be effective in relieving pain. Studies have shown that capsaicin is effective in relieving migraines, and sinus headaches, as well as arthritis pain. Capsaicin may also help to relieve muscle pain and other pains as well. There are several creams and ointments that use capsaicin as an active ingredient, of course it's much more enjoyable to eat a hot pepper, than to rub it on your skin.

Contrary to popular belief, capsaicin and hot peppers can actually help to aid in digestion and to heal ulcers. Studies have shown that capsaicin can help to prevent ulcers by killing the bacteria that cause them. Hot peppers also stimulate the lining of the stomach, causing the lining to secrete protective juices to help heal the stomach.

If you're congested, then hot peppers may be just the thing for you. Capsaicin can help to clear mucus from your sinuses or congested lungs.

Red chili peppers have been shown to have cardiovascular benefits, lowering cholesterol, and helping to prevent blood clots. Countries where hot peppers are eaten more tend to have a lower rate of heart attacks and strokes. Red chile peppers also contain beta-carotene, which helps to improve vision, and as an anti-oxidant, helps to prevent and repair damage by free radicals.

There are also other benefits to hot peppers. The heat that you feel when you eat hot peppers takes energy to produce, that means that to produce that heat, your body is burning calories. And when your body burns calories, there are less calories available to be stored as fat. So, hot peppers are a great addition to a negative calorie diet. Hot peppers also trigger endorphin production. Endorphins are natural opiates produced by the body in response to pain... in this case, the burning sensation from eating the hot pepper. This is why you may feel a bit "high" after eating hot peppers.

Chili Heads rejoice. Not only do hot peppers add a kick to your meals, they are also very good for you.

TOMATO AND MANGO SALSA

1 mango, peeled and diced
1 medium tomato, diced
1/2 small red onion, diced
1 Tbsp fresh basil, mint, or a combination of both, shredded
1 Tbsp lime juice
1 habanero or scotch bonnet pepper

Combine the mango, tomato, onion, basil and/or mint, lime juice, and habanero.

Cover and refrigerate.

If you want a less spicy salsa, use a jalapeno or serrano peper instead of the habanero.
negative calorie diet