Spice Up Your Life - Astounding Health Benefits of Chili Peppers

When I was 16 years old I left my family and home, on the outskirts of Paris, to live with an aunt and uncle for a year, in a little town called La Mesa, about a half hour drive from Las Cruces New Mexico.

I cannot begin to tell you how different my life suddenly was...

I was living out in "the desert," amidst the beautiful mesas for which New Mexico is famous. I was surrounded by new sights and smells. Life was lived at a different pace. One of my most vivid memories are endless rows of chile peppers surrounding my aunt and uncle's house.

My mom is of Mexican descent and I'd spent many formative summers in Texas.

In Texas I enjoyed delicious homemade Mexican food lovingly prepared by my grandmother, but I had never seen so many chilies! Also I never imagined how many different types of chili peppers there were. Poblanos, Jalapenos, Green Chilies, Red Chilies, Habaneros, and of course Cayenne, which packs quite a punch for such a small pepper.

My aunt, who was a vegetarian, cooked with them regularly and loved the extra heat they added to her meals. Once I got past the burning fire that enveloped my mouth, I began to appreciate the subtle nuances in flavor.

Have you ever bitten into a chili pepper?

You are instantly overcome by a wave of intense heat. Not only does your mouth feel like it's on fire but your entire body reacts. Your skin gets flushed, burning hot, and you begin to sweat. This reaction is called a thermogenic reaction, and it is caused by a chemical found in all peppers called Capsaicin.

Capsaicin, the magical ingredient in chili, has numerous healing properties.

Indeed, chili peppers of all varieties have been used for centuries by Native Americans and other cultures around the world for its many therapeutic properties. Chili peppers have proven invaluable in treating ailments such as diabetes, osteoarthritis, ulcers, migraine headaches and many more.

Here are just a few of the astounding health benefits of chili peppers:

Peppers Burn Fat!

Capsaicin causes your basal metabolic rate to increase significantly for up to 3 hours after consumption.

Capsaicin also leads to a process called Lipid Oxidation, during which fat is burned for energy. These combined effects make peppers a phenomenal tool for optimizing your workouts and weight loss efforts.

I'm sure you've heard of the Master Cleanse, (water, lemon, maple syrup and cayenne pepper) and possibly even used it once or twice. The key ingredient in this cleanse is the capsaicin found in the cayenne pepper. It boosts your metabolism, suppresses hunger, and normalizes blood sugar levels.

Peppers lower Blood Sugar

A study conducted by the University of Tasmania and published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in July of 2006 demonstrated that peppers played a key role in regulating insulin levels.

In patients who consumed chili peppers during a meal, the amount of insulin needed to lower blood sugar levels was reduced by an astounding 60%.

The exact reason for this is not yet clearly understood, but for people suffering from diabetes this could be life changing. For some patients this could mean eliminating the need for insulin injections.

Peppers are a Natural Anti-Inflammatory and Pain Killer

Capsaicin has been shown to inhibit a neuropeptide called Substance P, which is our body's key pain transmitter.

Researchers at Harvard University have communicated that capsaicin targets pain receptors without causing damage to the nervous system.

Possibly one of the most exciting aspect of these findings is the ability to gain massive pain relief without the side effects commonly associated with synthetic pain killers. You won't get drowsy or dizzy from the intake of chili peppers, which provides a huge benefit for students and parents alike.

For migraine sufferers and those afflicted by arthritis or other auto-immune diseases which lead to excessive pain who prefer not to depend on drugs for pain relief this is very exciting!

Peppers Relieve Congestion

Have you noticed how your nasal passages clear up instantly after you eat curry or another spicy food?

The thermogenic reaction caused by capsaicin plays a key role in the breaking down and clearing of mucus secretions. This is a tremendous asset in the fight against colds and flu, as well as allergies

So, the next time you feel a cold coming on, drink a cup of warm water with a slice of lemon and a dash of cayenne pepper and you'll feel instant relief.

Peppers May Fight Cancer

Several studies have demonstrated that chili peppers can play an important role in the fight against cancer.
These studies have focused primarily on two types of cancer: prostate cancer and lung cancer.

Through these studies, scientist have found that not only does capsaicin inhibit the growth of cancer cells, but, especially in the case of prostate cancer, it causes cancer cells to auto destroy.

Though most of the studies have been conducted in mice, researchers have found the same effect on human cancer cells in cultures. This makes peppers an important ally in the fight against cancers of all types.

Peppers promote a Healthy Heart

Peppers act as a natural blood thinner which leads to improved circulation and reduced blood clots.
Peppers are also rich in Vitamin A and C and bioflavonoids which help strengthen blood vessels making them more elastic.

This is key in the fight against strokes and heart attacks.

Peppers Fight Bad Breath

Forgot to brush your teeth before you left the house? No problem. Dab a drop of concentrated cayenne pepper oil on your tongue and you are good as gold. The pepper causes an increase in saliva production which not only aids in healthy digestion but combats unpleasant odors as well.

As you can see the benefits of adding chili peppers to your daily diet are many.

And the good news is that adding peppers to your diet is simpler than ever. You can add peppers fresh, dried or in a powder form. Sprinkle pepper flakes on a salad or add a dash of cayenne pepper to your hot cocoa or green smoothie for an amazing boost.

So, don't be shy, reach for the chili peppers. Turn up the heat, and add some spice (and years) to your life.

Chili peppers are one of many foods with vast health benefits. You'll find more information on all aspects of a healthy life at http://www.ScrumptiousMoms.com. Valerie Remy-Milora helps hundreds of women each day, put the "me" back into mom and enjoy a truly fulfilling life with their loved ones. Moms who want to feel beautiful and vibrantly healthy love the advice she shares through http://www.ScrumptiousMoms.com.

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