| Good morning! Hope this finds you well. Lots of activity this week? Lots of walking and singing and dancing? Sweet. Today, we’re going to touch on the health benefits of peppers. You’re busy, I’m verbose. Let’s hit the high points:Why are they good? Pain reduction, weight loss, all that good antioxidant stuff, and lots of vitamins.Antioxidants? Yep. Phytochemicals that neutralize the free radicals that damage cells.Thanks, now I’m asleep. That’s not a question.Seriously, these antioxidants can reduce or prevent symptoms of certain diseases. C’mon. Wake up, there are preliminary, non-human studies showing they prevent or slow cancer in animals.What about their vitamins and nutrients? Vitamin A, B6, C, Beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein, and others. Plus certain peppers have lots of fiber, folate, and important minerals.Don’t peppers have Capsaicin? What is that? That is what gives peppers their heat. It’s an antioxidant that releases endorphins. It’s also suggested to increase your metabolism to provide modest weight loss. The Mayans and Aztecs used to think of it as an aphrodisiac.Aphrodisiac? Next question. We’re all at workSounds like hot peppers could be very good for me. What if I don’t like heat? Start with bell peppers (zero capsaicin) and gradually work your way up. Your taste buds will get used to them. Make sure you get rid of the veins and seeds – they are the hottest part. You can make salsa, add some jalapenos to guacamole, mix it in with some soups – you can find a way. Roast some poblanos. What if I have GERD or heartburn? Don’t eat them. It should make it worse.Cool. What if I climb the pepper ladder too fast?Dairy neutralizes them. Remember, you will acclimate. Start small and go slow.What’s a nosey pepper do? Get jalapeño business. |
