37/365 Pass the Peppers Please

Friends and Fitness Enthusiasts,

I remember this one episode of Home Improvement where Tim ate some jalepenos and couldn't figure out how to cool his mouth down. I often felt this way as a child. Spicy food was just not happening with me. Prompted by a follower, I decided to look into spicy foods and see what health benefits come with the torture and tastiness.

Peppers have large amounts of Vitamin C and A; they are also low in calories and fat. Peppers raise your body temperature. However, if you're in a hot environment, you will actually feel cooler because the spices will induce sweating and help cool you off. Sweating means that you are burning calories, yay!

If you're not used to eating spicy foods, trying them will probably deter you from eating a whole lot. It's a way to trick yourself into eating less. If you like spicy foods, this probably won't work too well for you. However, you are not exempt from the other health benefits of those hot peppers. Curcumin, found in tumeric and other spices, has been found to reduce inflammation and aid in muscle repair after a big workout. I approve! You may have spicy food as your recovery food. Spicy food is clearly (for me) slightly pain inducing. This causes your brain to release endorphins so that you feel good. Endorphins make you happy and happy people just don't kill their husbands (thank you Elle Woods for explaining that to me).

Spiciness also adds flavor without the sodium! So next time your reach for the salt, reach for the pepper instead.

In health,

Lauren