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July 8, 2022 • Weight Control

Hot Sauce Can Kick Up Your Metabolism

If you want to burn more calories after a meal, experience reduced hunger, as well as a more uplifted mood, add a liberal dash or two of red pepper flakes or even better, some hot pepper sauce to your dishes.

Studies show that capsaicin, the component in hot peppers that provides their hot kick, can mitigate hunger, transiently kick up metabolism, and increase endorphin release–one of the bodies feel-better compounds. The hotter, the more capsaicin present, so go as hot as works for your palate. 

If you need more motivation to get hot more often, keep in mind that capsaicin is also a potent inhibitor of substance P, a neuropeptide associated with driving inflammation. It’s no wonder then that hot sauce and hot peppers appear to assuage pain, especially pain tied to arthritis and neuropathies. Hot peppers may also lower your risk of type 2 diabetes by reducing high insulin levels. 

Bottom line: hot peppers and hot sauce are medicinal foods so enjoy them liberally!

RED PEPPER VINAIGRETTE

This refreshing and healthy dressing is fantastic for a change of taste. It is delicious for any steamed vegetable and of course your salads! The capsaicin in the red peppers can even kick up your metabolism!

Ingredients

  • 3 Tbsp. canola oil
  • ⅓ cup apple juice
  • ⅓ cup apple cider vinegar
  • 3 cloves fresh garlic
  • ½ tsp. dried oregano or 1 Tbsp. fresh oregano, chopped
  • ¾ tsp. mustard powder
  • ½ tsp. paprika
  • ½ tsp. dried thyme or 1 Tbsp. fresh thyme, chopped
  • 1 roasted red pepper*
  • ½ Tbsp. red pepper flakes

Directions

Put all ingredients into a blender (I use my magic bullet) and blend until smooth.

*To roast red pepper, simply place the red bell pepper into an oven preheated to 500 degrees. Roast until the skin blisters and is charred a bit – about 5-7 minutes. Remove pepper from the oven and place in a bowl covered with tin foil or a plate. Once cooled, peel the skin off.

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