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Functional Nutrition: A Cayenne Elixir to Stay Warm and Healthy


By Emanuela Visone, CFNC, CHC, CLC


Could a Simple Spice Be the Key to Staying Warm, Healthy, and Energized This Winter?

When the chill of winter sets in, it's tempting to stay indoors, crank up the heat, and bundle under a cozy blanket. Even for those who love winter's brisk energy, this season invites us to pause, reflect, and care for ourselves. Winter is nature’s rest-and-digest season—a time to nourish our bodies and rekindle our inner glow.


One of my favorite ways to stay warm and healthy during these colder months is by turning to cayenne pepper. This fiery spice not only adds heat to your meals but also offers incredible health benefits. Let’s explore why cayenne is a must-have on your functional nutrition journey and how you can incorporate it into your daily routine.



The Magic of Cayenne

Cayenne, known for its vibrant red color and spicy kick, has been a staple in kitchens and medicine cabinets for centuries. Its magic lies in capsaicin, the active compound responsible for cayenne’s heat and healing properties.


Whether you’re a spice lover or prefer just a touch of heat, cayenne can support your health in remarkable ways.



Health Benefits of Cayenne

  1. Pain Relief

    Capsaicin helps reduce pain by depleting substance P, a chemical that transmits pain signals to the brain. It’s especially helpful for joint pain and headaches.

  2. Improved Circulation

    Cayenne enhances blood flow, regulating blood pressure and warming extremities. It's great for keeping cold feet toasty and reducing peripheral neuropathy symptoms.

  3. Metabolic Boost

    Capsaicin increases your body’s internal temperature and can help curb cravings, supporting healthy weight management.

  4. Respiratory Support

    Fighting a cold? Cayenne clears respiratory passages and opens airways, making it easier to breathe.

  5. Digestive Health

    Cayenne stimulates digestive enzymes and gastric juices, aiding in better digestion and nutrient absorption.



Functional Nutrition in a Cup: Superfood Mexican Hot Chocolate

Warm up with this delicious cayenne-infused recipe that’s perfect for cozy nights:


Ingredients:

  • 1 cup full-fat coconut or cashew milk

  • 1/4 tsp vanilla extract

  • 1/8 tsp ground Ceylon cinnamon

  • 1 cinnamon stick (plus one for garnish)

  • 2 Tbsp unsweetened raw cacao powder

  • 1 tsp maca powder (optional)

  • A small pinch of cayenne

  • Stevia or maple syrup to taste


Preparation:

  1. In a saucepan over medium-low heat, combine all ingredients.

  2. Stir until well-blended and heated through.

  3. Remove the cinnamon stick and serve warm, garnished with another cinnamon stick for stirring.



Cayenne Remedies You Can Try at Home

  • Joint Pain Relief: Mix cayenne with coconut oil and apply to painful areas (avoid cuts).

  • Digestive Issues: Add a dash of cayenne to warm water or lemon water.

  • Sore Throat: Gargle warm water with cayenne for quick relief.

  • Cold Feet: Sprinkle cayenne in your socks for instant warmth.

  • Cold & Flu: Try cayenne-based remedies like Fire Cider to boost immunity.



Are You Ready to Transform Your Winter Wellness Routine?This winter, let cayenne pepper be your secret weapon for warmth, health, and vitality. Whether you’re sipping on a mug of Superfood Mexican Hot Chocolate or adding a dash to your favorite recipes, cayenne’s benefits go far beyond its spicy kick.


Visit www.embodyvitality.net to explore more natural ways to stay healthy and vibrant all year long. Let’s make this winter your healthiest yet!



References:

Functional Nutrition: A Cayenne Elixir to Stay Warm and Healthy

BY: Andrea Nakayama

DATE: 2017-11-30

Basith S, Cui M, Hong S, Choi S. Harnessing the Therapeutic Potential of Capsaicin and Its Analogues in Pain and Other Diseases. Molecules. 2016;21(8):966. Published 2016 Jul 23. doi:10.3390/molecules21080966

Fattori V, Hohmann MS, Rossaneis AC, Pinho-Ribeiro FA, Verri WA. Capsaicin: Current Understanding of Its Mechanisms and Therapy of Pain and Other Pre-Clinical and Clinical Uses. Molecules. 2016;21(7):844. Published 2016 Jun 28. doi:10.3390/molecules21070844

McCarty MF, DiNicolantonio JJ, O’Keefe JH. Capsaicin may have important potential for promoting vascular and metabolic health. Open Heart. 2015;2(1):e000262. Published 2015 Jun 17. doi:10.1136/openhrt-2015-000262

Juturu V. Capsaicinoids Modulating Cardiometabolic Syndrome Risk Factors: Current Perspectives. J Nutr Metab. 2016;2016:4986937. doi:10.1155/2016/4986937Dumitrache MD, Jieanu AS, Scheau C, et al. Comparative effects of capsaicin in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma (Review). Exp Ther Med. 2021;22(3):917. doi:10.3892/etm.2021.10349

 
 
 

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