Cayenne pepper has long been a well loved ingredient in cold remedies, as well as a popular metabolism booster, but I was surprised to find out the list of other benefits it boasts. After doing a little research I discovered perhaps why I’ve been craving this biting spice.
Originally discovered by Christopher Columbus (known as Guinea Pepper), it was primarily used by natives of the tropical Americas. It was established as a popular medicinal spice in other cultures long before it made its debut in western medicine in the twentieth century- finally making its way into medical journals as a successful topical analgesic, gastric and metabolic stimulant, with a host of other valuable medicinal qualities. In some cultures it is used to treat fevers as well as an intestinal disinfectant and protectant against contaminated food. Indian culture includes this spice in almost every dish they eat in the morning and the evening, providing intestinal cleansing, a boost to metabolism and a variety of other essential vitamins.
I was intrigued to discover that not only does it help in digestion by kickstarting the GI system to move waste and toxins out of the body, but it prevents blood clots, can relieve migraines, normalize glucose levels, prevent allergies, relieve joint and nerve pain, aide in the treatment of psoriasis when used topically, and is a good source of Vitamin A and Vitamin E. Here are a couple of related sources on cayenne that I found interesting to read.
- Dr. Axe Food is Medicine
- Dr. Gregor on fat burning properties of cayenne
- Dr Gregor on cayenne pepper and IBS
- Dr. Gregor on which spices fight inflammation
I started throwing it in my morning green smoothie, but wanted to develop a more balanced pairing of flavor to enjoy the spicy instead of suffer through it. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. I find myself as excited about drinking this smoothie in the morning as I am my cup of coffee.
For this smoothie you can use cayenne powder or the actual cayenne pepper. Even with 1/4 tsp of cayenne a day, you will still get a ton of benefit. Start with a little and add more if you can handle the heat. Some is better than none and I’ve discovered that I’m becoming more tolerant of the heat the more I drink it. Add the ingredients into your blender or Vitamix in the order listed.
Spicy Berry Mojito Smoothie
Family Size Recipe: 50 oz. (cut in half for one 24 oz serving)
- 2 Cups Water
- 3 Cups Frozen Mixed Berries (Choose your favorites or just buy the pre-mixed frozen berries)
- 1 Cup Frozen Mango Chunks
- 2 Oranges (peeled)
- 1 Avocado (skinned and pitted)
- 1/8-1/4 Tsp Cayenne Pepper Powder OR whole Cayenne Pepper (start with the size of a nickel)
- 6-8 Broad Leaf Mint Leaves
- 1 Cup Ice
For one 24 oz. serving
- 1 Cup Water
- 1 1/2 Cups Frozen Mixed Berries
- 1/2 Cup Frozen Mango Chunks
- 1 Orange (peeled)
- 1/2 Avocado (skinned and pitted)
- 1/8 Tsp Cayenne Pepper Powder OR whole Cayenne Pepper (start with the size of a dime)
- 3-5 Broad Leaf Mint Leaves
- 1/2 Cup Ice
Soulja Life 