Spice Up Your Diet with Chili Peppers

Improve your diet and assuage common body aches and pains with fiery chili peppers

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Also known as: Bell, Jalapeno, Serrano, Ghost, and so many more

Likes: Seeing the affect he has on you

Dislikes: Cold, it goes against his fiery nature

Hobbies: Brightening up the garden and your everyday dishes

Find him: Spicing up dishes around the world, from Pad Thai to Enchiladas

Chili Pepper is one hot fruit!  He’s been around for thousands of years, adding flavor and spice to dishes.  With origins in South and Central America, he’s been key in the traditions of ancient cultures, as well as changed the face of food the world over as he made his way across the oceans to help create new culinary traditions.

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Chili Pepper’s not just a fiery fruit; he brings a host of health benefits to your diet, too.  The compound that gives him his tear and sweat inducing burn, capsaicin, also happens to be a powerful antioxidant, showing promise at improving circulation, fighting inflammation, relieving pain and fighting certain kinds of cancer cells.  On top of that, Chili Pepper is a great way to get vitamins A and C.  For those who would rather steer clear of the spice and still get the some health benefits, opt for bell peppers.  Bell peppers are good sources of fiber, folate and vitamin K, on top of the vitamin A and C.  For the more adventurous diners, a little Serrano might be a good choice for an extra dose of capsaicin to really get you moving.

While Chili Pepper is currently being studied for his effects on weight loss, research is still preliminary.  He’d rather you focus on his flavor enhancing abilities and the rush of endorphins he’s shown to induce… once the burn subsides.

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To add a little Chili Pepper to your healthy diet:

• Fold sliced bell peppers into your morning omelet
   
• Scoop up chunky, spicy salsa with tortilla chips for a snack
   
• Stuff larger, mild peppers like bell or Anaheim with ground turkey and a whole grain
   
• Choose world cuisines like Thai, Indian and Mexican, known for using plenty of peppers

For more ideas try these menu choices from participating Healthy Dining restaurants:

• Blackened Cumin Cayenne Tilapia at Christy’s Fine Food and Catering (380 calories, 11 g fat).  Located in Stonewall, MS.
   
• Chipotle Chicken Caesar Salad at Joe’s Crab Shack (490 calories, 19 g fat).  Located nationwide. 
   
• Jalapeno and Cheese Kolaches (2) at Kolache Factory (410 calories, 16 g fat).  Located in TX, MO, CO, KS, OH. 
   
• Full Classic Salad: Spicy Veggie at Salad Creations (260 calories, 13 g fat).  Located in CA, FL, IL, MD, MI, NY, MT, VA, TX, MS, WI. 
   
• Appetizer: Wild Striped Bass Ceviche (Serves 2) at 10 Arts Bistro & Lounge (100 calories, 4 g fat).  Located in Philadelphia, PA.

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