Burn it baby..with CHILLI!

Every time I feel a niggle at the back of my throat or I start to feel those sinuses getting congested I turn to Chilli!

It started out as just a pure craving! The funny thing is I only ever crave Chilli when my immune system seems to be on the down side..... I don't question it, I just go out and buy some fresh chilli's, throw them in my blender and mix with olive oil.

That BURN is incredible, and boy does it work it's magic! Within minutes I start to feel better and within an hour or two whatever symptoms I had are pretty much gone!!

But What is it about Chilli that does that?? Well I've decided to research this and here you have it..Chilli is Dynamit! And this is why we should all add it to our diet.

Chilli

Putting it simply Chilli is a SUPER FOOD! It is a fruit of plant belonging to Capsicum genus. Capsicum is derived from the Greek word "Kapsimo" meaning "to bite."

Chilli is a great source of Antioxidants and Vitamins A, B, C and E with minerals such as copper, thiamin, potassium, folate,molybdenum and manganese. Chilli Contains SEVEN Times more Vitamin C than an orange!

It is a natural antibiotic (Well now that makes a lot of sense) Since 1498 when Chilli's were introduced to India, they have been included in the Ayurvedic medicines and have been used as tonic to ward off many diseases.

 Chilli's not only help clear out the lungs and stimulate the digestive system, they also fantastic for slimming down as they help burn Calories easily!!! 

Now this is my kind of power food!

In summary here are some of the benefits of Chilli.

•               Detoxicants: Chilli acts as a detoxifier, it removes waste products from our body and increases supply nutrients to the tissues. It also acts as gastrointestinal detoxicants helping in the digestion of food.

•               Antibiotic: Chillies brings fresh blood to the site of the infection. The fresh blood fights the infection meaning the white blood cells and leukocytes present in the fresh blood fights the viruses. 

•                Pain killer: Chillies stimulates the release of endorphins that are natural pain killers. It relieves pain caused due to shingles (Herpes Zoster), bursitis, diabetic neuropathy, muscle spasm in shoulders, arthritic pains and extremities.

•               Cancer: It has been noted that vitamin C, beta-carotene and folic acid found in chilli reduces the risk of colon cancer. Chillies such as red pepper have cartonoid lycopene, which prevents cancer disease. 

•               Brain: Capsaicin stimulates the brain to excrete endorphins and gives a sense of pleasure when ingested. This is the reason people get addicted to chilli! 

•               Lung disease : Chillies gives relief from nasal congestion by increasing the metabolism. It also dilates airway of lungs which reduces asthma and wheezing. 

•               Capsaicin : Chillies have vitamin C and Vitamin A containing beta-carotenoids which are powerful antioxidant. These antioxidants destroy free radical bodies that may cause damage within our bodies. The antioxidants present in the chilli wipe out the radical bodies that could build up cholesterol causing major heart diseases.

References:Phyllis A.Balch (2006). Prescription for Nutritional Healing Fourth Edition. New York. Penguin Group USA; Chilly.in

XXX

K

SUPPLEMENT OF THE WEEK

VITAMIN C (Ascorbic Acid)

I know it's nothing new, most of us read about Vitamin C all the time... you should take it daily, it boost your immune system etc etc..... BUT it not only boosts your immune system, Vitamin C has so many beneficial properties especially if you want look good and feel healthy.
Here's why you should take Vitamin C  more seriously and add it as part of your daily supplement range:

Vitamin C is an anti oxidant that is required for over 300 hundred metabolic functions in the body, tissue growth & repair,healthy gums,adrenal gland function. It also aids in reducing the levels of bad cholesterol while increasing good cholesterol (high-density lipoproteins).
Some of you may already know that Vitamin C is good for great looking skin... which in all honesty no matter how perfectly toned your body is, if your skin is dull and unhealthy you wont look good at all! Think of your skin as the Canvas of your body. For an artist if the canvas is not the best quality, firm and well primed..nothing the artist paints on it will look good. Vitamin C is essential in the formation of collagen which gives us that plump youthful looking skin. So first invest in Vitamin C and leave the botox for later ;))

Vitamin C also aids in weight loss. Yes it DOES! Vitamin C aids in weight loss around the mid section.

If you have higher levels of vitamin C in the blood stream you’ll burn fat at a faster rate when you exercise.It has to do with the relationship between vitamin C and L-carnitine apparently. Carnitine is important in carrying energy to the heart of each cell in the body.

Vitamin C is vital for the production of carnitine so not getting enough vitamin C will deplete your energy levels and cause your body to store fat in your muscles.

The result – excess weight and flab – and for those in their middle age that means more abdominal flab!!

Because the body cannot produce Vitamin C it is essential we take it as part of our daily supplements.

Sources of VIT C: Berries,citrus fruit, green leafy vegetables,avocado's,beetroot,grapefruit, spinach, oranges to name a few.

You can use a powdered Vitamin C that you can get form Dischem. Mix it in with a glass of water, I believe your body absorbs it quicker that way.

References:
http://www.simplyantiaging.com/617/vitamin-c-weight-loss/
Phyllis A.Balch (2006). Prescription for Nutritional Healing Fourth Edition. New York. Penguin Group USA

Much Love!
XXX
K