5. Culinary herbs and spices with health benefits – Cayenne
Capsaicin is the main ingredient in hot sauce, cayenne, and other chilies that are responsible for its amazing health benefits. It has great anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that has made it an active ingredient in over-the-counter pain creams. Capsaicin also reduces your appetite and bolsters your metabolism-making it a key ingredient if you’re trying to lose some weight. By stimulating circulation and sweating, it also is great for your next total body detox. And, just like most of the other spices in this list, animal studies have shown that capsaicin can combat certain types of cancer such as lung and liver cancers. No matter what way you’re trying to whip your body into shape, cayenne will help do the trick
How to Use: You don’t need hot sauce in your bag, but you could stand to add a dash in any savory meat or vegetable dish. Throw in some cayenne powder into popcorn to give it a little extra pop, or add some to pasta sauce for a fiery kick. Be warned though, the more you get used to the spice the more you have to use to get the beneficial effects. If cayenne is too tame for you go with another pepper that has capsaicin like a hot habeñero. If you aren’t used to the spice, no worries! Try a pimento or other non-spicy pepper that can give you similar effects.
Image Source – superherbalfoods