Antioxidants in Peppers!
Today we are focusing on the Red Pepper family of spices. You probably mostly think of HOT when you hear red pepper flakes, or ground red pepper, which is called cayenne. However, chili powder and paprika are also in this family of spices, which you might have guessed from the color.
These spices all contain capsaicin, a phytochemical and powerful antioxidant in peppers that give Chiles their heat. Actually, the hotter the pepper, the more capsaicin is in it. Chili powder and paprika are also good sources of this antioxidant, with less heat!
Peppers Reduce Calorie Intake and Increase Metabolism!
Another supposed benefit of red pepper is it’s ability to make you feel more satiated, or full. Some studies indicate that when people add red pepper to their food, they consume fewer calories at that meal while still feeling satisfied.
My theory is that whenever I eat hot foods, I end up drinking so much water that it fills me up! However, the study showed that people consumed fewer calories in the meal following as well.
In addition, some studies have shown that peppers may be able to increase metabolism, which in turn burns more calories. Consuming fewer calories at meals while burning more calories throughout the day is a good combination for a healthy weight!
Chicken (or Tofu) Fajitas:
Now that you have even more reasons to include peppers into your regular eating habits, here is a recipe that I made last night. Simple, yummy AND cancer fighting. You can’t go wrong!
Chicken or Tofu Fajitas
- boneless (skinless chicken, cut into strips OR firm tofu, cut into strips)
- pre-cut onion and pepper mix (i bought mine at Whole Foods, but I've seen them at many other grocery stores)
- cooking oil (i used canola)
- whole wheat tortillas
- shredded cheddar cheese
- diced tomatoes (can buy them pre-diced if you want)
- lettuce
- fat free sour cream
- salsa (optional – i did not use it)
- paprika
- oregano
- chili powder
- cayenne (if you want extra spice!)
- Cut chicken or tofu into strips before cooking
- Heat pan with oil, add chicken or tofu and cooked through
- Add onion and peppers and cook until onions are soft
- Add desired amount of oregano, paprika, chili powder and cayenne and mix. I sprinkled them all around and was careful with the cayenne!
- Put shredded cheese in the tortillas, scoop the chicken and pepper mix in, and top with lettuce, tomato, sour cream and salsa.
- Enjoy!
My husband and I found this to be very tasty! It was also good reheated today for lunch.
Let me know what you think!
– Julie
