{"id":11064,"date":"2017-11-30T08:45:27","date_gmt":"2017-11-30T08:45:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fxnutrition.com\/?p=11064"},"modified":"2025-08-28T15:05:46","modified_gmt":"2025-08-28T15:05:46","slug":"a-cayenne-elixir-to-stay-warm-and-healthy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fxnutrition.com\/blog\/a-cayenne-elixir-to-stay-warm-and-healthy","title":{"rendered":"Functional Nutrition: A Cayenne Elixir to Stay Warm and Healthy"},"content":{"rendered":"

When it\u2019s cold outside, I\u2019m tempted to kick up the heat and stay in.<\/span><\/p>\n

Even if you love the chill on your cheeks and you\u2019re a self-proclaimed snow-bunny, you may find that there are moments, as the season shifts, that you\u2019re drawn inside, to rekindle your glow. And, it\u2019s no surprise! Traditionally, winter is a time to focus INWARD, not outward. It\u2019s a time to receive, not act.<\/span><\/p>\n

Winter is the rest-and-digest season. As the temperature drops, we usually crave warming drinks to counter the chill. So let\u2019s kick up the heat with cayenne and explore the wonders of this warming spice as a worthy companion on our functional nutrition journey.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cayenne\u2019s magic<\/span><\/h4>\n

In my spice cupboard today is cayenne, that fiery red spice famous for turning up the heat in Tex-Mex dishes and tantalizing our taste buds. Even more, cayenne has a long history of use as a home-remedy. It\u2019s spicy kick and healing properties come from the active agent called capsaicin that you\u2019ll find in plants in the chili pepper family.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you aren\u2019t a fan of heat, consider adding just a touch of cayenne to your meals to capture the healing properties of this spectacular spice.<\/span><\/p>\n

Meanwhile, heat seekers can consume more capsaicin by exploring a wide range of spicy peppers (from jalape\u00f1os to habaneros), or simply stick with the standard red cayenne powder that you can find on the shelves of any grocery store.<\/span><\/p>\n

Healing benefits of cayenne<\/span><\/h2>\n

Pain reliever:<\/b> Cayenne is best known for its ability to decrease pain in the body, especially joint pain and headaches. It\u2019s believed that capsaicin short-circuits pain by depleting nerve cells of a chemical called <\/span>substance P<\/span><\/i> (which helps transmit pain signals along nerve endings to the brain).<\/span><\/p>\n

Blood circulation regulator:<\/b> Capsaicin also regulates blood flow by equalizing blood pressure from your head to your feet, making it a beneficial addition for those with high blood pressure. And, keeping in the heart health realm, cayenne helps clean the walls of the arteries and can help the body reduce excess LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you\u2019ve got cold feet (literally, not figuratively), cayenne may be the cure for you. It improves circulation and brings more blood to your extremities keeping your fingers frostbite-free and your toes toasty. That increased blood flow can also support the reduction of peripheral neuropathy!<\/span><\/p>\n

Metabolic booster:<\/b> Just as cayenne turns up the heat on your tastebuds, research shows it can elevate your internal temperature (hello metabolism), and may even raise the amount of energy you burn while decreasing cravings for salty, fatty or sweet foods.<\/span><\/p>\n

Respiratory support:<\/b> And as we make our way into cold and flu season, keep that cayenne handy since it can help clear respiratory passages and open up your airways. Just a dash on your meals will make a breakthrough in your breathing issues. (My late hubby used to put a sprinkle of cayenne into his hot ginger, lemon and honey tea when he was fighting an upper respiratory bug.)<\/span><\/p>\n

Digestive stimulant:<\/b> Last but not least, you know I can\u2019t consider a spice without commenting on how it might help with digestive issues. Cayenne stimulates your GI by increasing enzyme production and the flow of gastric juices. This all adds up to improved digestion and absorption of your food.<\/span><\/p>\n

Caution with cayenne<\/span><\/h4>\n

Before you rush to your spice cabinet, remember that capsaicin can irritate mucous membranes including eyes, lips, nose, and tongue, so use caution when cooking with chili peppers and powders. Also, if you have a known sensitivity to nightshades, it might be best to explore other spices.<\/span><\/p>\n

Functional Nutrition in a cup<\/span><\/h4>\n

Elixirs are like magic potions, and cayenne-infused drinks are no exception. They soothe your body and soul, especially during the busy winter season. Whether you\u2019re looking to ease digestion, clear respiratory passages, or simply warm up,\u00a0 I\u2019ve got one of my favorite cayenne-inspired creations to share with you.<\/span><\/p>\n

Superfood Mexican Hot Chocolate<\/span><\/h2>\n

At first glance the pairing of cocoa and cayenne can seem odd, but it\u2019s long been a favorite for Mexican-inspired hot chocolate drinks and desserts.<\/span><\/p>\n

This perfect pair was made famous with the sensual cinnamon and cayenne-infused hot chocolate that Julia served her customers in the movie <\/span>Chocolat. <\/span><\/i>Make yourself a mug of this superfood-infused variety that adds maca (one of my favorite adaptogens) to the mix. It\u2019s sure to turn up the heat on a cold winter night.<\/span><\/p>\n


<\/span>This recipe makes one mug but can easily be doubled if you\u2019d like to serve one to your sweetie, too!<\/span><\/p>\n


Ingredients<\/strong><\/p>\n