~Pepper Power~

There is much to be said for the power of cayenne pepper! It has been said that this spice can help with many ailments including inflammation, but the most important implication (in my opinion) is it's effect on blood pressure. Cayenne pepper is dried chilly pepper which is ground and used as a condiment. It's a stimulant, so it does improve circulation. (This can lead to the alleviation of digestive issues, inflammation due to arthritis, sinus congestion, and much more). AND - like mentioned before - improved circulation leads to lower blood pressure!
Many use cayenne pepper as a weight loss supplement; however don't be fooled into thinking that any pepper is going to melt fat off your.......you know. It takes an overall lifestyle change to decrease body mass, not just a supplement.
My suggestion would be to make cayenne pepper a natural addition to your diet by using it in your every day cooking. Here are a couple cayenne pepper recipes for you to use!!

Peanut Dipping Sauce:
Ingredients:

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/4 cup hot water
2 T low sodium soy sauce
2 T Oriental sesame oil
1 T cider vinegar
1 T grated orange peel
2 t granulated sugar
1/8 t ground red cayenne pepper

Directions:
Combine all ingredients in a small bowl; beat with fork or wire whisk until smooth. Makes about 1 cup.
Per tablespoon: 66 calories, 2 grams protein, 6 grams fat, 2 grams carbohydrate, 111 mg sodium, 0 mg cholesterol

White Chili:
Ingredients:

1 lb. white beans, soaked overnight in cold water
8-10 cups chicken broth
2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tsp. garlic powder)
2 medium onions, chopped
1 tbsp. olive oil
2 4-ounce cans green chopped green chilies
2 tsp. ground cumin
1 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
1/4 tsp. ground cloves
1/2 tsp. red cayenne pepper
4 cups cooked chicken or turkey breast, diced
3 cups monterey jack cheese
fat free sour cream (optional)

Directions:

Combine beans, chicken broth, garlic and one onion in big soup pot. Bring to a boil. Simmer until onions are very soft (usually about three hours or more). Add more broth, if necessary. Saute remaining onion in oil until tender. Add green chiles and seasonings to onion and oil; mix thoroughly. Add mixture to beans. Add chicken/turkey, mix well, and continue to cook for one hour. Serve with grated monterey jack cheese and sour cream on top.

Baked tortilla chips, salsa and guacamole are great accompaniments.

OR - just add a pinch to a cup of warm water for a quick mid-afternoon "pick-me-up!"
Tip - add a drop of squeezed lemon for taste!