Let's talk about Paprika!
If you have ordered my
Crockpot Cookbook or done any of my
21-Day Clean Eating Challenges, you will find an abundance of recipes with
Paprika! Why? I consider it a perfect spice! It adds a kick of spicy sweetness to any recipe, plus it is packed with health benefits!
What is Paprika?
It is a blend of dried sweet red peppers that you grind into a fine powder. Its flavor and "kick" really depends on the type of peppers used to make this spice. I prefer a more pungent taste, because I often pair it with other bold flavors, like fresh peppers or something super sweet, like honey, which is what I use for my
BBQ marinade recipe. When combined with just the right ingredients, it offers a taste explosion... and you will forget you're eating something healthy!
Why is it so healthy?
First, one tablespoon of paprika is packed with your entire daily need of Vitamin A! Vitamin A is essential for healthy eyes, skin and cells. Health skin? That's right... it helps prevent wrinkles! It can help heal or prevent acne, diminish spider veins and I even use it (mixed with honey) for a homemade facial mask!
It has Vitamin B-6... aka Healthy Hair! This vitamin helps prevent hair loss and hair discoloration (yep... gray hair? You should have been eating some paprika soup!)
Other Vitamins found in paprika, include Vitamin E and Iron.
Vitamin E helps neutralize free radicals in the body that cause tissue and cellular damage. Plus it aids in proper blood clotting.
Iron is one of the most important minerals you need... it keeps your red blood cells healthy. Iron deficiency is one of the most common nutritional deficiencies, which can result in major fatigue, muscle weakness and headaches.
Anemic? Try paprika in your foods!
Do you suffer from an
auto-immune disease , like fibromyalgia, MS or even Vitiligo? Paprika helps! Its anti-inflammaroty properties will help reduce swelling in joints, muscles and arteries, while also helping get your cells healthy. It will lower blood pressure (which is entirely caused from inflamed arteries).
Take Away...
Use food to
fuel your body. Use food to
heal your body. Don't rely on supplements or medications... Use paprika to keep your skin and cells healthy!