Chili peppers need to be in your diet. Here are 18 healthy reasons to spice up your diet with more hot chili peppers. Just by adding more spice to your life, you're also boosting your health in several ways. I've always loved the way it burns, but now I have even more reason.

Vitamin A

The beta carotene concentration is high in red chili peppers, especially. This is converted to Vitamin A within the body.

Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 is one of the B vitamins that helps the body with energy-related metabolism.

Vitamin C

This vitamin comes in large amounts in hot chili peppers. It aids the body in immunity, as well as wound healing.

Capsaicin

This compound is only found in chili peppers. It's what causes them to be spicy. But it also helps reduce pain and inflammation. It's also one of the several antioxidants found in chili peppers. Antioxidants are known for helping with the  prevention and healing of cancer.

Capsanthin

This is another powerful carotenoid antioxidant found in chili peppers. It is also thought to aid in fighting cancer.

Carbohydrates

Chili peppers are packed with plenty of good carbs to help create good energy. Plant-based carbs contain fibers that help the body produce energy, stabilize hormones, lose weight, sleep well, promote healthy brain function, and more.

Copper

Copper promotes strong bones and healthy neurons and is often a rare commodity in the Western diet. But it can be found in various chili peppers.

Ferulic Acid

This is yet another strong antioxidant found in chili peppers. It can help protect against many chronic diseases.

Fiber

Chili peppers have fiber, which is very good for digestion and keeping you regular.

Vitamin K1

Vitamin K1 (or phylloquinone) is know for aiding in blood clotting, promoting healthy kidney function, and promoting healthy bones.

Lutein

High amounts of lutein have been linked to improved eye health and function. Strong concentrations have been found in green or immature hot chili peppers.

Monounsaturated & Polyunsatured Fats

These good fats help reduce the bad cholesterol and raise the good cholesterol. In chili peppers, they come in many forms, including some of the Omegas.

Omega 3

This all-important polyunsaturated fat can help you lower unhealthy levels of bad cholesterol.

Omega 6

The human body cannot produce the polyunsaturated fats Omega-6 or Omega-3, both of which are found in chili peppers.

Potassium

Think you can only find potassium in bananas? Wrong. You can also get it from eating lots of spicy chili peppers. Potassium may help reduce the risk of heart disease.

Protein

Did you know that chili peppers contained protein? The exact amount of protein needed each day is debated by many health professionals. However, most will agree that it's definitely beneficial.

Sinapic Acid

Sinapic (or sinapinic) acid is another powerful antioxidant also found in chili peppers. This compound is similar to ferulic acid.

Violaxanthin

This carotenoid antioxidant can be found in yellow chili peppers. Like other antioxidants in chili peppers, this compound can help fight many major chronic diseases, such as some types of cancer.

Tired of looking in the cabinets and fridge for something fast that's actually good and healthy? We can help! Our new recipe e-book is gaining traction and will show you how to make simple meals that are packed full of taste and nutrition. "Quick & Tasty Vegan Recipes For Gourmet Budgeters" is not for people who like to take all day to cook. This is for those who like to get things done quickly, but with quality while on a low budget.

All of our meals are vegan and soy-free! Most are also gluten-free and non-gmo. Imagine that! They also can be made easily and on a budget. If you live your life on the go like we do, these will really come in handy. We make a lot of these meals easily while camping in our RV too. "Quick & Tasty Vegan Recipes For Gourmet Budgeters" will show you how to make awesome healthy meals with simple instructions.

 "Quick & Tasty Vegan Recipes For Gourmet Budgeters"     is now published! Order now to get your copy for download immediately. It's available in both .PDF and .DOC and you'll receive options for both as soon as you pay with the button below. 

If you're looking for a vegan recipe that allows you to enjoy some great Asian-style cuisine vegan style - and without soy or gluten, here you go! Our soy-free Spicy Szechuan Stir Fry recipe is sure to please large families, vegans, transitioning vegans, and even non-vegans! Let us know what you think in the comments below!

Put the olive oil in a wok or large frying pan. Throw in everything else and mix it up. Cover, stirring occasionally until everything is moist and evenly heated. This should take about 25-30 minutes. Serve on a plate with a fork or chopsticks.

Optional: Serve over rice or rice noodles.

*Note: Some individuals with wheat gluten sensitivities may also have sensitivities to corn gluten. If that's the case, eliminate the baby corn from this recipe. All other ingredients are safe for those on a gluten-free diet, to the best of our knowledge. Please let us know if you believe our information is incorrect, so that we can adjust the recipe.

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Did you know that you can save more money by buying bulk organics online? Many people don't know that buying bulk is even possible with organics, since local organic stores often carry individual items or small bulk packages. Here's how you can save money buying bulk organics online.

Buying Bulk Organics Online Provides More Selection

Because buying bulk online gives you more selection, you can save even more money this way. Also, when you go to your local organics grocer, you're stuck with buying individually what they have in stock.

The online stock and sales may be much better, especially in bulk. A savings does generally come with getting bulk items. But online organic shops may also have percentage or coupon deals that the local stores don't have.

Buying Bulk Saves Time

Remember that your time is actually worth money. The more time you spend shopping, the less time you have for other things. Also, the more trips you take to a store buying your organics, the more gas you are likely to spend.

By buying bulk organics online, you save this time, thereby saving you money in the long run. Your time is valuable. Use it wisely by taking one trip to your computer, rather than taking ten to the local store.

Short on time, but want to prepare a quick and healthy meal? Here are a few quick meal ideas using only simple nutritious ingredients. These options can be prepared quickly but would still be healthier than many alternative quick meals, especially since these choices are all natural.

Vegetarian Sloppy Joes

Sloppy Joes are an all-time American favorite. But they aren’t generally healthy. However, that’s no longer an issue if you choose to prepare Vegetarian Sloppy Joes. Heat in just a few minutes, add your favorite organic buns, and you’re ready to eat!

Quinoa Meal

Did you know that quinoa can be even more versatile than rice? It’s also quite healthy as well. If you can’t make it from scratch, there are many simple quinoa meal packages with a variety of flavors, such as basil pesto, artichoke & roasted pepper, garden vegetable, mango jalapeno, and many more.

Lentil Soup

Lentil soup can be quite flavorful and wholesome, as well as quick. There are many canned and dried lentil soup options that can be made in mere minutes. Some flavors include onion, curry, garden vegetable, sicilian, low sodium, quinoa and kale, and more. Many of these only require simple stovetop or microwave preparation.

Looking for a new beverage that’s both natural and good for you? Coconut water is both, and has many benefits to your health and physical well-being. Here are just a few benefits of drinking coconut water.

Full of Nutrition

Coconut water is filled with tons of nutrients, including antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. It’s also a great source of amino acids and enzymes. Some of these nutrients provide anti-aging and anti-cancer effects.

Easy on the Stomach

Not only is coconut water good for rehydrating your body after excessive sweating or vomiting, it’s easy on the stomach and is excellent for soothing upset stomachs. It can also naturally settle acid reflux and GERD.

Boost Good Cholesterol and Lower Bad Cholesterol

Another benefit of drinking coconut water is lowering your LDL (or “bad”) cholesterol while also boosting your HDL (or “good”) cholesterol. By doing this, you can naturally lower your risk of heart disease and many other conditions.

One of the Best Thirst Quenchers

Coconut water is also full of electrolytes and carbohydrates, making it an excellent thirst quencher and energy booster. Because it's so good at fighting dehydration, it can also treat headaches, many of which are triggered when a person is dehydrated.

Mixing your protein powder to drink on the go is the usual way to get in your daily amount. But it doesn't have to be the only way. Enjoy these five great ways to use protein powders.

Mix it In Your Smoothie

Is your smoothie missing protein? Just blend your favorite protein beverage powder right into it. This can enhance both the flavor, as well as the nutrition levels.

Add it to Pancake Mix

Make your morning pancakes tastier and healthier by adding some protein powder to the batter. This can be a great way to get your morning pick-me-up.

Blend it Into Oatmeal

Feeling more like oatmeal? Go ahead and stir in your favorite protein powder beverage to make it heartier and healthier.

Mix Into Your Cookie Dough Recipe

Cookies? Yes, your cookies can actually be healthy and still taste good. Substitute some of your daily allotted amount of protein powder for some of the flour in your favorite cookie dough recipe. Then, just cook and enjoy!

Mix Some Into Your Favorite Banana Bread

Does your banana bread need an extra boost? Try blending in a vanilla or strawberry protein powder for more nutrition, as well as an amazing flavor.

Sometimes, the morning routine must be faster than you'd like, leaving you wondering what to eat. Not to worry. Quick breakfasts can still be healthy.

Organic Granola is Healthy and Fast!

You probably already know that organic granola is healthier among breakfast foods. But do you know why? It can lower cholesterol, is said to increase energy, may aid in weight loss, is heart-healthy, can regulate digestion, may prevent anemia, can increase cognitive abilities, may help manage diabetes, can improve skin health, can stimulate new hormonal and tissue growth, can build stronger bones, and may even prevent cancer.

Cereal Bars Are Great On-The-Go

When you're in a rush, you need breakfast foods you can just grab and eat. Cereal bars can be great for that. Just be sure to choose the right ones. All of them aren't all they're cracked up to be. But many of the organic ones are very healthy. Look for ingredients like pumpkin seeds, flax seeds, whole rolled oats, bananas, and other fruits or whole grains. Try to avoid things like high fructose corn syrup.

Healthy Peanut Butter Toast

Toast is quick and easy to take out the door for breakfast. Peanut butter itself is healthy, when you choose a good organic blend with only simple ingredients. But choosing the right bread is also key. Organic darker whole grain breads, such as whole rye, pumpernickel, and flaxseed are often healthier.

Thinking about drink choices that are healthier? Oolong tea should be high on your list. Here are 5 benefits of drinking oolong tea.

Antioxidant

One study found that oolong tea may help prevent ovarian cancer from occurring. It is said to have natural antioxidant properties that specifically target this type of cancer.

Weight Loss Aid

Many swear by oolong tea’s ability to aid in weight loss. According to scientific studies, it can increase metabolism, burn fat, and block dietary fat absorption.

Mental Alertness

Drinking oolong tea is said to aid in mental alertness. This is likely due to the natural caffeine content.

Helps Prevent Tooth Decay

Oolong tea may help reduce the enzyme activities of streptococci bacteria. This bacteria has been known to cause formation of dental plaque, which can result in dental caries. Of the teas examined in a 1993 study, oolong was proven to have the most benefits.

Helps Ease High Blood Pressure & Certain Heart Conditions

One study claims that oolong tea can help reduce the blood concentration of triglycerides. These are the most common fats found in the body. It has also been found to reduce the body’s cholesterol level after just one month of regular drinking.

Need to add some easily-made comfort to your meal? According to my kids (and many others), my homemade cabbage hits the spot. Preparation is simple and it can be pretty much left alone to do its thing while you’re preparing the rest of the meal. You haven’t had cabbage until you’ve had this mama’s cabbage. I may be biased, but try it and find out!

Ingredients:

Directions:

Fill a large pot with all ingredients, except the salt. Fill to a couple inches from brim with water. Then, heat the mixture on high until it’s boiling. Turn it down to medium-low heat and simmer for 45 minutes. Add salt to taste, if desired. Boil for another 15 minutes. Note that if the water boils below the food during cooking, you should add more water as needed.

Pairs well with:

Mama’s Spicy Meatloaf
Mama’s Country Soul Food Cornbread
Mama’s Mashed Potatoes
Mama’s Country Soul Food Green Beans and Potatoes
Mama’s Wings Seven Ways
Texas Style Smoked BBQ Ribs
Southern Style Potato Salad

It's party or Super Bowl time and you need snacks and appetizers to feed all those hungry people in your living room. Seven layer dip is a great way to fill up  bellies. Many Super Bowl  recipes are not vegan. This one is! This is one of those great party snacks that really could be a meal to some. I've tasted many varieties of the seven layer dip. Some have been good, some have been alright, some have been not-so-good, and none ever had anything really special that made me want more. So, I came up with my own Super Bowl or party dip: Mama's Seven Layer Dip (or Eight).

Ingredients for Mama's Seven Layer Dip (or Eight):

Directions:

The first step in making Mama's Seven Layer Dip (or Eight) for your Super Bowl or other party is to make Mama's Spicy Guacamole. Leave some extra pico de gallo for one of the dip layers. This creates the eighth layer and is optional. You'll also need to heat up some refried beans. Adding in some salsa can create a nice flavor. Now that you have those two steps done, you're ready to make Mama's Seven Layer Dip (or Eight). From this point, it's actually pretty easy.

You will now need to get out a 9 x 12 glass cake pan. The bottom layer in Mama's Seven Layer Dip is the refried beans. Spread those across the bottom of the pan. Sprinkle some shredded vegan cheese and black olives atop the refried beans and put it in the oven for a couple minutes, until the cheese melts.

Next comes the guacamole and then the vegan sour cream. After that, comes the salsa. If you want homemade salsa, follow the pico de gallo recipe, except at the end, place all the ingredients into a blender. Now take the pico de gallo, mix some shredded lettuce (or your favorite leafy greens) in  and sprinkle that atop the other layers. You can also sprinkle some extra shredded vegan cheese and add some extra vegan sour cream to the top for effect. That makes the layer numbers change though, so if you're a perfectionist, go with the first option!

That's it! Now serve with your favorite tortilla chips and eat!

* This recipe serves 8, but can be doubled, tripled, etc.

More Superbowl-worthy recipes on Life Successfully:

By Candes King Meisenheimer - Pecans are one of America's favorite nuts. These little beauties are packed full of flavor and nutrients, making them a great addition to many different kinds of dishes. Whether you're making a dish in which pecans are the heroes, such as pecan pie, or simply adding crushed and rolled pecans to muffins or soups to kick up the flavor there are some tricks to working with them. (The remainder of this article was formerly published at a site no longer in service.)

by Candes King Meisenheimer

October is the start of the holiday rush for many families in America. It’s when things start to gear up just bit. Savvy shoppers are on their final leg of Christmas shopping, and party divas are putting in extra breakers to handle the electrical load that will soon be added to their breaker boxes. The last of the harvest is coming in in most places, and the days and nights are getting starting to get cold. We start to think about entertaining, and all that goes with it. Especially desserts.

(The remainder of this article was formerly published at a site no longer in service.)

It's no secret that I love many things related to New York. That IS my home state after all. But I swear I wasn't thinking New York the day we tried a new pizza place. In fact, pizza wasn't even on the agenda.

My oldest daughter and I were on an errand and all of a sudden I see this vehicle with I love NY all over it. So, of course we were delighted at the design. Then, I thought “..hmm, wait a second, most people do not decorate their vehicles like this. Could this be pizza?” I seem to be drawn to all things New York and I can always sniff out a good pizza.

The vehicle was driving and we were walking. So that was the first challenge. Luckily, they turned the corner and pulled into a car wash. So we followed them, of course. Don't worry people, I am totally not a stalker – unless New York style pizza is involved. Anyhow, sure enough once we got closer, we saw that it was in fact a pizza vehicle – one for I Love NY Pizzeria Denver (nypizzadenver.com/). So we robbed them for the pizza. Kidding. We took down the name and number nonchalantly and went home and ordered it.

We opted for ordering online, as this was most convenient for us. The online menu was simple to navigate, even with all of their options. The prices were more than fair as compared to similar styles of pizza restaurants we've tried in the past. Payment processing online went smoothly as well. You can choose from paying cash at delivery or paying via PayPal, which allows more options such as credit card payment.

When the pizza delivery driver arrived, the kids were playing just outside the door with their friends. They excitedly shouted “Are you the pizza dude?” He replied back very friendly stating that he was and joked with the kids for a second. That was already a win – that and the fact that he didn't have to call me to figure out where my place was. Most delivery drivers get lost trying to find us. But he had no issues and arrived earlier than expected. The pizza smelled so good before he even handed it to me.

The delivery driver was very friendly with me as well. The conversation was the perfect amount of time – not so fast and rude like you don't matter, but not too long that you're wondering when the person will leave.

The kids and the dogs were all immediately in line behind me as I carried the food inside. It did smell pretty darn good. But the taste test would be the true test. I threw the dogs a few pepperonis (yeah, I know they're bad, they don't get them often) and they wouldn't leave me alone after that. So that was a good sign. Then, the rest of us dug in.

The cheese was very “melty” just like New York pizza should be and the toppings all tasted fresh, unlike many delivery pizzas we've tried. I ordered more than we usually order because I had planned on us having some for lunch the next day. However, we ended up eating it all that night. We chose a few different types of pizzas and toppings and equally enjoyed them for different reasons.

Customer Service: Excellent

Wait Time: Exceeded Expectations

Value: Excellent

Taste: Above Average

Rating: 5 Stars

Photo Credit: Lyn Lomasi

Disclaimer: Author is not affiliated with products, brands, or companies mentioned in this post, nor has she received any monetary compensation from said products, brands, or companies in relation to this posting. Views are solely based on personal experience.