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Enjoy the health benefits of hot peppers with homemade hot sauce

diet Jul 17, 2017

Since giving birth to three children, my body has had an insatiable appetite for spice, especially from habanero peppers. In fact, habanero peppers are the only peppers now that taste spicy to me. 

Recently, as I was chatting with a farmer who was concerned about my purchases of chocolate haberno peppers, I assured him, "Don't worry: I've never tasted anything that's been too spicy for me!"

Curious about my body's strong craving for intense heat and spice, I did some research and learned that, compared to jalapeño peppers, habanero peppers can have up to 100x more capsaicin, the healthy chemical in spicy peppers. Habanero peppers are also high in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. 

Studies indicate that capsaicin may help:

 

 

Hot Sauce Recipe

If you enjoy and can safely have hot sauce, then consider the loose guidelines below for making your own. In the hot sauce appearing in the image above, I also included spinach.

Suggested Ingredients

  • Yellow onions
  • Garlic
  • Tomatoes
  • Habanerro peppers
  • Other peppers
  • Fruit
  • Salt

Make

Staples of my hot sauce include sauteed onions, garlic, habanerro peppers, and salt. The rest of the ingredients depend on what's available in my kitchen. Possibilities include: other types of peppers (sweet or spicy), fruit, miso, Bragg's Amino Acids, rice vinegar, and fruit (like mangoes and pineapples). I also experiment with what I sautee, roast, or keep raw. The key is to experiment and be playful because you will then learn of so many possibilities that you will enjoy from what you already have in your kitchen.

About Sophia Ruan Gushée & Ruan Living

Sophia Ruan Gushée is the creator of Practical Nontoxic Living—a science-informed practice of discernment that helps people ask the questions that matter most, interpret evidence thoughtfully, navigate uncertainty with confidence, and make wiser decisions for their homes, health, and future generations.

She is the bestselling author of A to Z of D-Toxing, host of the Practical Nontoxic Living podcast, and founder of Ruan Living, where nearly two decades of interdisciplinary research on household toxic exposures and environmental and public health is distilled into articles, podcast episodes, Substack essays, and educational programs—each one meant to make the next thoughtful decision a little easier than the last.

Continue exploring: start the free Ultimate Home Detox Kickstart, listen to the Practical Nontoxic Living podcast, read Sophia’s Substack essays, or learn more about Sophia.

Medical Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease and should not replace personalized medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding your individual health concerns before making decisions that may affect your health.

Affiliate Disclosure

Some links in this article are affiliate links, including links to the Ruan Living Amazon storefront. If you purchase through them, Ruan Living may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Products are curated on published, exposure-based criteria—never on commission.

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