Who remembers the episode of "Seinfeld" where Jerry bought an electric toothbrush that was so good it changed his life and he wanted everyone to have one? He raved about it to his friends and family because he cared and wanted them to better their lives with this toothbrush. He even bought one for Elaine when she did not buy one immediately and share his excitement. That is how I have been, telling my friends and family about something that can literally save their lives, but like the characters on Seinfeld, my excitement is often met with less than a jubilant response and a placating smile. So I thought I would pass on this advice instead to my fellow Maniacs, who share my passion for MMA and for some, for nutrition and health. So I give to you, Cayenne Pepper.

more after the jump

This past summer, I did a cleanse to remove all the waste and toxins from my body. I did not eat for 22 days. Instead of food, I drank a mixture of water, lemon juice, pure maple syrup and cayenne pepper powder 6 times a day. This is not about the cleanse and it's benefits however, it is about one of the ingredients. Cayenne pepper is a red, hot chili pepper used to flavor dishes and for medicinal purposes. I will hit you with the big one-two to get your attention: Cayenne has been known to stop a heart attack within 30 seconds... and cayenne pepper, through the instrumentality of its secondary metabolite capsaicin (pronounced cap-say-sin), is scientifically proven to kill prostate cancer cells. Yeah, I know.

via www.cayennepepper.info

It improves circulation, rebuilds blood cells, lowers cholesterol, emulsifies triglycerides, removes toxins from the bloodstream and improves overall heart health. It can also heal ulcers, which seems contradictory considering its native calidity or heat. It immediately equalizes blood pressure in your system, shrinks hemorrhoids, and heals the gall bladder too.

Cayenne pepper is high in vitamin A. It also contains vitamin B6 , vitamin E, vitamin C , riboflavin , potassium and manganese. Cayenne pepper is also known as a male aphrodisiac because it contains capsaicin which can increase blood flow to all parts of the human body. It is known in many cultures to be a potent libido enhancing aid that increases euphoric endorphins in the blood stream.

So if you want to feel like a man, forget taking a shot of tequila after work, 1/8 of a teaspoon in warm water in a shot glass is all you need.

As a general rule, athletes try to consume about 1.5 to 2 grams of protein per pound of body weight. Cayenne can rebuild the tissue in the stomach and the peristaltic action in the intestines. It aids elimination and assimilation, and helps the body to create hydrochloric acid, which is so necessary for good digestion and assimilation, especially of proteins.

Much more can be said about cayenne pepper, but hopefully this is enough to get you to at least take a daily shot, just in case the ol' closer is telling you the truth. It's inexpensive, take it in a shot with warm water and cook with this magic miracle spice when the occasion arises. Here are some of the many sources available on the subject, or just google it.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cayenne_pepper

http://www.cayennepepper.info/

http://cleanse.net/cayennepepper.aspx

via ecx.images-amazon.com