The Key to Cajun: Paprika
Paprika is a staple ingredient in a Cajun spice profile! It is ground spice made from a variety of different peppers. It originates from good ol’ Mexico! Paprika is part of the Capsicum annuum pepper plant family. The active ingredient capsaicin is what aides in all its amazing benefits. Paprika contains capsanthin (antioxidant), capsaicin, carotenoids, extremely high in Vitamin A, Vitamin B6, and lutein.
Top 5 Health Benefits of Paprika
- Anti-inflammatory
- 1 Tablespoon of paprika contains over 3,500 IU’s of Vitamin A! Vitamin A is known for its antioxidant properties as well which help aide in the reduction of inflammation.
- Antioxidant
- Carotenoids are antioxidants. They are fat soluble and are most bioavailable when ingested with other healthy fats (butter, animal fats, cheese, avocado, etc.). Lutein is also an antioxidant that is very important for your eye health.
- Helps regulate blood sugars
- Capsaicin has been shown to help lower high blood sugars and prevent insulin resistance.
- Fights autoimmune diseases
- Capsaicin can help inhibit the development and growth of autoimmune diseases.
- Anticancer
- Capsaicin is a bioactive phytochemical that helps alter the expression of several genes involved in cancer cell survival and cancer cell growth.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 -2 lbs Wild Shrimp
- 1 cup Grits (my go-to brand is The Sprouted Flour)
- 1/2 cup Grassfed Cheddar Cheese
- 1/2 cup Grassfed Monterery Jack Cheese
- 1 Organic Red Bell Pepper
- 2 1/2 cups spring water
- 2 cups Organic Half and Half
- 1 Tablespoon Grassfed Butter
- 1/2 teaspoon Organic Ground Turmeric
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Organic Garlic Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Organic Onion Powder
- 1 teaspoon Organic Ground Paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon Organic Black Pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon Organic Ground Cayenne Pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Celtic Sea Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Organic Crushed Red Pepper
- Optional: 2 Tablespoons Fresh Green Onion
Instructions
- Boil water and Half & Half over the stove then add grits and let simmer
- Stir periodically to ensure grits does not burn
- Grate cheese
- Stir in cheese, turmeric, 1/2 teaspoon garlic, and black pepper into grits mixture
- Reduce heat, stir grits, and set aside
- Clean shrimp, remove tails, etc
- Dice red bell pepper
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat and add diced bell pepper
- Combine remaining garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, crushed red pepper, cayenne, and salt
- Toss shrimp in spice mixture and saute until cooked through
- Place shrimp and pepper on top of grits
- Top with chopped green onion if desired
- Bon appetite!
References
Clark, R., & Lee, S. H. (2016, March). Anticancer Properties of Capsaicin Against Human Cancer. Retrieved January 29, 2017, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
Deng, Y., Huang, X., Wu, H., Zhao, M., Lu, Q., Israeli, E., . . . Shoenfeld, Y. (2016, May). Some like it hot: The emerging role of spicy food (capsaicin) in autoimmune diseases. Retrieved January 29, 2017, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
Spices, paprika Nutrition Facts & Calories. (n.d.). Retrieved January 29, 2017, from http://nutritiondata.self.com/
Yuan, L. J., Qin, Y., Wang, L., Zeng, Y., Chang, H., Wang, J., . . . Mi, M. T. (2016, April). Capsaicin-containing chili improved postprandial hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, and fasting lipid disorders in women with gestational diabetes mellitus and lowered the incidence of large-for-gestational-age newborns. Retrieved January 29, 2017, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
