If you routinely work out, or even just occasionally, you know there are some do's and don’ts when it comes to your post-workout recovery.
But what if you could mix in something you love to the end of your routine? It’s possible, and you probably already have it in your pantry. It turns out hot sauce is a great snack when it comes to a successful post-workout recovery. That’s because hot sauce is full of vitamins and minerals. Think about it like this--hot sauce is typically made from hot chili peppers, salt, and vinegar. You decide how hot you want it, whether you’re a mild hot sauce aficionado, or you enjoy really testing the limits of the hot pepper scale. It usually comes down to preference, but typically a spicier hot sauce brings more benefits.
So, what exactly does it do for your post-workout recovery?
Well, we know hot sauce sometimes burns, but you probably feel a different type of burn after working out. When you exercise, you produce lactic acid. That’s the burning sensation that can lead to muscle soreness and fatigue after a grueling workout. But hot sauce contains capsaicin, which can help reduce lactic acid and stimulate blood flow to your muscles. This means you may have less pain and recover from your workout faster. Hot sauce is also full of minerals and vitamins that are good for you, especially after working out.
You can try putting some hot sauce on a protein-rich snack such as chicken, eggs, or yogurt.
You could also add hot sauce to a protein shake, or even make a salad dressing from olive oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, and hot sauce. Not only can you use hot sauce post-workout, but it can also help athletes in general, because it’s packed with things like Vitamin C, magnesium, and iron. It can help boost your metabolism, improve digestion, reduce your risk of certain diseases, and overall improve your athletic performance.