Chile Peppers

Typically, spicy foods are on the taboo list for anyone experiencing nausea. But longtime Birmingham, Alabama oncologist, Luis F. Pineda, MD, thinks spicy chile peppers could prove the exception. “They contain a compound called capsaicin that moderates perception of pain,” explains Pineda. “But capsaicin also stimulates a neurotransmitter, substance P, that works on the brain much like an anti-nausea medication.” Pineda, a recent culinary school graduate, is eager to help cancer patients enjoy food again with recipes like Jalapeño Ice Cream and other dishes that feature small amounts of all kinds of chili peppers.

Recipes: Cranberry-Jalapeno Granita