Hot Stuff: Benefits of Spicy Foods to Your Health
Ever had a friend who loves to munch on spicy foods until they become sweat buckets? Well, that’s just fathomable because hot and fiery spices not only enhance the flavor of your meals. They also contain substances that may be good for your health!
Did you know that?
The tingly and occasionally painful sensation we get while eating spicy food is caused by the compound capsaicin, which goes beyond our tongues. Why? Because it benefits our bodies in several ways!
So, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of how spicy dishes might improve your health.
Spicy foods support healthy digestion.
Chili peppers, both red and green, are high in antioxidants, which can help protect your body from damage caused by free radicals. While capsaicin is thought to aid digestion by making your stomach produce more digestive fluids. It might also help fight bacterial infections.
Spicy food improves heart health.
Chronic inflammation is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, but studies have shown that the capsaicin in chili peppers and sauces can help lower it. Also, capsaicin’s ability to increase cholesterol breakdown aids in preventing cholesterol buildup in the body.
Spicy Foods reduce inflammations.
Because capsaicin possesses important anti-inflammatory qualities, hot and spicy meals may also help reduce inflammation. There is evidence to suggest that capsaicin can assist in the fight against low-grade inflammation in the stomach, a type of inflammation connected to obesity.
Spicy foods are stress-busters.
Spicy food stimulates the release of endorphins and other “feel-good” chemicals in the brain, reducing anger, sadness, and stress. If you’re feeling down, munching spicy meals may help!
If you like things on the spicier side, you’ll enjoy what science has to say on how to live a spicier life. However, it is essential to remember that the end goal is still to consume a balanced diet.
