Spicy Food Lovers Will Probably Be Thrilled to Know There Are 14 Benefits of This

When we are sick, doctors always advise us to eat light foods and avoid spicy, hot dishes that may irritate the stomach. Hence, at some point, people began to view spicy foods as unhealthy.

In reality, this is not entirely accurate. Eating a moderate amount of spicy food is not harmful to health; on the contrary, it has unexpected benefits!

1. Increases Appetite

Spicy foods can stimulate the stomach and improve your appetite.

If you suddenly feel a loss of appetite and find everything tasteless, try some spicy foods. Spicy dishes can stimulate the stomach and the mouth, enhancing digestion and increasing gastric contractions. Therefore, spicy foods can improve your appetite and promote digestion.

2. Enhances Blood Circulation

From a traditional Chinese medicine perspective, chili peppers warm the body and dispel coldness. When consumed in appropriate amounts, they help dilate blood vessels, thereby promoting blood circulation throughout the body. Thus, spicy foods can enhance circulation and blood flow.

3. Aids Weight Loss

The spiciness in chili peppers helps break down fat while also increasing stomach digestive capacity, burning off excess body fat. Therefore, chili is an excellent ingredient for weight loss.

Chili peppers can enhance blood circulation and warm the body.

4. Warms the Body

As mentioned, chili peppers enhance blood circulation, which also helps dispel cold and warm the body. When you find yourself in a cold environment, consuming more chili can help warm you up.

5. Relieves Cold Symptoms

Chili also has a beneficial effect of thinning mucus in the nasal cavity. When we catch a cold, common symptoms include nasal congestion or a runny nose. At this time, eating chili can help clear the nasal passages, making breathing easier, while also inducing sweating to dispel cold from the body, thus speeding up recovery from colds.

6. Prevents Gallstones

Chili peppers are rich in vitamin C, which helps convert cholesterol into bile, preventing stone formation in the gallbladder. Additionally, those who have gallstones can consume spicy foods in moderation based on their condition, which may yield positive therapeutic effects.

7. Protects Cardiovascular Health

Spicy peppers help break down fats, contributing to a reduction in blood fat levels while also lowering the risk of stroke and delaying atherosclerosis.

Spicy peppers stimulate hormone secretion and improve skin health.

8. Improves Skin Health

Many beauty enthusiasts claim that one should avoid spicy foods, as they may cause breakouts. In reality, this largely depends on individual physiology. Spicy peppers stimulate hormone secretion, which improves skin health. Furthermore, the vitamin C in chili helps combat aging. Therefore, spicy foods can also be considered beneficial for skin beauty!

9. Reduces Intestinal Inflammation

According to Amy Shapiro, a nutrition expert and founder of Real Nutrition, many believe that spicy foods cause stomach pain. However, research shows that capsaicin can actually increase blood flow to the digestive tract and prevent the formation of ulcers.

A 2006 study found that capsaicin can enhance blood flow to the digestive tract lining and protect it from damage.

Ashlee Wright, a nutritionist at the nonprofit Orlando Health, stated that spicy foods can also act as antioxidants, reducing inflammation and aiding digestion by combating harmful bacteria.

According to Shapiro, this benefit is particularly valuable for those suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.

10. Increases Longevity

A large population study conducted in 2015 on adults in China found that those who consumed spicy foods nearly every day had a 14% lower risk of early death compared to those who ate spicy foods once a week.

“This may be due to its anti-inflammatory effects, improved cardiovascular health, and reduced obesity,” said Shapiro. Additionally, a 2017 study from the University of Vermont found similar longevity results in the U.S., according to Wright.

Spicy foods can also act as antioxidants and reduce inflammation.

However, it is essential to remember that spicy foods are not a “magic wand” for health. Thus, consuming spicy foods should be part of a healthy diet and consistent exercise routine.

Wright stated: “Other lifestyle factors must be considered. Adding spicy foods or ingredients to a healthy and balanced diet is the best approach.”

11. Provides Pain Relief

Eating spicy foods not only improves health; applying capsaicin-based creams can also help alleviate pain. Shapiro stated: “Topical capsaicin formulations can reduce pain sensation caused by nerve damage or other skin conditions.”

A 2011 study found that a 60-minute patch containing high concentrations of capsaicin (8%) effectively reduced pain in patients with nerve pain for up to 12 weeks. Capsaicin is also effective in relieving pain from sprains, muscle injuries, fibromyalgia, or arthritis.

Over-the-counter creams containing capsaicin are available at most pharmacies, or you can consult your doctor about prescription capsaicin creams.

12. Boosts Metabolism

Shapiro noted that spicy foods can enhance metabolism by increasing heart rate and thermogenesis in the body, causing you to burn more calories.

Metabolism is the process by which the body converts food into energy. The faster the metabolism, the more calories we burn, which allows us to eat more without gaining weight.

The spicy chemical compound capsaicin in chili peppers offers numerous benefits for metabolism. In fact, a 2012 review of 20 studies found that capsaicin helps the body burn an additional 50 calories per day.

The review also indicated that capsaicin may act as an appetite suppressant, making you feel fuller and consume fewer calories. However, sources of capsaicin may not be enough to provide these full benefits. For instance, other studies showed that supplementing with 6 mg of capsaicin daily was linked to weight loss.

Shapiro stated: “While sprinkling spices on a salad at a meal won’t lead to weight loss, regularly using spices in daily consumption may boost metabolism.”

13. Prevents Cardiovascular Issues

One of the significant benefits of chili peppers is their ability to support cardiovascular health effectively. The capsaicin compound that gives chili peppers their heat has been shown to lower cholesterol levels, reduce blood pressure, and improve circulation, thereby enhancing cardiovascular health.

According to the American Heart Association, individuals who consume chili peppers correctly and regularly have a 26% lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease compared to those who do not eat them. In fact, frequent chili consumption is associated with a 25% reduction in all-cause mortality and a 23% decrease in cancer mortality, compared to those who never or rarely eat chili peppers.

14. Reduces Cancer Risk

Chili peppers may help reduce cancer risk. Capsaicin has been shown to possess anti-cancer properties, as it can inhibit the growth of cancer cells and even induce cancer cell death in certain types of cancer. Additionally, the antioxidants in chili also contribute to lowering cancer risk, as they help neutralize free radicals that can lead to cancer development.

However, everyone has different tastes. Some people dislike or even cannot eat spicy food; just a little bit of pepper can make them “grimace.” Therefore, it is important to consider your own preferences and consume a moderate amount of spice that is beneficial for your health.

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