Many people love spicy food for various reasons – and good health may be one of them. Is spicy food good for your health? Let’s find out.
When it comes to food, one of the most popular types is the spicy kind. Moreover, people even make spicy food challenges and try to outdo each other by eating the spiciest foods they can find.
For some people it’s competitive while others simply love the taste of spicy food. However, what if one of the reasons people love spicy food is because they want to be healthy?
As it turns out, there are several studies backing up the idea that adding some heat to your life in the form of spicy food can benefit your health. The following are some of the most common ways that spicy foods can improve your overall health.
1. Losing Weight
If you’re trying to lose weight, adding some hot sauce or chili peppers to your food can help. On the one hand, it can add some much-needed flavoring to an otherwise bland diet food.
If you like what you’re eating, you’re more likely to stick to the diet and a little bit of heat can make the difference. Furthermore, studies suggest that eating hot foods can also enhance your metabolism.
Capsaicin, the main compound in chilies, has a thermogenic effect that may help the body burn additional calories after eating.
2. Improving Heart Health
According to studies, including one from Harvard researchers, spicy foods may help people live longer lives. One of the ways these foods can do that is by improving overall heart health.
Studies suggest that cultures where spicy foods are the norm tend to have lower incidence of heart attacks and stroke. Because spicy foods like chili peppers can reduce the effects of bad cholesterol (LDL cholesterol), it can improve heart health.
Moreover, the capsaicin in chili peppers can fight inflammation, a major factor in heart problems.
3. Preventing Cancer
Cancer prevention is a tall order, but according to the American Association for Cancer Research, spicy food may do just that. Capsaicin can kill some leukemic and cancer cells, according to researchers.
Moreover, turmeric (usually found in curry powder and mustards) may even be able to slow the growth of tumors and spread of cancer. Gregory A. Plotnikoff, M.D., senior consultant for health care innovation at Allina Hospitals and Clinics in Minnesota, says it has powerful effects.
“It has the same effects on the body as certain cancer drugs do,” he said. If you pair turmeric with black pepper, the body can absorb more of it – up to 2,000 percent more.
4. Lowering Blood Pressure
Chili peppers are rich in vitamin C and vitamin A, which help strengthen the heart muscle walls. Moreover, the pepper heat can give a boost to the body’s circulation, resulting in a healthier cardiovascular system and lower blood pressure.
5. Fighting Stress
Hot foods are great at boosting serotonin and other “feel good” hormones. In other words, eating spicy food can help get you in a better mood, which is especially useful during moments of stress or depression.
What if I don’t like spicy food?
The reality is that as popular a spicy food is, not everyone loves the experience of a hot oven in their mouths. Fortunately, there are a couple of ways you can get the same benefits without all the pain.
Besides adding less spice, you can also try seasonings that have some mild heat to them like ginger, cumin, and red pepper flakes. You can also forego spicy foods altogether and add circulation supplements to your routine.
Take Circulation Boost, for example: it promotes heart health, supports healthy blood pressure, and contains several key vitamins and minerals. All you have to do is mix one scoop of the berry-flavored powder in a glass of water and drink.
Circulation Boost is great if you want to get the benefits of spicy foods without the heat – but it also works if you love spicy food. Regardless of where your food palette takes you, add some Circulation Boost to your routine and start experiencing better health.