If you’re a fan of spicy food then you probably already know that chili peppers are a great way to add some heat to your meals. But did you know that there are also some surprising health benefits to these fiery little vegetables? Not only will chili peppers add some kick to even the most bland-tasting dishes, but they can also do wonders for your overall well-being.Â
Chili peppers contain capsaicin, which causes a burning sensation after eating them. However, capsaicin can also help alleviate pain by depleting the body’s supply of Substance P, a neurotransmitter that sends pain signals to the brain.
So, if you’ve wondered if eating spicy food is good or bad for your health, here are nine ways capsaicin can improve your health.
Health Benefits of Eating Spicy Food
1. Weight loss.
Spicy foods have been shown to help with weight loss. Capsaicin helps increase core temperature and metabolism and burn calories faster.
Research has shown that it could increase your metabolism by up to 5 percent.
2. Depression.
Capsaicin has been shown to work as an endorphin. Our body produces endorphins, like serotonin, in response to heat, which it mistakes for pain. This makes you feel better and can decrease the risk of depression or stress.
3. Cancer Prevention.
Capsaicin is an antioxidant, protecting cells from harmful molecules called free radicals that can cause cancer.
4. Heart Disease.Â
Chili peppers reduce the damaging effects of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), your bad cholesterol. Capsaicin helps fight inflammation, which has been proven to be a risk factor for heart issues. The vitamins A and C found in these plants may help strengthen the heart muscle walls, and the heat of the peppers can increase blood flow through your body. Working together, these factors may help lower blood pressure and improve cardiovascular health.
5. Digestion.
Capsaicin may improve digestion by increasing the digestive fluids in the stomach. An increase in digestive fluids can help speed up the digestion process and relieve diarrhea.
6. Pain. Topical creams containing capsaicin work as an analgesic and can help with arthritic or neuropathic pain.
7. Immunity Booster.Â
Many spicy foods contain Vitamin C, which is known to help boost the immune system. These compounds have antibacterial properties, which can help fight off harmful bacteria and viruses, keeping the immune system healthy and strong.
8. Cancer-fighting Properties.
The Journal of The National Cancer Institute’s (Oxford Journals) article discusses how capsaicin in hot chili peppers makes tumor cells commit suicide, profiling the chili peppers’ ability to inhibit the growth of cancer cells.
9. Regulating Body Temperature.
When you eat spicy food, your body temperature rises. So, if you live in a hot climate, the increase in body temperature can make you feel cooler by diminishing the difference between your body temperature and the surrounding air. This is done by inducing sweating, which cools the body when perspiration evaporates.
So go ahead and add a little bit of heat to your next meal to boost your health and well-being. Spicy food has a wide range of benefits that shouldn’t be overlooked.
*This article is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute providing medical advice. The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, and those seeking personal medical advice should consult with a licensed physician.