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Spicy Food Benefits

Spicy food is popular in Asia, South America, and Africa. Some communities use chilies to prepare most of their meals. In the past, tribes that lived in warm regions added spices in their food to prevent it from spoiling. Research shows that capsaicin inhibits bacterial growth in food. The following are six health benefits of taking spicy food.

Spicy Food Benefits

1. An Extended Life Span

A study by the Harvard School of Public Health and the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences focused on the diet of 500,000 Chinese citizens aged 30 to 79 for five years. It discovered that people who eat up to seven spicy foods per week are less likely to die prematurely. Dr. Present, one of the researchers stated that the reduced risk of dying is significant. Dr. Peeke explained that spicy food extends an individual’s life span by helping them lose weight, improving their cardiovascular health and preventing cancer.

2. Protects the Digestive Tract

Peppers contain capsaicin. It is an anti-irritant compound that helps people who have suffered from ulcers for a long period. Physicians often tell them to avoid spicy food, but research shows that peppers aren’t harmful. Pepper powder contains some antioxidants that heal stomach upsets, diarrhea, cramps and bloating. It reduces the amount of acid in the digestive tract thus healing ulcers. Furthermore, pepper increases the production of gastric juices and saliva hence aiding digestion. Cuisine enthusiasts can play food roulette in high-end restaurants.

Spicy Food Benefits
Turmeric root and powder

3. Prevents Cancer

Capsaicin kills leukemic cells and specific cancer cells, according to the American Association of Cancer Research. Mustard and curry powder contain turmeric. It inhibits the growth of tumors and the spread of cancer. Gregory A. Plotnikoff, a senior healthcare consultant at Allina Hospitals and Clinics stated that the spice has the same effects as those of certain chemotherapy medicines. Black pepper enables the body to absorb more turmeric.

Recent studies found that curcumin inhibits the growth of cancer cells and prevents them from spreading. It is useful in treating stomach cancer, breast cancer, and cervical cancer. A report by the Cedras-Sinai Medical Centre indicates that capsaicin kills most prostate cancer cells.

essential herbs for health
Source: Pinterest

4. Improves Heart Health

Michael Miller, a professor of cardiovascular medicine at the University Of Maryland School Of Medicine said that turmeric and peppers improve cardiovascular health. Capsaicin dilates blood vessels thus reducing blood pressure. Also, it prevents blood clots. Turmeric contains anti-inflammatory compounds that heal damaged blood vessels and reduces cholesterol.

Spicy Food Benefits
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5. Aids in Weight Loss

Research reveals that eating hot peppers increases metabolism by five percent and reduces fat by 16 percent. Even so, it is important to exercise frequently to reduce weight. Dr. Peeke said that spicy food helps the body burn more calories. For example, capsaicin stimulates brown fat and improves metabolism. A study by Purdue University discovered that spicy foods reduce food cravings.

6. Pain Relief

Doctors use a capsaicin cream to treat arthritis, severe headache, and shingles. You can smear hot pepper on your skin to relieve pain. Dr. Present recommends using over-the-counter creams with capsaicin since they are effective pain relievers.

Cayenne, chili, habanero, and jalapeno are some of the most popular chilies worldwide. Another option to use is substitute for cayenne pepper, that is also available. Besides adding flavor to food, they have several health benefits including better blood circulation and improved cardiovascular health. Capsaicin boosts immunity. You can use one spice or several spices in your food to improve your health.


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