As we all know, spices are the most demanding thing which play an essential role in our daily food. Whether we discuss its flavors or aromas, it is the leading player in all cuisines. However, there are many kinds of spices that come into our homes to make our dishes more tasty, delicious and attractive.
Many countries have their own versions of spicy foods, from Buffalo chicken to kimchi and Tajn. Even if you switch up the chili pepper, you'll still get the same fiery flavor.
However, some people assume that spices are not suitable for your health, and if you are also one of them, then it means you are unaware of the health benefits of spices.
But wait! After reading this article, we bet you will add spices to your food.
5 Healthier Benefits of Spices You Should Know
There are many key benefits of spices discovered recently along with human health. Now, the question will arise in the mind: What happens if you eat spicy food every day? No worries, we have shared some pros of them in below:
Help to Lower Your Blood Pressure.
High blood pressure, which is also called hypertension, can also happen because of some high sodium intake. But how does it relate to the spicy food? Well, according to the European Journal of Nutrition study published in 2019, females who consume spicey food have 26% lower chances of high blood pressure as compared to those who have not consumed spicy food. It means that spices have some blood pressure-friendly compounds. However, this research is not able to link with males.
Eating Spicy Food Can Extend Your Life.
The China National Center for Disease Control and Harvard conducted research in 2015, finding that eating spicy cuisine six or seven days a week, or even once a day, reduced the death rate by 14 per cent. However, it will be more beneficial if you skip the beer and corona with a spicy taco.
Help to Enhance Heart Health.
There are many ways to improve your heart health, as spicy food also plays a role in your healthy life; some research shows that when you consume spicy food, you will have a low risk of developing certain diseases, including Type 2 diabetes, high rate of blood pressure, or high cholesterol.
According to a study conducted by the University of Vermont, individuals who use chile peppers in their diet regularly were found to have a 13% reduced risk of mortality. The researchers have made an exciting discovery regarding culinary fire eaters. They found that these individuals have a lower risk of experiencing cardiovascular such as heart attacks and strokes, which are often fatal.
Helps to Increase Your Metabolic Rate.
Is spicy food good for your stomach and increases your metabolic rate? Yes, there are so many studies available online where you can find the benefits of adding spices, including cumin, cinnamon, turmeric, peppers, and chillies, to your diet. It will increase your metabolic resting rate, good for your stomach, and decrease your hunger. According to one study, the development of fatty tissue in mice was similarly reduced by turmeric. Although cinnamon can help you to a full stomach for a long time, it does not mean it will help you lose weight.
It May Help to Fight Against Cancer Cells.
Indeed, According to the UCLA study, spices like chilli peppers have some special properties that play a role in slowing down the process of cancer and even have the ability to destroy cancer cells. Surprisingly, this inhibition occurred without causing any harm to healthy cells.
Some Downsides of Spicy Foods
Maybe Worsening Your Acid Reflux
According to the review in the journal Preventive Nutrition and Food Science, which was published in 2021, if you have an issue of acid reflux or are diagnosed (with GERD), then it is essential to know that spicy food is the main reason for the trigger. However, a registered dietitian and co-founder of the virtual nutrition practice Radicare Zariel Grullón, said that people who experience heartburn or have conditions such as gastritis should be cautious about their spicy food consumption because it may cause some irritation.
Face Some Digestive Side Effects.
Spicy food may also trigger and have negative effects on the digestive system beyond just reflux. According to a study published in the Journal of Crohn's and Colitis in 2020, the majority of the people who have Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), especially (ulcerative colitis and Crohn's) have experienced an increase in symptoms when consuming spicy food. However, it is recommended that those who have IBS avoid spicy food because it makes your condition worse.
How To Start Spice In Your Food: Cautions To Know
If you have not tasted spices in your food before, then it is essential to know what you should do. Firstly, start adding some species to the meal, but take a small amount of habanero peppers. Because if you start a large amount of it, you could face some heartburn or diarrhea issues. After tasting some spices for a few days, you can examine whether you can continue to eat spicy dishes or not. If you have no adverse effects, it means that your taste buds are activated, and your sensitivity to heat will probably grow.
So, Are Spicy Foods Healthier?
Of course, yes! Capsaicinoids have the chemical compound capsaicin, which helps to create a spicy taste. After so many decades of research, it is shown that capsaicinoids have many positive health benefits for the human body, including spicy foods.
The Bottom Line
Are spicy foods healthier? Well, in this article, we have compiled the several health benefits associated with spicy food. Also, the research shows that adding spices to your diet improves your heart health, lowers blood pressure, fights against cancer cells, and much more. However, there are also some downsides, which we also mentioned. If you have some reflux or IBD issue, avoid spices because they will worsen your condition.
