Eating spicy food is not only beneficial for your cravings but it has various benefits that you should know. Check out these health benefits of eating spicy food.
1. Boosts metabolism
According to Healthline, spicy foods can increase the body’s metabolic capacity. Hence, this can help in reducing one’s weight.
“Studies show that the main compound in chilies, called capsaicin, has a thermogenic effect and may cause the body to burn bonus calories for 20 minutes post-chow-down,” Jenny Everett of Self.com stated.
“Data across numerous studies indicates that certain spices — like cumin, cinnamon, turmeric, peppers, and chilies — can raise your metabolic resting rate and slow down your appetite,” Healthline reported.
2. Makes your healthy
Interestingly, most people who eat spicy food have a lower risk of having heart disease. Plus, bad cholesterol can be reduced by mixing your foods with chili peppers.
3. Prevents cancer
Another benefit of eating spicy food is it can prevent cancer. “Capsaicin has the ability to kill some cancer and leukemic cells,” American Association for Cancer Research mentioned.
Respectively, turmeric can slow the growth and spread of cancer.
4. Reduces Stress
Believe it or not, one of the benefits of eating spicy food is it can suppress stress and depression. Eating spicy food can increase happy hormones such as serotonin.
5. Kills bacteria
Since cumin and turmeric obtain antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, they can kill bacteria that are harmful to your body.
6. Relieves pain
Another benefit of eating spicy food is it can relieve pain. “Capsaicin is able to inhibit certain signals sent from your nerve cells to your brain, deadening any sensation of pain you might be feeling,” Lifehack stated.
“This is why capsaicin is often used as an ingredient in pain-relief creams and patches – the burning sensation works to eliminate pain at its source,” it added.