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Not everyone likes spicy foods. This, of course, also often depends on where you are in the world. For instance, many people were raised on a diet where hot chili peppers were a staple in their nation's cuisine. But even some of those who don't consume spicy foods on a regular basis love it. And on the other side of the spectrum, we have people who avoid spicy foods at all costs. Regardless of where you stand on the matter, it turns out there are actually a number of benefits associated with consuming spicy foods regularly.
With this in mind, have you ever wondered what happens to your body when you eat spicy foods? Click through the following gallery to find out!
Eating spicy foods not only helps you potentially lose weight, but also helps you maintain it. Spicy foods contain capsaicin, an active component of chili peppers that can help with this process.
This is not to say a caloric deficit is not needed to achieve weight loss, but consuming spicy foods may help increase your metabolism and therefore increase caloric consumption.
A 2017 study found that “capsaicin plays a critical role in humans and has multiple benefits for metabolic health, especially for weight loss in obese individuals.”
Spicy foods can have an analgesic effect in certain circumstances. Again, capsaicin is the culprit. It’s believed this component can target a brain chemical known as substance P, which plays a role in transmitting pain signals from nerve endings to the brain.
In fact, topical application of a gel containing 2.5% to 8% concentration of capsaicin has been shown to provide pain relief. Research found it to be an effective treatment for osteoarthritis pain in particular, but it has also been shown to reduce neuropathic pain.
Spicy foods causing ulcers is a common misconception. In fact, the contrary is true. This is because capsaicin inhibits acid production in the stomach.
Chronic medication use and things like H. Pylori bacteria are often to blame for ulcers. “As a matter of fact, capsaicin has been considered as a medication for preventing ulcer development in people who take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs," clarifies gastroenterologist Edwin McDonald.
Spicy foods can help boost your immune system. This is because they are rich in antioxidants that protect our cells against free radicals, which may play a role in a number of diseases.
For this reason, former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton swears by a daily ingestion of a hot pepper. "It's certainly possible that some of the compounds found in chili peppers could be protective of health," explains food science professor John Hayes.
According to a study, capsaicin successfully killed off a large number of prostate cancer cells in rodents without damaging the healthy cells.
While more research is needed to study capsaicin’s efficiency, a systematic review found that “the potential of combination therapy for improved anticancer properties, especially for lung and prostate cancer, has demonstrated some promising results, which indicates the therapeutic value of capsaicin.”
Eating spicy foods may increase your longevity. A study found that “the habitual consumption of spicy foods was inversely associated with total and certain cause specific mortality, independent of other risk factors of death."
According to the study, a 14% relative risk reduction in total mortality was observed in those who consumed spicy foods between five to seven days a week, in comparison to those who ate them less than once a week.
Excessive sugar consumption has been linked to a number of health issues, so reducing our need for sweets is much welcomed. After consuming spicy foods, sugar won’t really taste as good, so that may be a natural deterrent. Think of it a bit like drinking orange juice after brushing your teeth!
Swapping sugar for spice may be a simple and effective trick to control cravings. "I've had patients say that when they have chili sauce or jalapeño, they're satisfied because it feels like they've hit the spot," explains dietitian Bonnie Taub-Dix.
Spicy food is a natural decongestant—that’s why it’s common to have a runny nose when we consume it. "The capsaicin in peppers is similar to a compound found in many decongestants, so the hotter the pepper the greater the impact," says dietitian Cynthia Sass.
In addition, chili peppers are rich in vitamin A, which plays a role in forming strong mucous membranes that will consequently be more effective in preventing germs from entering your body.
Capsaicin has anti-inflammatory properties, so consuming spicy foods often may help reduce inflammation in your body.
In fact, a study found that the anti-inflammatory effects of capsaicin were comparable to diclofenac (Voltaren) in rats.
Hot peppers can decrease the levels of 'bad' LDL cholesterol and increase 'good' HDL, thereby improving circulation and lowering the risk of heart disease.
"In fact, capsaicin is currently being studied for its ability to treat circulatory problems, hardening of the arteries, and irregular heart rhythm," adds Sass.
If you consume spicy foods every day, your palate may actually change. This is because your palate adjusts to the level of spice you consume. This will make you more tolerant of spicy foods.
This may also have an impact on how you taste other foods. Too much spice can actually ruin how other foods will taste, temporarily rendering them tasteless. So, go easy on that hot sauce!
Eating spicy foods often makes you drink more water, and, as a consequence, keeps you hydrated and eases symptoms of constipation.
Though this effect can be exacerbated in people with more sensitive gastrointestinal systems. This means that colon receptors are excessively activated and it speeds up the whole process as a defense mechanism.
"This does not allow the colon to absorb water and ultimately makes us run to the restroom with diarrhea," explains gastroenterologist Kenneth Brown.
Similarly, daily consumption of spicy foods can affect those who already suffer from gastrointestinal conditions. People with Crohn's disease, for instance, should avoid it.
Those who suffer from occasional heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)often find that consuming spicy foods won’t do them any favors either.
Sources: (The List) (Harvard Health) (ScienceDirect) (UChicago Medicine) (Mayo Clinic) (NPR) (Canadian Urological Association Journal) (The BMJ) (Women's Health) (Verywell Health)
See also: Exotic spices and how to cook with them
What happens to your body when you eat spicy foods?
From weight loss to longevity
HEALTH Food
Not everyone likes spicy foods. This, of course, also often depends on where you are in the world. For instance, many people were raised on a diet where hot chili peppers were a staple in their nation's cuisine. But even some of those who don't consume spicy foods on a regular basis love it. And on the other side of the spectrum, we have people who avoid spicy foods at all costs. Regardless of where you stand on the matter, it turns out there are actually a number of benefits associated with consuming spicy foods regularly.
With this in mind, have you ever wondered what happens to your body when you eat spicy foods? Click through the following gallery to find out!