Go region by region, spicy foods have always had a different era and preference by people. People like spicy food for its preparations, pungent fragrance and its aroma that comes before really tasting the food.
Whatever the personal reason for liking spicy food, science believes that capsaicin, a chemical in pepper, part of ingredients in spicy food, hits the tongue to cause a hot sensation. This in turn releases endorphins which promote the feeling of pleasure in eating spicy food. Over the years, studies have found some benefits and at the same time, some harmful effects of spicy food. Let us study some pros and cons to help us enjoy the food within some limit.
In this post, we will be diving into some pros and cons of spicy food: including how to balance between taste and health.
So, shall we begin?Pros of spicy foods
Check weight through increased metabolism
Spicy food chemicals, like cayenne, habaneros and jalapenos from capsaicin speed up metabolism. The heart rate and body temperatures increase with these natural chemicals. The increase in metabolism stimulates digestive track. And if you are adding spicy items with heavy meals during dinner or lunch, you will never face a digestion problem.
Studies by healthcare experts have shown that spicy food relieves sinus congestion. The spices also improve the clogged breathing airway. The spicy ingredients give a boost to blood circulation to improve healing properties of food. The chili pepper in particular with vitamin A and C, boosts immunity to fight common cold issues.
Spicy foods are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. Certain spices increase blood flow and this feature helps in relieving pain. Increased blood circulation promotes healing of any affected area in the body. Capsaicin, pepper, and turmeric, the vital part of a spicy food, fight inflammation. People with arthritis problems also get relief from food with these ingredients.
Asthma patients, Parkinson patients and people with autoimmune diseases lower the symptoms with spicy food. The capsaicin, chopped pepper, and certain spices enhance the benefit from a spicy food. Spices in food kill harmful bacteria in the stomach, which restricts transform of infection throughout the body.
Spicy food is in high demand in cold regions of the world, due to the fact that spices increase temperature in the body, when it is cold outside. People in the Chinese city of Harbin are fond of hotspots during severe winter conditions. The spicy froth is part of all hotpots. It is the perfect way to increase body temperature. At the same time, during summers, the same spicy food lets the body cool off. The sweating that comes after a spicy food regulates body temperature.
Bad cholesterol, a wax like sticky substance, prevents free movement of blood when it sticks to inner walls of blood vessels. Spicy food, especially capsaicin and pepper, two key ingredients of spicy food preparation cut the cholesterol levels. Capsaicin cuts the risk of inflammation, which is also a risk factor for heart. An improved heart function is the basis for a healthy life for a man, as healthy intimacy depends on an efficient heart function.
However, an active life is recommended for an overall improvement in blood circulation in the body. Spicy food can be one part of the many steps that a man has to take to maintain a healthy heart.
Study published in journal physiology and behavior confirms that eating spicy food actually improves testosterone levels in males. Testosterone levels reduce the risk of erectile dysfunction, difficulty in getting an erection, caused by low libido. It also ensures that male depending on higher doses like can reduce need for such a higher dose. However, spicy food has to be part of the healthy lifestyle that includes exercises, balanced diet and care for emotional health.
According to the American Association for Cancer Research, capsaicin has shown the ability to destroy leukemic cells. In fact the spices like turmeric used in spicy food preparations for curry powder and some mustard may check the spread of cancer and growth of tumors.
A study by Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Harvard School of Public Health in 2015 showed that people with regular consumption of spicy food had 14 % lower risk of premature death, thus giving you an additional incentive to indulge your taste buds in authentic spices rich food items.
A common concern is that spicy food can increase risk of piles or hemorrhoids. The study published in diseases of colon and rectum mentions that spicy food itself is not responsible for piles, but it can aggravate the issue for males or females who are already having fissures or anal fissures. The study came out in 2006.
Cons of spicy food
Capsaicin beyond a safe limit causes irritation after a heavy spicy meal. It damages the lining in the stomach, leading to gastritis issues. The constant use can lead to an ulcer and intestinal diseases like colitis.
Spicy food can worsen the acid reflux problem. The acid reflex is stomach acid or bile flowing back into the food pipe line. It is a digestive problem. The spicy food may increase the level of acid in the body, which if not properly digested can cause acid reflux.
Initial stages spicy food enhances the taste of food. But over the time, the need for more spicy food is felt to maintain the same taste level. It is because spicy food damages the sense of taste. Eventually, the person adds more spices to get the same taste, which further causes damages and increases irritation.
Conclusion
The best thing that has emerged from the study is that cons of spicy food come when frequency and quantity of spicy food items is increased. So remain within safe limits to enjoy the pros of your favorite spicy food items and keep cons in check.
