Health Benefits of Spicy foods

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Health Benefits of Spicy Food

The health benefits of spicy food are also called health benefits of hot food.

Practically all of us in India have been raised on spicy food of one kind or another. Whether its a plate of hot pav bhaji, hot chicken curry or even half a bunch of green chillies with dal and rice, spice is a major part of our day-to-day meal. Spice is not only a taste issue to most people but also a comfort, tradition and even adventure.

But have you ever questioned yourself whether spicy food is good to your health or not? The answer may surprise you. There is more than just tickling of the taste buds that comes with eating food that has a level of heat. We shall see how spicy food helps you live healthily in so many ways and by the time you get to the conclusion you may be reaching out to add that extra pinch of chilli to your meal.

Increases Metabolism and aids in weight loss.

Have you ever realized that your body begins to sweat as you eat a hot meal? This is due to the fact that spices such as chilli have a natural compound named capsaicin.
It causes a slight rise in temperature in the body and you burn more calories.

I remember one occasion when I was in college and my friends and I visited a dhaba and ordered extra spicy chicken curry. After a few bites we drank some water and sweated but then we felt light and energetic. That's the magic of capsaicin.
So to maintain the same body weight, you may even want to add spice to your food because spice can help in burning calories in the body fast. Consequently, to control your weight, you can take moderate portions of spice in your food since this could help your system to digest calories more rapidly.

Boosts Immunity

We all remember when our grand parents would give us haldi doodh (turmeric milk) whenever we fell ill. Other antioxidants, anti-inflammatory and spices are turmeric, black pepper, ginger and garlic. They stimulate the immune system that helps the body to fight infection.

Many of us started to consume kadha (spiced herbal tea) in regular intervals during the pandemic. On my side, I started to drink ginger-tulsi tea during the monsoons and it actually helped with sore throats and cough.

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Keeps Blood Sugar in Control

It can help people with diabetes or a high sugar level to use spices to food. There are studies which have postulated that the amount of insulin in the body can be regulated by the use of chillies. Sugar is also known to be controlled by cinnamon and other spices, by balancing it.

This is not to say that spicy is medicine. However, spices certainly can be used as a component of a balanced diet and lifestyle to keep sugar levels down.

Natural Mood Booster

Another way to become happier is to eat hot food. Endorphins are released in your body when you eat something hot and spicy - also referred to as the happy hormones. That is why you also can feel the excitement and even certain rush after eating something hot.

On one occasion I participated in a food challenge at the local level where I was invited to eat a plate of momos which had additional spices. And it was hard at first, but by the end I could hardly stop laughing and there were tears in my eyes. It was the endorphins at work!

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