AllDiet Food blog

When you think spicy foods, it would most likely be dishes that contain ingredients like chili peppers, black pepper, ginger, or hot sauces. And you are right! For spicy foods, the goal is simple –  create a burning sensation in the mouth! This heat is mainly due to capsaicin, a compound found in chili peppers that interacts with pain receptors in the mouth and skin, producing the characteristic spicy feel.

Spicy foods are enjoyed all over, especially for the bold flavors they produce. Many believe spicy foods help with digestion, promotes sweating (which may help cool the body), and even acts as an appetite suppressant. Regardless, concerns exist as some persons associate spicy food with heartburn, gastric ulcers, and stomach discomfort.

The balance would be to see what science says;

Recent scientific studies have offered a more indepth view. Research shows that persons who consumed spicy food almost daily had a 14% lower risk of death compared to those who ate it less than once a week. Researchers believe this could be due to capsaicin’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Additionally, the Mayo Clinic reports that capsaicin may improve cardiovascular health by reducing inflammation and even help prevent the buildup of plaque in blood vessels. It may also contribute to pain relief and support weight management through appetite suppression and increased metabolism.

Some of the health benefits of Spicy foods include:

Heart Health: Capsaicin has been shown to improve blood flow and reduce inflammation, potentially lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Blood Pressure: Spicy foods may help people reduce their salt intake. A 2017 study cited by the Mayo Clinic suggests that people who enjoy spicy food may crave less salt, thus supporting healthier blood pressure levels.

Potential Anti-Cancer Effects: Studies suggest that capsaicin may inhibit the growth of cancer cells, though clinical evidence in humans is still limited and inconclusive.

In conclusion, while spicy food offers several potential health benefits, moderation is key. Overconsumption may irritate the gastrointestinal tract, exacerbate conditions like acid reflux or ulcers, and may be associated with increased risks for some conditions, including gastric cancer and hyperuricemia.

For most healthy individuals, moderate intake of spicy food can be part of a balanced diet. However, individuals with gastrointestinal sensitivity or chronic digestive issues should consult a healthcare provider before increasing their intake.

References

Du, Y., Liu, B., Sun, Y., Snetselaar, L. G., Wallace, R. B., Bao, W. (2019). Association of spicy food consumption with total and cause specific mortality: Population based cohort study. The BMJ, 351, h3942. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.h3942

Mayo Clinic News Network. (2019, February 25). Capsaicin’s connection to heart health. Mayo Clinic. https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayoclinicminutecapsaicinsconnectiontohearthealth/

Mayo Clinic News Network. (2017, December 6). Spice things up to lower salt intake. Mayo Clinic. https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-minute-spice-things-up-to-lower-salt-intake/

Medscape. (2020, March 2). Spicy food may help you live longer. Medscape. https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/922798