Several years ago, I was hooked on hot, spicy food. Back in the day when all I ate was egg whites, chicken and turkey breasts and oatmeal, I got bored real quick of trying to get my macronutrients while eating clean. I started experimenting with spices to change the flavour of the bland but nutrient dense foods. One of my favourite was hot sauce and red pepper flakes. Even today, I enjoy eating at restaurants like the one my friend Amar owns, INDIA because the food is spicy and vegetarian friendly. As I continued my research on nutrition and studied for my nutrition certifications I came to realize many health benefits to eating nutrient dense foods with some spicy heat added! Some of the benefits of eating nutritious spicy foods include;
CURBS HUNGER AND LOSE WEIGHT
Eating foods that are spicy will cause you to drink more beverages. This can help fill your stomach. Capsaicin, a main ingredient in spicy foods has been shown to increase satiety and reduce appetite. Spicy food also increases your metabolism which will help burn calories!
REDUCE ANXIETY AND STRESS
Eating foods with some heat to them causes the release of endorphins. The spicy foods cause the body to secrete hormones such as serotonin which is a "feel good" hormone. If you're feeling a little stressed or down, try eating something spicy... If not anything else, your burning tongue will take your mind off your problems! ha ha
EASE SYMPTOMS ASSOCIATED WITH A COLD
Many of us know that spicy foods cause a runny nose! This is because it relieves clogged nasal passages and eases the symptoms of congested sinuses. Foods such as hot peppers can help relieve respiratory symptoms associated with bronchitis. They raise the body's core temperature which can help relieve symptoms associated with the flu and colds as well.
HEART HEALTHY
Capsaicin helps lower LDL cholesterol and reduces inflammation. This can help reduce the risk of stroke and heart attacks. Vitamins A and C found in many spicy ingredients strengthen the muscle walls of the heart. The heat from the spicy foods increase blood flow throughout the body which lowers blood pressure and strengthens the cardiovascular system.
CANCER PREVENTION
According to the American Association for Cancer Research, capsaicin has the ability kill some leukemic and types of cancer cells. Tumeric, which is found in curry powder and some mustards, can slow the spread of the growth of tumors and some cancers.
The key to receiving health benefits of spicy foods is remember to eat nutritious foods. Eating a dozen deep friend buffalo wings will unfortunately have more damaging effects the good. Jalapeno peppers etc. are often served with high calorie and fat foods such as dips. These can increase heart burn and indigestion. So don't go off the deep end thinking I'm saying it's ok to eat buffalo wings and stuffed jalapeno fried peppers! Eating certain nutrient dense foods such as curry chicken breast, adding peppers to a veggie omelette, or many other dishes can increase the health benefits of your favourite nutritious dishes!
*Some facts researched at http://watchjackettakeitoff.com