If you’re a fan of spicy food, you’ll be happy to know that spices like cayenne pepper offer more than just flavor. Compounds in spicy foods may help reduce blood pressure and support weight control.
However, spicy foods are not suitable for everyone, especially if you have digestive problems.
What makes food spicy?
Spicy foods and peppers contain chemical compounds called capsaicinoids that give them heat. Capsaicinoids are most concentrated in the white lining of peppers.
When you bite into a pepper, capsaicin – the most common type of capsaicinoid in hot peppers – binds to heat-sensing receptors in the mouth, causing a burning sensation.
Benefits of spicy food
Heart health
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the world. There is some evidence that spicy foods may reduce blood pressure and cholesterol, two major risk factors for heart disease.
For example, a 2022 study found that spicy, peppery foods may help improve blood pressure and reduce the risk of death from heart disease or stroke.
In addition, a 2017 study found that spicy foods may significantly reduce salt intake and reduce a person’s desire to eat salt, which has a positive impact on blood pressure and health.
Another study conducted in 2017 linked spicy foods to lower levels of bad cholesterol, or what is known as low-density lipoprotein (LDL).
There was a study conducted on a sample of people who ate spicy foods, and the results showed that those who ate such foods more than 5 times a week had significantly higher levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) or “good” cholesterol levels than those who did not. that.
However, the same study showed that triglyceride levels increase with the consumption of spicy foods, and that high triglycerides can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Gut health
The gut microbiome plays a vital role in our health and well-being. An imbalance of bacteria in the intestines is linked to digestive disorders, irritable bowel syndrome, and diabetes.
The gut microbiome is the microorganisms that live in the intestines and have a significant impact on health.
Spicy foods may cause digestive discomfort in some people, but they may benefit intestinal health when consumed in moderation.
Research suggests that capsaicin may improve gut health by increasing the amount of good bacteria in the gut, while reducing disease-causing bacteria.
Low doses of capsaicin may also help remove excess acid from the stomach, promoting the healing of stomach ulcers.
Weight Loss
In one 2021 study, 63% of participants reported feeling more satisfied when eating a meal containing capsaicin.
Several studies indicate that consuming spicy foods may support weight control efforts by increasing fat burning, reducing appetite and improving the composition of the gut microbiome.
May prolong life
According to a 2021 research review that included 564,748 adult participants examining the relationship between consumption of spicy foods and mortality, researchers found that those who regularly eat spicy foods had a 12% lower risk of death, compared to those who do not eat spicy foods regularly.
Harmful effects of spicy foods
Spicy foods are generally considered safe when consumed in moderation. However, consuming large amounts of capsaicin may cause uncomfortable intestinal symptoms, including:
heartburn. nausea. vomiting. Diarrhea. stomach pain.
These symptoms may be more severe in people with irritable bowel syndrome who are not accustomed to eating spicy foods regularly.
Some studies also indicate that eating large amounts of spicy foods may increase the risk of cancer, especially stomach, gallbladder, and esophagus cancer.
However, other studies have shown that frequent consumption of spicy foods may actually protect against gastrointestinal cancers, especially esophageal cancer.
Moderation is the secret
Therefore, eating spicy foods must be moderated, or reduced if the person cannot tolerate them or if he suffers from digestive problems such as irritable bowel syndrome.
2023-10-29 19:37:41
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