Here’s
some new ammunition for spicy food lovers who are constantly defending
their excessive use of crushed red pepper on pasta or their relentless
dig for jalapenos in the nacho bowl. While hot and spicy foods will
definitely help clear up a stuffy nose, there are millions of other
health benefits that come from adding a little extra kick to your
diet.
Chilies, for
instance, are the second most common spice (after salt) in the world,
and many cultures celebrate the healing powers of chili peppers’ fiery
components. Whether you love a five-alarm meal or just a mild hot
sauce, here are some health benefits your body will be thanking you for.
Low Blood Pressure:
Many people think steam might be coming out of their ears after biting
into a hot pepper or taking too much wasabi on their sushi. While you
may think your blood pressure is rising, it’s actually lowered when you
eat something spicy. Chili peppers in particular increase peripheral
circulation and lower blood pressure. Packed with bioflavonoids (vital
for healthy cell growth) and high amounts of vitamins A and C, peppers
help strengthen blood vessel walls and make them more elastic. Because
spicy foods tend to make us sweat, the loss of fluid reduces overall
blood volume.
Alzheimer’s Disease Prevention: In 2006, the American Journal of Epidemiology
published a report that found that seniors who consumed curry “often”
or “very often” were 49 percent less likely to have cognitive
impairment compared to those who “never” or “rarely” ate curry. The New
York Academy of Science similarly found that curcumin, which is present
in the spice tumeric, was effective in reducing oxidative damage and
cognitive deficits, as well as other markers of Alzheimer’s in humans.
Weight Control: Forget the diet pills and grab a pepper. Hot peppers can speed up metabolism and help your body burn calories faster. The British Journal of Nutrition
also reports that red pepper (capsaicin) is an appetite suppressant and
helped subjects in a 1999 experiment lower their fat, protein and
caloric intake. Capsaicin is also believed to reduce the number of fat
cells in the body since it quickens the expir
ation of immature fat cells, thereby further preventing obesity.
Depression:
Even though the heat from a hot pepper will trigger pain receptors in
your mouth, it actually enables endorphins in your brain, which can
alleviate feelings of stress or depression. As natural opiates,
endorphins are the same mood-elevators that are released during
exercise. Many people like to throw some jalapenos into their omelets
to boost their mood in the morning. The capsaicin in chili peppers is
also a pain reliever, which of course will reduce bodily or mental
stress. Capsaicin candy is often prescribed to those suffering from
cancer to ease mouth pain, and burn victims can use topical capsaicin
cream to help with their injuries.
From your head to your
waistline to your toes, spicy foods may help you eat, sleep and breathe
better. Hot spices can be used for common problems like poison ivy and
bothersome sore throats and often provide supplemental relief for those
who suffer from arthritis and migraines. If you truly love hot foods,
try exploring different cultural sauces and spices – every country has
their own unique fire starters. With all the possible immediate and
long-term health benefits, it pays to put a little spice in your life.
Source: Camelback Toyota-Scion Times