Benefits of Eating Spicy Food, Losing Weight and Preventing Cancer

Spicy food has been popular for thousands of years, but not everyone knows the benefits of spicy food.

The active ingredients in hot spices encourage the body to produce endorphins that make you feel happy. If you eat spicy food, this hormone will rise, so you will feel happier.

Furthermore, eating spicy food can help reduce weight. Spicy foods contain compounds that can trigger metabolic reactions that burn fat, so they can help burn more calories.

Eating spicy food can also help to reduce the risk of heart disease. Capsaicin, found in chilies, has anti-inflammatory properties that can help lower blood pressure, reduce bad cholesterol, and repair damage to blood vessels.

Apart from that, consuming spicy food can also help prevent cancer. Capsaicin is a powerful compound and has antioxidant properties. This is useful for helping fight cancer cells and is anti-inflammatory.

For additional information, capsaicin is the compound that gives chilies a spicy taste.

Explanation of Why Chilies Taste Spicy

The spicy taste of chilies is influenced by the chemical content of capsaicin. Quoting from the explanation of why chilies are spicy and the benefits of consuming chilies. Capsaicin triggers receptors in the mouth and causes a burning sensation; this burning sensation is called a spicy taste.

The higher the capsaicin level, the spicier the chili will be. This level of spiciness is called the Scoville Heat Unit (SHU). For example, jalapeno peppers range from 1,000 to 10,000 SHU, and habaneros range from 100,000 to 500,000 SHU. In fact, for Carolina Reaper chilies, it ranges from 1.5 to 2.2 million SHU.

Benefits of Eating Chili for Health

1. Improves the Immune System

Chili contains vitamins C, B6, A, and K, which can improve the immune system. Vitamin C has a strong antioxidant effect and can fight free radicals that trigger or contribute to various diseases. Vitamin B6 is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties that help your body fight infections. The iron contained in chilies increases the number of red blood cells and oxygenation in your body.

2. Improves the Cardiovascular System

The capsaicin compound contained in chilies has a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system. Research shows that consuming chilies can reduce the risk of heart attack. It also helps prevent blood vessel thrombosis.

3. Improves Digestion

Consuming chilies can help improve your Digestion by increasing the production of saliva and digestive enzymes. This enzyme helps break down and digest food. In addition, capsaicin can increase mucus production to improve mucus circulation in the digestive tract.

4. Controls Blood Pressure

When consuming chilies in moderation, it can help you control blood pressure. Chemical compounds such as capsaicin help lower blood pressure and reduce insulin resistance. This prevents the risk of various cardiovascular diseases.

5. Increase metabolism

Consuming chilies in reasonable amounts can help speed up metabolism. This is because chilies are rich in capsaicin, which can help metabolic processes in the body. According to a study conducted in Japan, consuming moderate amounts of chilies every day can help you lose weight.

However, it must be remembered that spicy foods can also cause some side effects. So, make sure to consume spicy foods in safe portions so you can enjoy the benefits.

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