For those of us who love spicy food, science is in our favor. Along with the taste and delight in eating spicy foods, a few health studies show it is good for our heart and overall health thanks to a key ingredient known as Capsaicin. Capsaicin gives heat to different types of hot peppers, such as cayenne, habanero, jalapeno, and chili peppers. The good news is that it doesn’t matter if it is eaten raw, cooked, or used as a dried powder. Add hot spices you enjoy to your favorite dishes or choose spicy foods and drinks for all the health benefits.
Here are three amazing capsaicin health benefits:
Heart Health
Capsaicin's anti-inflammatory qualities make it effective in promoting a healthy heart. A healthy diet that includes spicy foods could help lower blood pressure and reduce blood cholesterol as well as ease the tendency for dangerous blood clots to form. The key is to follow a healthy diet and add spices where you will enjoy fitting it in.
Weight Loss
Studies have found that capsaicin can boost our metabolism, which increases the rate at which we use energy and burn fat stores. Additionally, it seems to help reduce our appetite to help us reduce hunger and eat fewer calories. Spices can be added and enjoyed in any dish on a weight-loss plan for just a little kick.
Pain Relief
Capsaicin stimulates the release of a compound believed to be involved in communicating pain between the nerves in the spinal cord and other parts of the body. It works by first stimulating and then decreasing the intensity of pain signals in the body. A little spicy food could bring some relief for those in chronic pain.
One more bonus
There’s also a good reason why spicy stuff brings pleasure along with heat. At the touch of your tongue, capsaicin triggers the release of endorphins, known as “happy” chemicals that give feelings of satisfaction.