Humans have been adding spice to food for centuries. In fact, the use of chili peppers dates back to 7500 BC. Chili peppers were first domesticated in Mexico and then spread to other parts of the world, including Asia, Africa, and Europe.
So why do people like spicy food? This article will discuss everything you need to know about why there are a lot of spicy food fans around the world.
What is spicy food?
Before we head on and discuss the reasons behind the popularity of spice in food, it is important to first understand what spicy food is. In simple terms, spicy food is food that contains spices, which are natural plant-based or dried ingredients used to flavor food.
Common examples of spices include black pepper, chili peppers, ginger, garlic, cumin, and turmeric. When these spices are added to food, they can create a variety of flavors, ranging from mild to hot.
It should be noted that not all spices are created equal when it comes to spiciness. For instance, black pepper and ginger tend to be milder than chili peppers. Meanwhile, cayenne peppers and habanero peppers are two of the hottest spices available.
Is spicy food good for you?
While there are minimal health risks associated with eating spicy food, there are some potential benefits. For instance, capsaicin, the compound that gives chili peppers their heat, has been shown to boost metabolism and help burn calories.
Capsaicin is also an effective pain reliever. In fact, topical creams containing capsaicin are often used to treat conditions like arthritis and nerve pain. Additionally, capsaicin has antibacterial properties and can help clear congestion.
When it comes to other spices, ginger is known for its ability to settle the stomach and relieve nausea. Garlic has potent antimicrobial properties and is also linked to a lower risk of heart disease.
Turmeric contains curcumin, a compound with powerful anti-inflammatory effects. Curcumin has been shown to be effective in the treatment of conditions like arthritis and Crohn’s disease.
So, there are some health benefits associated with eating spicy food. However, it is important to remember that these benefits are mostly linked to the compounds found in spices, rather than the spiciness itself.
What happens to your body when you eat spicy food?
When your body comes into contact with capsaicin, the compound that makes chili peppers spicy, it reacts by releasing endorphins. Endorphins are hormones that produce feelings of pleasure and pain relief.
Additionally, capsaicin activates certain receptors in the body that are responsible for the perception of heat. These receptors are normally only activated when your body temperature rises. As a result, eating spicy food can cause your body to feel hot.
Your body will also sweat when you eat spicy food. This is because capsaicin stimulates the release of a hormone called adrenaline. Adrenaline increases heart rate and blood flow, which in turn makes your body sweat in an attempt to cool down.
Does it matter what kind of spice?
The only thing about how the kind of spice matters is how much capsaicin it has. The more capsaicin, the more endorphins are released and the more your body temperature rises. Some of the hottest spices include habanero peppers, Scotch bonnet peppers, and ghost peppers. If you’re looking for a milder option, try black pepper or ginger.
The Health Benefits of Spicy Foods
As mentioned, spices can bring some potential health benefits. For instance, capsaicin, the chemical that gives chili peppers their heat, can help you burn calories and boost your metabolism.
Here are some other benefits you can get from spicy foods:
Weight loss
Capsaicin can help you burn calories and lose weight. One study showed that people who ate a capsaicin-rich diet burned 10% more calories than those who didn’t.
Capsaicin may also help you feel full and eat less. One study showed that people who ate a capsaicin-rich meal consumed 200 fewer calories.
A great spicy weight loss meal would be Nashville-hot chicken. If you live in an area in Texas, Main Bird serves the best spicy chicken. Plus, they’re halal-certified too!
Boost your metabolism
According to a study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition , capsaicin can increase your metabolic rate by up to 8 percent
Control your appetite
Spices can help people who feel less hungry and consume fewer calories at their next meal.
Depression
Another benefit of capsaicin is its ability to lift your mood and fight depression. It can increase serotonin levels, a brain chemical that plays a role in mood regulation.
Cancer Prevention
Cancer Prevention Capsaicin has also been shown to kill cancer cells in lab studies. In addition, it can cause cancer cells to commit suicide. While more research is needed, these findings suggest that capsaicin may help prevent or treat cancer.
Heart Disease
Capsaicin can also help improve heart health. A study in the journal Circulation found that capsaicin can reduce inflammation and improve blood vessel function.
Additionally, review of 20 studies found that people who eat chili peppers have a lower risk of death from heart disease.
Digestion
Pain
Spices can relieve pain by activating certain receptors in the brain. A study finds that capsaicin can help relieve pain from arthritis, cluster headaches, and menstrual cramps.
Kill Bacteria
Lastly, capsaicin can also help kill harmful bacteria. A study in the journal Applied and Environmental Microbiology found that capsaicin can kill foodborne pathogens, such as E. coli and Salmonella.
What are the negative effects of eating spicy food?
Eating too much spicy food can lead to digestive issues like:
- Heartburn
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
Additionally, capsaicin can irritate your skin and eyes. If you get capsaicin on your skin, be sure to wash it off with soap and water. And if you get it in your eyes, flush them out with water immediately.
Lastly, spicy foods can cause hiccups. This is because capsaicin can irritate the diaphragm, the muscle that controls your breathing.
Add Some Spices to Your Diet Today!
Spicy food, in general, is healthy and can offer great benefits. If you’re looking to add some spice to your diet, try incorporating chili peppers, ginger, or turmeric into your meals. Just be sure to start slowly and listen to your body to see how it reacts. And if you have any concerns, talk to your doctor first.
We at Main Bird offer the best Nashville hot chicken. We take great pride in our product and offer only the highest quality chicken. Our chicken is free-range, all-natural, and hormone-free. We use the freshest spices to give our chicken its signature flavor. Stop by today and try our hot chicken in Texas! You won’t be disappointed.
