Spice up your life: Why adding spices to your diet will benefit you
Jourdan Treadwell
| 3 min read
I have always heard how spicy food leads to ulcers, bad indigestion and obesity, but I’ve wondered if this was all true. So I decided to investigate, is spicy food really that terrible for us? Does it really cause these problems or are they just urban legends? Do I need to make my food so spicy it’s hard to eat?
Well, after doing some research I found that spicy food doesn’t have to be hot and is good for the mind, body and soul.
- According to Best Health Magazine spicy food can protect the stomach lining, decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease, help prevent diabetes, and boost your metabolism. In fact, Dr. Jeejeebhoy, who was interviewed for by Best Health Magazine, talks about how spicy foods, especially hot chili peppers, are beneficial to our health as well as to the taste of our food. Researchers say that capsaicin, the compound that gives spicy food its blazing flavor, can kill lung and pancreatic cancer cells without hurting the surrounding cells. Based on this information, I guess we should change the old saying to, “a hot chili pepper a day keeps the doctor away!”
- Not only can spices prevent the risk of serious diseases, but they also add a burst of flavor to any food they touch. Msnbc.com suggests adding more spices to your daily diet since they are low in calories and delicious. By spicing up your meal, you can boost your metabolism and curb your hunger, allowing you to consume less throughout the day. So, try adding a bit more zest to your breakfast, like mixing apples and cinnamon spice into your oatmeal in order to start the day in a healthy way!
- Spicy foods may also help improve heart health. Self Magazine claims people who eat spicy foods have lower risks of experiencing heart attacks and strokes. The potential reasoning behind this is that capsaicin may fight inflammation, eliminating the risk for heart issues, and preventing them from occurring. So don’t shy away from spices, try adding some into your meals! A few of my favorite spices are cinnamon, paprika, and rosemary.
- Are you feeling down and out? If you want to get yourself in a happy-go-lucky mood, try enjoying a spicy meal. According to Msnbc.com, when you feel the burning sensation in your mouth from the capsaicin, your brain releases feel-good endorphins that puts you in a better mood! So next time you’re feeling blue, add some spices in your meal to spice up your life!
Remember to spice up your life in moderation. Are you a fan of healthy spicy foods? How do you spice up your life?
Photo Credit: madlyinlovewithlife
