The Health Benefits of Spicy Food

Spicy foods are not only delicious, they can be extremely nutritious as well. Spicy foods have many benefits that can help you accomplish your health goals. Whether you’re a spice lover, or you tend to steer clear, we have several compelling health reasons that might convince you to add some extra spice into your life. 

Grab your favorite spicy salsas and sauces and prepare yourself for some awesome health benefits. Here are 5 ways spicy foods bring the heat to better health.

Increased Longevity

Adding some extra spice to your diet can help increase your longevity. According a health journal, “spicy food consumptions showed highly consistent inverse associations with mortality among both men and women after adjustment of other potential risk factors.”

Who knew that going for some hot salsa on your tacos rather than the mild option could help you increase your longevity? 

It’s also been found that spicy foods can help prevent heart disease- the number one killer in the United States. The vitamin A and C found in spicy foods help increase blood flow, which has a positive effect on your cardiovascular health. 

Faster Metabolism

Capsaicin, the compound in peppers that make them spicy, has been found to boost the body’s ability to break down fat and burn more energy. As we age, our metabolism often slows, so incorporating more spicy food into your diet will help you give it the extra boost it needs. 

While these effects are mild, they can certainly help you push through a weight loss plateau.

Decreased Hunger

With obesity being the growing public health problem that it is, the hunger-decreasing health benefit of spicy food can aid those hoping to lose weight to live a healthier life. Capsaicin is the secret ingredient that gives spicy food its appetite suppressant quality. Adding some spice to your food can help you stay satisfied from meal to meal. 

Boost the Microbiome

Eating spicy food can help keep your gut microbiome healthy and diverse. There is evidence that capsaicin can be beneficial for your gut microbiome. Capsaicin can stimulate a healthy gut flora and have a positive effect on the gastrointestinal tract.

Maintaining proper gut health has a profound impact on your overall health. Keeping spicy foods a norm in your diet can help you keep your gut as healthy as possible. 

Less Depression Symptoms

When eating spicy food, the body triggers a relapse of endorphins. Endorphins are the neurotransmitter that is related when the body experiences something pleasant. They can help relieve pain and stress and improve your overall sense of wellbeing.

If you’re experiencing a bout of depression, you may find it helpful to incorporate more spicy meals into your day as they may help you manage your symptoms. 

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