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Spicy food is enjoyed all over the world because

spices add an incredible amount of flavour to
what you eat. Cultures all over the world have
dishes that excite and stimulate your palate with
spices and add heat and taste to everyday
ingredients. But if you like spicy food like
chillies, curries and hot sauces, there is so much more to look forward to.

Recent research shows that adding some spice to your meal can provide more health benefits
than previously thought. Yes, you heard it right -- in addition to making your taste buds sizzle,
spicy foods comes with some perks. These include:


: Hot peppers contain capsaicin, which can speed up metabolism and help the body
burn calories faster. This is because capsaicin increases your body temperature and contributes to
an increase in your heart rate. Furthermore, studies have shown that people who eat spicy foods
eat smaller portions, which can reduce their calorie intake.


: Pungent food is good for heart: Hot peppers help to improve heart health by
improving the body's ability to dissolve blood clots. Research has shown that low-density
cholesterol (LDL or bad cholestrol, which can clog your arteries) resisted oxidation for a longer
period of time when chillies were added to the diet, thus reducing the heart stroke risk. The
capsaicin in peppers also fights inflammation, which has been identified as a risk factor for heart
disease. Additionally, statistics show that cultures that eat spicy foods frequently have a much
lower rate of heart attacks and stroke.

 


: Spicy foods also promote good circulation, and they appear to lower
blood pressure. When you eat spicy food, your body's temperature is raised; therefore, it
increases your blood flow and gets your heart pumping. Peppers help strengthen the blood vessel
walls as they are high in vitamins A and C.



 
: Many studies have shown that regular consumption of chillies and
curry decrease the risk of cancer. Capsaicin slows the growth of cancer cells and in some cases,
even causes the cancer cells to die off without harming the surrounding cells. In countries where
diets are traditionally high in capsaicin like India [ Images ] and Mexico, people tend to have
lower rates of some cancers.
 


: Spices also improve your digestion because they increase the hydrochloric
secretion of your stomach. This in turn will increase blood flow to the stomach and even increase
the mucous lining. Capsaicin also helps to kill bacteria like H. pylori and helps to prevent or cure
stomach ulcers. However, if you get heartburn from spicy foods, try taking an antacid relief
tablet which will neutralise acids in the stomach.



: Turmeric (Ê
) reduces joint inflammation and bone destruction. Circumin present
in turmeric helps to alleviate the pain associated with arthritis.

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: Capasicin promotes sweating and eases the discomfort of cold and flu symptoms.
It also helps to open up the nasal passages. It may also reduce sinusitis, and other flu symptoms.

 

: Australian researchers have found that people who regularly
consumed spicy meals fell asleep more easily. They also woke up easier and had more energy
throughout the day.



: Chillie peppers boost the level of endorphins and serotonin, both of which dull
pain and give us a feeling of wellbeing. They can act as depression fighters and powerful stress
relievers.

 

: Hot peppers act as an expectorant, and can help people with asthma,
chronic bronchitis, emphysema, sinusitis and other respiratory conditions breathe easier. Hot
peppers can help you to breathe better by opening up clogged nasal passages.

It is important to take spicy foods moderately, especially if you have a sensitive stomach or
simply a low tolerance for them. Learn to have your food medium-spicy and hot to enjoy the
amazing heath benefits that go along with it.