People who like spicy food, this is for you! According to several studies, eating spicy food may help you live longer and reduce inflammation in the body. But yes, that does not mean you should douse every dish in hot chilli sauce. The amount you eat matters too. Keep reading to understand what these studies really say and what they mean for people who enjoy their food extra spicy.
Spicy Food Linked To Better Health And Longevity
Chillies can help boost metabolism, support heart health and offer several other health benefits. But the amount we eat matters a lot. Indian food is all about flavour, and for most of us, cooking without spices just does not work. This is why kitchens in Indian households are often stocked with red chillies, green chillies and many other spices. Spices are deeply woven into our country’s culinary traditions, and yes, they may also influence our health.
According to a study published in 2015 in the British Medical Journal, there is a link between consuming spicy food and longevity. Scientists studied thousands of people over several years and concluded that people who regularly consumed spicy food had a lower risk of death compared to those who ate spicy food less frequently.
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Moderation Is The Key
The research also talked about capsaicin, the compound responsible for the heat in chilli peppers. Capsaicin is believed to offer several benefits, including boosting metabolism, reducing inflammation and lowering the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Not just that, but several studies have also suggested that capsaicin may slightly increase energy expenditure, suppress appetite, help burn calories and improve satiety. According to Firstpost, regular chilli consumption has also been linked to lower overall mortality and an increase in HDL, or good cholesterol.
However, these findings do not mean that you should eat unlimited amounts of spicy food. Spices can be beneficial only when they are part of an overall balanced diet rich in vegetables, legumes, whole grains and protein. Researchers are still studying the role of capsaicin in the human body. But these findings suggest that while spicy food may offer health benefits, moderation is the key.
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Do you like eating spicy food?
Cover Image Courtesy: Pexels/ Nadin Sh (Representative Image)
FAQs
What is capsaicin?
Capsaicin is the natural compound in chilli peppers that gives them their spicy heat.
Should we overeat spicy food?
No. One should always eat spicy food in moderation and as part of a balanced diet.
Can spicy food help you live longer?
Some studies suggest that regular consumption of spicy food may be linked to longevity, but scientists are still researching this.
