Manuel, a Mexican friend, eats spicy food to survive. He feeds himself chili peppers that would cause a flame of fire in the mouths of the most unsuspecting. At first glance, Manuel appears healthy, strong as a bull, and healthy. Once, when I asked him why he never fell ill, he confessed that “the key is the spice.” In my case, I once overate chili and ended up with heartburn and diarrhea for nearly a week.
Many of us are wary of spicy food because of our bad experiences. However, spices such as chili, pepper, turmeric, saffron, or curry can also be beneficial. Some studies say curry prevents degenerative diseases, and bell pepper improves cardiovascular disorders.
When hot peppers contact the oral mucosa, they have a burning sensation due to a chemical substance called capsaicin. Spice experts say this compound protects the body from harmful bacteria. The spices are in natural medicine for their antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Spices speed up blood circulation, help you sweat, and improve digestion.
1 – The fountain of youth? The Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences says a well-spiced meal brings longer life expectancy. Researchers studied nearly half a million Chinese people for ten years to conclude that those who ate spicy dishes lived longer than those who ate only rice, chicken, and vegetables.
According to the authors of the research, these results demonstrate the protective effects of spicy foods on human health. Furthermore, they claim spicy foods reduce the risk of coronary heart and respiratory disease.
2 – Enemies of cancer? Spicy foods contain vitamins, minerals, pigments, and antioxidants, like quercetin, polyphenols, and curcumin. We know that antioxidants can help fight cell aging and prevent certain cancers. According to more studies, the spicy only attacks cancer cells without damaging the healthy cells surrounding the tumors.
3 – Blood pressure. Potent peppers are good for dilating blood vessels. Eating pepper is the best way to lower your blood pressure. In the case of hypertension, recommend avoiding salty dishes. Salt is not good when you want to lower your blood pressure.
Red bell pepper, black pepper, chili powder, cinnamon, paprika, curry powder, dry mustard, onion powder, and garlic powder are the most popular spices. They all add flavor and substitute salt.
