Some people dislike spicy food and prefer to avoid it, while others can't imagine a meal without the burning sensation on their tongue. Surprisingly, spicy food not only adds flavor, but it does actually have both positive and negative effects on our health. This article aims to provide information about the effects of spicy food on our health and debunk some common myths about it.
Let's start by exploring what makes food spicy:
Capsaicin, an organic compound present in spicy foods such as cayenne pepper, is responsible for the burning sensation in our tongue. It is also used in the medical field as a pain reliever and to treat conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis.
How does spicy food influence health?
May exacerbate heartburn, but does not cause stomach ulcers.
Eating spicy food can make health problems worse, such as gastroesophageal reflux. This disorder affects digestion and causes a sour liquid to travel from the stomach up to the esophagus, resulting in heartburn in the chest and throat. Although spicy food is not the primary cause of this condition, research shows that it can worsen symptoms if the condition already exists. This occurs because the spice further irritates the damaged esophagus and intensifies heartburn
Additionally, a 2017 study revealed that consuming hot red pepper, which contains high levels of capsaicin, may slow down waste removal from the digestive system, increasing the risk of reflux. It's a common misconception that spicy food can lead to stomach ulcers. However, the opposite is actually true. The capsaicin compound found in spicy foods can help to reduce acid production in the stomach. High levels of acid can damage the stomach lining and increase the risk of developing peptic ulcers. So, incorporating spicy foods into your diet may lower your chances of developing stomach ulcers.
2. May help weight-loss, but by how much?
When it comes to weight loss, there are different theories about the effectiveness of spicy food. Some researchers believe that the spicy components in certain foods can increase calorie and fat burning and reduce appetite. In a review published in the journal Appetite, several experiments were conducted where people were given capsaicin in food or supplement form. The study found that there was a small increase of about 10% in energy burning in the research subjects' bodies. However, the extent to which spicy food can contribute to weight loss is still up for debate.
Eating foods that contain capsaicin may have a slight impact on weight loss, but it shouldn't be relied upon as a magic solution. In order to achieve meaningful weight loss results, it's important to combine a balanced diet and exercise routine with the consumption of foods like bell peppers.
3. Calms the intestines and keeps them healthy
Did you know that our taste buds and intestines are actually connected? It turns out that there's a receptor in our body that helps transmit information between organs, including the digestive system. When we eat spicy food containing capsaicin, this receptor signals the digestive system to produce anandamide, which can reduce the risk of intestinal inflammation caused by conditions like ulcerative colitis and Crohn's. This response also helps calm intestinal activity and may even protect against the development of tumors. So, contrary to popular belief, spicy food is not likely to harm our taste buds.
4. Can spicy food damage our taste buds?
When we consume spicy food, it causes a burning sensation in our tongue and temporarily numbs our oral cavity. However, this does not mean that eating spicy food destroys or impairs our taste buds. Spicy food irritates our mouth, creating a sensation of local heat, which is why it is commonly referred to as "Hot." The temporary loss of sensation in our mouth is actually our body's defense mechanism against the spicy component, and it's only temporary.
5. Helps reduce blood fat levels, but can also beasQ dangerous...
A study conducted at the University of Cambridge has shown that consuming spicy food may have a positive impact on heart health. The study involved Chinese adults who were asked to consume higher-than-average amounts of spicy food. The participants from the experimental group demonstrated a decrease in the level of "bad" cholesterol (LDL) in their bodies as compared to the group of adults who did not consume spicy food at all. This is an encouraging finding, as low levels of bad cholesterol are associated with reducing the risk of heart disease.
Spicy food has its fair share of health benefits, but it's not without its drawbacks. A study found that consuming more spicy food can increase the level of triglycerides in the blood, which may pose a risk for heart disease. The researchers suggest that this increase is likely due to the high consumption of carbohydrates that often accompany spicy dishes, particularly in Chinese cuisine, where rice is a staple ingredient. Excessive carbohydrate intake can lead to fat buildup and, subsequently, higher triglyceride levels.
In conclusion...
Spicy food has the potential to reduce body fat levels, but the manner in which we consume it and the accompanying meal is of utmost importance. If consumed with food that is high in empty carbohydrates, the effects may not be visible and may even lead to an increase in triglyceride levels in the bloodstream. However, if combined with healthier food options like vegetables or fish, spicy food can provide numerous health benefits.
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