Anyone starting (or continuing) a diet should consider adding a few spicy ingredients to their repertoire. Peppers, curries, wasabi, and any other number of fiery foods may effectively give the dieter a kick in the metabolism. The heat causes a person’s body to process food more quickly. Many researchers believe that this bodily reaction aids in weight loss. It is also suggested that these foods help with depression – which could make the dieting person happier about themselves, thus causing them to be more adaptable to an accommodating diet instead of a destructive one. Foods containing capsaicin (considered an appetite suppressant) appear to be the greatest source of these health benefits.
Health Benefits Go Beyond Weightloss
Spicy foods are known to promote a healthier circulatory system by increasing circulation and lowering blood pressure. This reduces the chances of strain on the heart and may also aid in the thinning and breaking down of clots.
There are also health benefits for people who are suffering from a cold or allergies. Spicy food can open up the sinuses and aid in breathing, assisting in expectoration (this can be good for those with asthma, emphysema, and other respiratory conditions). If someone is not used to (or does not enjoy) the heat of such foods, thus are unwilling to test out such a theory, they should consider trying their mouth at wasabi. It doesn’t take much. The kick is quick, to the point, and dissipates in less than a minute. Even the stuffiest nose should open with less than a dab.
Research has also shown specific benefits of these fiery foods in (but not limited to) Alzheimer’s, Arthritis, and Cancer.
Health Misnomers of Spicy Foods
While the heat in these foods may exacerbate the pain of an ulcer, they haven’t been known to cause one. To say that spicy foods are unhealthy is a misnomer. If someone has stomach problems, eats a chili pepper during which, and then complains about it after to state that it is harmful, they are misinforming themselves – as well as others. When a stomach issue is involved, think about this: if in doubt, don’t add insult to injury.
These foods are certainly believed to have healthful gain, but one should be wary and consider their personal health problems first. Weight loss is a common goal for many people (women in particular), but everyone should think things through before taking on a new dieting regimen. Mull over the pros and cons. What would be best for this person or that person’s particular body and type? What is correct for one may not be the best for the other. If all else fails, consult a doctor. Regardless, there is a right answer for everyone.
http://www.prlog.org/, *"Health Benefits of Spicy Food" (accessed May 30, 2010).
Whitney Orr - I started off my career in school as an artist, and ended it as an artist. When I began studying at the University of Houston I ...
