Researchers have suggested that spicy foods could be the key to better health and a longer life, with multiple studies revealing remarkable benefits from regularly and moderately consuming hot spices.
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In addition to helping with weight management, spicy foods may offer protective effects against serious diseases such as cancer and heart disease.
At the core of these benefits is capsaicin, the active compound found in chili peppers. According to Dr. Brian Kwok Lee, a food science expert, capsaicin improves gut microbiota balance, promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria while reducing harmful ones. This process enhances the production of tryptophan, an essential amino acid responsible for generating serotonin, which regulates mood, sleep, and digestion.
To maximize these benefits, experts recommend small daily doses of capsaicin, around 0.01%, which is enough to stimulate the taste buds without irritating the stomach.
From a traditional Eastern medicine perspective, Dr. Ken Gray explains that spicy spices stimulate blood circulation and enhance metabolism, helping to resolve energy blockages and improve blood flow, thereby supporting heart and digestive health. In addition to chili peppers, beneficial spices include cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, cardamom, garlic, and ginger.
However, experts warn against overconsumption, which can lead to unwanted side effects such as heartburn, inflammation, headaches, and digestive issues. They emphasize the importance of moderation and variety, and advise using the Scoville scale to gauge the heat level of different peppers.
It's worth noting that the health benefits of spices are not a modern discovery—they’ve been recognized for thousands of years in culinary and medicinal traditions across cultures. In Mexico and Central America, chili peppers helped boost iron absorption from corn, while Asian societies used them for their antimicrobial and antiparasitic properties. This longstanding history supports the idea that moderate consumption of spicy foods within a balanced diet is the best way to unlock their numerous health benefits.
(Source: Fox News)
