Are you one of those people who like to torture yourself by adding heat to your meals as often as possible? While it can cause some short-term discomfort in the form of gastrointestinal distress, there are actually long-term health benefits to eating on the spicy side.
Oneida Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing has a look at four of those benefits here.
- Boosts Metabolism
Chili peppers like jalapeno, cayenne, and habanero contain a chemical compound called capsaicin, which studies have shown helps your body burn an extra 50 calories per day. It also can act as an appetite suppressant, meaning that you will consume fewer calories overall.
- Improves Heart Health
Capsaicin also decreases inflammation, which can help increase circulation and lower blood pressure. It can also help lower cholesterol levels. In addition, a large 2017 study found that people who regularly ate red hot chili peppers had a 13% lower incidence of death from heart disease or stroke.
- Reduces Gut Inflammation
While you might get some temporary stomach pains from eating too much spicy food, overall, the increase of blood flow to the gut can reduce inflammation over time and prevent the formation of ulcers and damage to the lining of the gastrointestinal tract.
- Could Increase Life Expectancy
A large study in China found that people who ate spicy foods nearly every day had a 14% lower risk of dying prematurely due to any cause as compared to those who only ate spicy food once per week. Of course, it’s important to maintain an overall healthy diet, so adding spicy ingredients to these foods is the way to go.
To learn more about Oneida Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing and all of the services they offer, visit http://oneida-center.facilities.centershealthcare.org/.
