Five Reasons Why Spicy Food Could be Good for You

by Laura Forsyth | 15th January, 2022 | Nutrition

It’s one of those questions that has varying degrees of answers: how hot do you like your food?

Luckily, for those who do like it hot, science is in your favour as spices can host many health benefits. Here are five reasons to consider adding a little spice to your day.

1. Speeds up your metabolism

Data across numerous studies indicates that certain spices — like cumin, cinnamon, turmeric, peppers, and chilies — can raise your metabolic resting rate and slow down your appetite. One study also found that turmeric suppressed fat tissue growth in mice.

The effect is mild, so putting cinnamon on your roll probably isn’t going to aid in weight loss. But if you’ve reached a plateau in your weight loss journey, spicing it up may be just the thing to try.

2. Kills bacteria

Cumin and turmeric have been shown to have powerful antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. This means they can be used against harmful bacteria in the body.

3. Combat inflammation

Curcumin, a compound in turmeric, may reduce inflammation in the bodyIn Ayurvedic medicine, the anti-inflammatory properties of ginger and garlic have been used for centuries to treat a range of conditions, like arthritis, autoimmune disorders, and even headaches and nausea.

4. Longevity benefits

Eating spicy food six or seven days a week — even just once a day — lowered mortality rates by 14 percent, according to a large 2015 study by Harvard and China National Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

5. Could help fight cancer cells

Capsaicin, an active component of chilli peppers, has been shown to slow and destroy cancer cells. A UCLA study found that capsaicin inhibited the growth of prostate cancer cells in mice while leaving healthy cells unharmed.

Spice up your life

Inspired by the benefits of spicy food? Try our fiery dishes by checking out the menu below.