Five Reasons Why Spicy Food Could Be Good for You
Photo by Pablo Merchán Montes on Unsplash
We’ve all asked ourselves at some point, how hot do you like your food? Whether it’s a tangy kick of chili or a gentle heat from cumin, spicy foods are more than just a flavor-packed thrill — they can offer some unexpected health benefits too. So, if you love the heat, here are five reasons to spice things up!
1. Speeds Up Your Metabolism
Various studies have shown that spices like cumin, cinnamon, turmeric, and chili peppers can boost your metabolic rate and help manage your appetite. In fact, one study found that turmeric could even suppress fat tissue growth in mice.
The impact may be mild, so sprinkling cinnamon on your morning toast won’t work miracles, but if you’re stuck in a weight-loss plateau, adding a little heat to your meals could be just what you need to push forward.
2. Kills Bacteria
Spices like cumin and turmeric have strong antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. This means they can help fight harmful bacteria and boost your body's defense system.
3. Combat Inflammation
Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, is renowned for its anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, ginger and garlic have long been used in traditional medicine to treat inflammation-related conditions such as arthritis, headaches, and autoimmune disorders.
4. Longevity Benefits
According to a study conducted by Harvard and the China National Center for Disease Control and Prevention in 2015, consuming spicy food six to seven days a week — even if it's just once a day — could lower mortality rates by 14 percent. The heat might just be the key to a longer life!
5. Could Help Fight Cancer Cells
Capsaicin, the active compound in chili peppers, has been shown to slow and even destroy cancer cells. A study conducted by UCLA found that capsaicin inhibited the growth of prostate cancer cells in mice while leaving healthy cells unharmed.
Spice Up Your Life
Feeling inspired to add a little heat to your meals? At Frive, we have a range of fiery dishes that will spice up your day. Check out our menu and order now to bring some serious flavor into your routine.
