Is Eating Spicy Food Good for You? Here’s the Real Answer

Chili peppers are a common seasoning in daily life. For those who love spicy food, a meal without chili feels soulless. Conversely, for those who dislike it, even a small taste can set their throats on fire and make them sweat profusely. So, is eating spicy food good for you? Let’s take a closer look.

Understanding the Sensation of Spiciness

The sensation of “spicy” is actually a feeling of pain perceived by the tongue, not a taste. The capsaicin in chili peppers activates the pain receptors in the mouth and throat. These signals are then transmitted to the brain, which releases endorphins. Endorphins, also known as “feel-good hormones,” alleviate the pain on the tongue and create a sensation of happiness. This makes us mistake the pleasure for the spiciness itself, leading to a craving for more.

The Benefits of Eating Spicy Food

1. Nutrient-Rich Chili peppers are rich in vitamin C and beta-carotene, which have antioxidant properties and can lower blood lipids. They help supplement the nutrients our body needs, boost immunity, and delay aging. Additionally, chili peppers contain significant amounts of minerals like calcium and iron.
2. Boosts Appetite and Digestion Chili peppers stimulate the mouth and gastrointestinal tract, enhancing gut motility and promoting the secretion of digestive juices, thus improving appetite. They can also inhibit abnormal fermentation in the intestines, promote gastric mucosa regeneration, and maintain gastrointestinal cell function, resulting in a more radiant complexion for some people.
3. Heat and Moisture Dispelling With its pungent and hot properties, chili can warm the stomach, dispel cold, and remove dampness. It is often used to treat abdominal pain from cold, vomiting, diarrhea, frostbite, and skin infections. Adding chili to main dishes can prevent illnesses like rheumatism, chronic back and leg pain, colds, and frostbite caused by damp and cold weather.
4. Pain Relief Capsaicin in chili peppers can bind to the vanilloid receptor subtype 1 (VR1) in sensory neurons, promoting the release of substance P and other neurotransmitters, which can help reduce or eliminate the transmission of pain stimuli to the central nervous system, thus alleviating chronic pain symptoms.
5. Heart Protection Capsaicin can inhibit the activity of a gene that causes arterial contraction. By suppressing this gene, muscles can relax and dilate, increasing blood flow and promoting circulation. Regular consumption of chili can lower blood lipids and reduce the formation of blood clots, providing some protection against cardiovascular diseases.
6. Mood Enhancement As mentioned earlier, capsaicin activates the pain receptors in the mouth, sending a signal to the brain to release a chemical that makes you feel good. This not only mitigates the sting of spiciness but also effectively improves mood, making you feel happier.

Caution: When Not to Eat Spicy Food

Though chili has health benefits, it is ultimately a stimulant. The appropriate amount depends on individual constitution and environment.

Certain individuals should avoid frequent consumption of chili:

1. Kidney Disease Patients: Capsaicin is excreted through the kidneys and can damage renal cells, potentially leading to changes in kidney function or even failure.
2. Hyperthyroidism Patients: These individuals already have a fast heart rate, and eating chili can exacerbate this, worsening their condition.
3. Oral Ulcer Sufferers: Their mouths are sensitive to salty, spicy, sour, and bitter flavors, and chili will intensify the pain.
4. Those Taking Traditional Chinese Medicine: Capsaicin can affect the efficacy of herbal medicines, so it should be avoided during treatment.
5. Gastrointestinal Disease Patients: Those with poor digestive function may experience inflammation in the gastrointestinal mucosa from eating chili.
6. Hemorrhoids or Anal Fissures Patients: Chili can irritate the gastrointestinal tract, exacerbating pain and potentially causing bleeding.
7. Chronic Cholecystitis Patients: Chili stimulates the secretion of stomach acid, which can cause gallbladder contraction and biliary colic.
8. Cardiovascular Disease Patients: Capsaicin increases blood circulation and heart rate, and excessive consumption in a short period can lead to acute heart failure or even sudden death.
9. Conjunctivitis or Keratitis Patients: Chili can cause blood vessel dilation in the eyes, reducing resistance to infections.

Children, the elderly, and pregnant women should also consume chili in moderation due to their fragile health.

Seasonal Considerations for Eating Chili

In summer and autumn, the body loses more water and tends to overheat, so reduce chili consumption during these seasons. Ensure the chili is fresh and avoid overly spicy cooking methods. In early spring and winter, when it’s cold, you can increase the amount of chili in your diet.

Conclusion

So, is eating spicy food good for you? Hopefully, you now have a clearer understanding. While chili peppers offer many benefits, moderation is key. Enjoy them, but don’t overindulge!