What is spicy food good for

That same receptor is found in your digestive tract. When capsaicin enters your digestive tract and attaches to the receptor, it creates a chemical called anandamide. The same reaction that calms down your gastrointestinal tract may also keep it tumor-free.

It may be particularly effective for people that are at high risk of developing intestinal tumors — such as people with a family or personal history of tumors. Before you run out for deep-fried buffalo wings, take note: you still need to stick to healthy foods.

Using fast food as a vehicle for your red pepper flakes will reverse many of the beneficial effects by adding unnecessary fats to your diet. Also, be careful to not overdo the spice, as it may increase your gastric acid, causing heartburn. Get information on a variety of health conditions, disease prevention, and our services and programs.

The researchers found that these culinary fire eaters were less likely to die of cardiovascular causes like heart attacks and stroke. Fiery foods might sound like a bad idea for someone with a sensitive stomach.

The microbiome is a community of bacteria and other microbes that are important for immune function and other aspects of health. Hot-and-spicy dishes might also reduce inflammation. Over-the-counter capsaicin cream can help treat pain ranging from arthritis and fibromyalgia.

Before you start buying hot sauce in bulk, Lane offers a few caveats. In other words, adding spice to a veggie stir fry is a great idea. Ordering an extra side of deep-fried buffalo chicken wings? Maybe not. And not all spice is created equal, she points out. Whole chile peppers and dried chile powder are great pantry staples. But many hot sauces and packaged seasonings are high in salt or other ingredients that you should only consume in moderation. Salt contributes to high blood pressure , so read nutrition labels before you get saucy.

The article cited a study co-authored by Lu Qi , adjunct professor of nutrition at Harvard T. Chan School of Public Health, that found a link between frequent consumption of spicy foods and living longer. Qi and his colleagues examined the health effects of eating chili peppers and other chili products among nearly , Chinese adults. According to Qi, the positive effect found in the study may be in part due to capsaicin, the active component in chili peppers that produces a burning sensation.

Read the BBC.