We all love to add a little spice to our food, but did you know that one incredibly healthy spice can help you fight heart disease, dodge cancer, live longer, and lose weight? Cue the humble chili pepper, which could be the answer to not only tantalizing your taste buds but taking on some of the most dangerous diseases and disorders.
A comprehensive four-year study in China, involving almost half a million people, provides compelling evidence that those who consume spicy food containing chili peppers reduced their risk of lung problems, cardiovascular issues, and cancer while improving their longevity. Researchers believe the secret behind these impressive health benefits is the potent antioxidant nutrient called capsaicin, which helps the body moderate its immune responses and reduce inflammation.
Capsaicin: Chili Pepper’s Secret Weapon
Capsaicin has already attracted a great deal of research interest thanks to its wide-ranging health properties. When it comes to keeping your blood pressure down and maintaining flexible arteries, research at the Third Military Medical University in Chongqing, China, found that capsaicin is highly effective in positively influencing the lining of blood vessels (endothelium) and making arteries less likely to stiffen, thus leading to hypertension.
The ways in which capsaicin benefits our bodies are myriad. It activates a process called transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) channel, triggering the body to increase its production of nitric oxide, which in turn decreases inflammation and helps blood vessels to loosen up.
Nitric oxide is a compound produced naturally when we consume certain vegetables, and is a highly beneficial nutrient, particularly for men facing erectile dysfunction problems.
A Dash of Spice in Your Diet
Admittedly, the Chinese researchers have not yet pinpointed the optimal amount of chili peppers we should consume every day to boost our health. Still, there’s no doubt that adding a little heat to our meals can benefit our bodies significantly. So why not keep a grinder of chili pepper flakes within easy reach to ensure you add a sprinkling to your favorite dishes?
It’s not just chili peppers that pack a powerful punch. There are many other spices that also offer health benefits but might be hiding in the back of your pantry. Among them, turmeric is an excellent option. This bright yellow spice, popular in traditional Indian dishes, boasts a compound called curcumin that offers similar benefits to capsaicin, making it an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant powerhouse. You can easily incorporate turmeric into your diet by adding it to soups, roasted vegetables, or even a morning smoothie.
Ginger is also highly anti-inflammatory and can help improve digestion and reduce pain, making it a popular addition to sore throat remedies. You can enjoy ginger in its natural form in foods or drinks, or you can find dried ginger in the spice aisle for a more concentrated flavor.
Next up is cinnamon, a delicious yet underrated superfood that’s been shown to lower blood sugar, reduce inflammation, and ward off infections. Some research even suggests that cinnamon can protect against Alzheimer’s and slow its progression. Simply add cinnamon to your oatmeal, morning coffee, or baked goods for a comforting and delicious taste with an array of benefits.
Finally, don’t forget about that humble jar of black pepper. It’s more than just a table condiment; black pepper aids the digestive process and relieves pain when eaten. Its main component, piperine, is an alkaloid that helps improve the preventive and curative effects of other nutrients and superfoods like the previously mentioned turmeric.
Spice Up Your Life
While researchers continue investigating these super spices’ amazing benefits, there’s no harm adding a dash of spice to your daily meals. After all, isn’t variety the spice of life? Try incorporating these incredible flavors into your cooking—your taste buds and your body will thank you. Happy spicing!
