Have you ever found yourself reaching for hot, spicy food when you have a cold? It turns out that this isn’t just a cultural preference – there are a number of health benefits that come with eating hot food! From aiding digestion to boosting your immune system, here are ten surprising reasons why you should add a little extra heat to your meals.

1. Boosts Metabolism

Spicy foods contain capsaicin, a compound that has been shown to increase metabolism and help the body burn fat.

Studies have found that capsaicin raises the body’s core temperature, which in turn revs up the metabolism and increases the number of calories burned throughout the day. So if you’re looking to lose weight, adding some spice to your meals could help!.

2. Improves Digestion

Eating spicy foods has been shown to stimulate digestion and improve gut health. This is because capsaicin can help increase the production of digestive juices and enzymes, which can help break down food more efficiently.

It can also help stimulate the movement of food through the digestive tract, which can prevent constipation and other digestive issues.

3. Reduces Inflammation

Spicy foods have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation throughout the body. This can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases like arthritis and diabetes, as well as improve overall health and wellbeing.

Some studies have even suggested that capsaicin can inhibit the growth of cancer cells.

4. Boosts Immune System

Spicy foods have been shown to have immune-boosting properties due to their high levels of antioxidants. These antioxidants can help protect the body from free radicals that can cause damage to cells and lead to chronic diseases.

Additionally, spicy foods can help stimulate the production of white blood cells, which are essential for fighting off infections and illnesses.

5. Relieves Pain

Believe it or not, eating spicy foods can actually help relieve pain! Capsaicin has been shown to have pain-relieving properties, and is commonly used in topical creams to help alleviate pain associated with arthritis, muscle soreness, and more.

When consumed in food, capsaicin can help activate pain receptors in the body and provide a natural pain relief.

6. Boosts Mood

Have you ever felt a rush of euphoria after eating a particularly spicy meal? This is because eating spicy foods can actually boost your mood! Capsaicin can help increase the production of endorphins, which are the body’s natural feel-good chemicals.

This can help reduce stress and improve overall mental wellbeing.

7. Improves Heart Health

Spicy foods have been shown to improve heart health and reduce the risk of heart disease. This is because capsaicin can help lower blood pressure and improve blood flow throughout the body.

Additionally, some studies have suggested that capsaicin can help reduce cholesterol levels and improve overall cardiovascular health.

8. Increases Energy

Eating spicy foods has been shown to increase energy levels and improve physical performance. This is because capsaicin can enhance the body’s ability to burn fat and provide a natural source of energy.

Additionally, because spicy foods are often high in vitamins and minerals, they can provide a nutrient boost that can help improve overall energy and wellbeing.

9. Lowers Risk of Mortality

A study published in the British Medical Journal found that those who regularly ate spicy foods had a lower risk of mortality than those who didn’t.

The study followed a group of nearly 500,000 participants for seven years, and found that those who ate spicy foods 6-7 days a week had a 14% lower risk of death than those who ate spicy foods once a week or less.

10. Provides Natural Antimicrobial Properties

Finally, spicy foods have natural antimicrobial properties that can help protect the body from harmful bacteria and viruses. This is particularly important in today’s world, where antibiotic resistance is becoming an increasingly serious problem.

By adding a little extra spice to your meals, you could be helping to protect your body from harmful pathogens.