Spicy food can transform any meal into a sensory experience — pain, pleasure, even breaking a sweat can take flavors to the next level. While some like it hot, dialing up the heat may ruin a meal for others. Spicy food is divisive, and everyone’s tolerance is different.
Whether you love the tingling burn of a spicy meal or you can’t stand the scorch, you may be wondering: Does spicy food have health benefits? Or are fiery foods risky or even dangerous?
What gives spicy food that “hot” burning sensation is a chemical compound called capsaicin, Dr. Rabia de Latour, a board-certified gastroenterologist at NYU Langone Health, tells TODAY.com. Capsaicin is a main component of chili peppers, such as cayenne, serrano and habanero.
Different peppers contain different concentrations of capsaicin, which is measured using the Scoville scale, Dr. Paul Terry, professor of epidemiology at the University of Tennessee Medical Center, tells TODAY.com. The spicier a pepper or food is, the higher it’s rated on the Scoville scale, which is recorded in Scoville heat units (SHU).
A typical jalapeño pepper, for example, is around 5,000 SHUs, whereas a Carolina Reaper pepper can be over 1.5 million SHUs.
What does spicy food do to the body?
When you eat spicy food, the capsaicin binds to receptors in the mouth and on the tongue called TRPV1, says Terry. “These send signals of pain to the brain,” he adds. Technically, spiciness is just a painful sensation, not a flavor or taste.
These receptors also sense temperature and heat, so capsaicin tricks the body into thinking its overheating, per the Cleveland Clinic. There may be a slight increase in body temperature and heart rate.
As a result, the body may try to cool itself down, which is why you can become flushed or start sweating while eating spicy food, the experts note. Capsaicin can also irritate the membranes lining the nose, which may cause a runny nose or watery eyes.
Once ingested, the capsaicin enters the digestive tract and can irritate the esophagus or stomach. This may cause more pain or gastrointestinal upset, says de Latour. In the gut, capsaicin can accelerate digestion.
“Capsaicin can actually trigger some people to have diarrhea (because) in the intestines, it can speed up motility,” says de Latour. As capsaicin moves through the rectum and anus, it may cause a burning sensation on the way out.
In addition to the physical experience, there’s a psychological component, Terry adds. People may feel discomfort or panic when the burn hits. However, the pain can also trigger the release of endorphins, says Terry. The rush of these feel-good chemicals can create a sensation of relief, pleasure or euphoria.
Spice tolerance
Some people have a higher spice tolerance, which can be due to various factors including genetics, exposure to spicy foods and personality.
“The amount of TRPV1 receptors people have vary, and there are variations in the receptors themselves, so some people perceive heat more or less than others based on the number and type of receptors they have,” says Terry. If a person is born with fewer pain receptors, they may be better able tolerate the heat.
“There’s some evidence to suggest that continuous exposure, like people who grew up eating spicy food, can build up tolerance,” Terry says. This may be more common in parts of the world where spicy food is a staple of the cuisine — these include parts of Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean and Africa.
In people with a higher spice tolerance, their brain may associate the fiery burn with pleasure. Research shows people who like spicy food may have more thrill- or sensation-seeking personalities.
Is spicy food good for you?
“Spicy foods have been eaten for thousands of years by people and not caused significant health problems,” says de Latour.
Spicy food can be part of a healthy diet and most people can eat it regularly without any issues. Additionally, there’s research to suggest that spicy food may have health benefits — this is due to capsaicin, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, experts note.
Capsaicin may also have antimicrobial effects, which is why it is traditionally used to preserve foods in warmer climates, says Terry.
However, it can be difficult to draw conclusions about the health effects of capsaicin because the amount of capsaicin and type of spicy foods consumed varies in many studies.
In any case, dashing hot sauce on junk food won’t transform it into a healthy meal. If you’re looking to get the benefits of capsaicin, the experts recommend adding spice in a healthful way to a nutritious diet with protein, fiber and nutrients from different food groups. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>
Spicy food benefits
“There definitely are benefits (to spicy food), and there’s some research to support this,” says de Latour. Eating spicy food regularly — as part of an overall healthy, balanced diet — may be helpful for:
Longevity
Heart health
Inflammation
Metabolism
Gut health
“There’s some data to say that eating spicy food is associated with living longer,” says de Latour. Research has shown that frequently eating spicy food may be associated with a lower mortality rate.
In a 2015 study published in the BMJ, which followed 500,000 adults in China between 2004 and 2008, researchers found that people who ate spicy food daily had a 14% lower risk of death compared to those who ate spicy food once a week.
However, there are many confounding factors, the experts note. “A lot of it may be that spicy foods often have other spices (such as turmeric) that are antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and contain vitamins,” says de Latour. Additionally, spicy food is often rich in vegetables, including the source of spice (peppers), says Terry. Overall, more research is needed.
Another benefit of spicy food is that it may help boost heart and gut health, largely thanks to the anti-inflammatory effects of capsaicin. A 2020 American Heart Association study showed that people who eat chili peppers have a significantly reduced risk of death from heart disease and cancer.
There’s some evidence that eating spicy foods may help boost metabolism slightly. “For people who might have slower gut motility, spicy foods might speed things up for them and make them normal,” de Latour adds. However, research on the link between metabolism and capsaicin is mixed.
While spicy food can be beneficial to health, there are some risks.
Spicy food risks
Generally, spicy food is safe to eat. “The overwhelming majority of people tolerate spicy food just fine,” says de Latour. However, spicy food can be harmful depending on the level of spice, the amount consumed and a person’s underlying health.
The pain and unpleasant side effects from eating spicy food are temporary and usually not a cause for concern, the experts note. However, certain people may need to avoid spicy foods.
Eating spicy food, especially in large quantities, can cause gastrointestinal distress, heartburn, acid reflux, vomiting or diarrhea. “The GI distress tends to be more common in people who have irritable bowel syndrome or inflammatory conditions (such as Crohn’s). Spicy foods can exacerbate these,” says de Latour.
Spicy food does not cause stomach ulcers, the experts note. “However, if someone already has an ulcer and their stomach is trying to heal, spicy foods may worsen symptoms,” says de Latour.
The diarrhea and burning sensation of going No. 2 after spicy food aren’t pleasant, but can be riskier for some. “If someone has an anal fissure or irritation the anal area, having a lot of bowel movements will cause pain,” says de Latour.
Accidentally inhaling or aspirating spicy food may trigger breathing issues or an asthma attack in certain people, Terry notes.
If you have any underlying health conditions or digestive issues, talk to your doctor. “It’s really about listening to your body and knowing your tolerance,” de Latour adds.
Can spicy food kill you?
There are case reports of people having severe or life-threatening reactions after eating extremely spicy food, but these are extremely rare, the experts note. Still, the experts urge caution around spicy food challenges or trends online.
“Overall, spicy food is not dangerous … but some foods are so obscenely hot and scathing to the human body that it’s probably not the best thing to eat, especially regularly,” says de Latour.
Always read nutrition labels and when adding spice, start small and gradually add more to see what you can tolerate. “If it doesn’t feel right, don’t do it. It gives you pleasure, do it within reason. And be aware that not all peppers are equal,” says Terry.
How to cool down after eating spicy food
If you’re feeling the burn after eating spicy food, there are a few ways to try to cool down. These don’t include water, which will spread the heat around.
Instead, opt for something with some protein or fat, which can act as a buffer against the capsaicin, says Terry. Try these foods for spicy food relief:
Sometimes the smallest actions can have a big impact on our health. Raising your legs against a wall is a soothing pose that anybody can perform at home, and it has several health benefits. Let’s find out why this easy activity could be an excellent addition to your daily routine and how it can help you enhance your overall well-being.
Why Raise Your Legs?
This position, often known as “Legs Up the Wall” (Viparita Karani in yoga), is more than just a relaxing pose. It is a gentle inversion that has several health benefits due to the reverse flow of gravity on the body. Elevating your legs reverses the normal direction of blood flow and lymphatic drainage, providing relief to multiple parts of the body. Here’s how doing this for a few minutes every day can help you get healthier…Click Here To Continue Reading>> …Click Here To Continue Reading>>
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Health Benefits of Raising Your Legs
1. Improves Circulation and Reduces Swelling
One of the most obvious advantages of lifting your legs is better circulation. When you put your legs above your heart, gravity aids in the effective return of blood to your upper body. This can help reduce edema and fluid retention, especially in the lower legs, ankles, and feet. It’s a great treatment for folks who spend a lot of time on their feet or who have leg tiredness.
2. Relieves Back and Neck Pain
Raising your legs up the wall can help relieve back and neck pain. Raising your legs helps to decompress the spine, which can reduce tension and encourage relaxation. This posture also relieves strain on your lower back by allowing the muscles to relax, which may alleviate chronic pain caused by sitting or standing for extended periods.
3. Enhances Lymphatic Drainage and Detoxification
The lymphatic system is responsible for cleansing and eliminating waste items from the body. Elevating your legs promotes lymphatic drainage by directing lymph flow back toward the chest. This helps your body detoxify and strengthens your immune system, making this simple pose a natural method to improve your general health.
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4. Reduces Anxiety and Promotes Relaxation
The “Legs Up the Wall” position is extremely soothing. It activates the parasympathetic nerve system, which controls the body’s relaxation and digestion activities. This helps to reduce tension and anxiety levels. By raising your legs for just 5-10 minutes per day, you can successfully overcome stress and achieve a serene state of mind.
5. Improves Digestion
This position can help to improve digestion by increasing blood flow to the digestive organs. Raising your legs allows the body to focus on digesting and promotes optimal gut function. It’s a simple and natural way to support your digestive system, reducing constipation and discomfort. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>
6. Boosts Energy Levels
Incorporating the “Legs Up the Wall” pose into your everyday routine might help you recover energy. After a hard day, this position might provide a fast energy boost by reducing the body’s tension. It also encourages better sleep, which leads to more energy throughout the day.
How to Do the “Legs Up the Wall” Pose
1. Find a Comfortable Space: Sit next to a wall, your legs stretched out in front of you.
2. Lie Back and Lift Your Legs: Slowly lie back and lift your legs up the wall, maintaining your hips as near to the wall as possible.
3. Relax and Breathe: Close your eyes and concentrate on your breath. Hold this position for 5-10 minutes, allowing your body to unwind and your muscles to relieve tension.
4. Repeat Daily: Incorporate this pose into your everyday routine to gain the benefits of better circulation, less tension, and more relaxation.
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Conclusion
Raising your legs against the wall is a simple yet incredibly efficient way to boost your health and well-being. Whether you want to relieve physical pain, reduce stress, or enhance your energy, this simple yoga stance has several benefits that you can easily include in your everyday practice. Spend a few minutes each day practicing the “Legs Up the Wall” pose to reap the long-term benefits for your body and mind.
Millions of germs are found in the soft, sticky substance known as plaque, which accumulates on your teeth. It can solidify into tartar, a highly hardened material that can cause tooth damage and gum disease, if treatment is not received. Although receiving professional dental care is crucial, there are a number of efficient at-home methods you can employ to lessen and avoid plaque accumulation.
Flossing: Floss daily to remove plaque from between your teeth and under the gumline, where a toothbrush can’t reach.
How to Use: Mix a small amount of baking soda with water to make a natural toothpaste. Baking soda is mildly abrasive, which helps remove plaque and also neutralizes acids produced by the bacteria in your mouth.
Application: Use this paste a few times a week as an alternative to your regular toothpaste.
Method: Swish a tablespoon of oil (coconut, sesame, or olive oil) around in your mouth for 15-20 minutes. Do this first thing in the morning before you eat or drink anything.
Benefits: Oil pulling is an ancient practice that is believed to pull toxins from your mouth, reduce plaque, and improve oral health.
Usage: Rinse your mouth with this solution once a day. Be sure to rinse with plain water afterward to prevent the acid in the vinegar from damaging your teeth enamel.
Ingredients: Mix one teaspoon of aloe vera gel, four teaspoons of vegetable glycerine, five tablespoons of baking soda, one teaspoon of lemon essential oil, and a cup of water.
Application: Use this mixture to scrub your teeth several times a week to reduce plaque buildup.
Direct Use: Rub fresh orange peel directly onto your teeth before going to bed. The vitamin C in the peel helps fight bacteria, and you do not need to rinse it off.
Benefits: Helps prevent plaque buildup and whitens teeth.
Choices: Crunchy vegetables and fruits like carrots, celery, and apples can help clean your teeth naturally while you chew them.
Benefits: These foods are high in fiber and help increase saliva production in your mouth, which is your body’s natural way of cleaning bacteria and food particles.
While these home remedies can help with plaque control, they are not substitutes for professional dental care. It is important to visit your dentist regularly for cleanings and check-ups. Additionally, if you decide to try acid-based remedies like vinegar, it’s crucial to use them cautiously to avoid damaging tooth enamel.
While placing onions in your socks before going to bed may sound strange, this age-old remedy is rooted in natural healing practices and has been used for centuries across different cultures. It’s said to offer a LOT of health benefits by leveraging the medicinal properties of onions, and many people swear by its positive effects. In this article, dive into the intriguing world of sleeping with onions in your socks and explore the potential health benefits of this quirky habit.
Onions are not ONLY a staple in the kitchen— BUT they are also celebrated for their remarkable medicinal properties. High in sulfur compounds, vitamin C, and quercetin, onions have natural antibacterial, antiviral, and antioxidant effects. These compounds are thought to help reduce inflammation, fight infections,and boost overall immune function…Click Here To Continue Reading>> …Click Here To Continue Reading>>
By placing onions in your socks, proponents believe that these potent compounds are absorbed through the skin, allowing them to work their magic on the body overnight.
The method involves slicing onions and placing them inside your socks before bedtime. In reflexology and alternative medicine, the soles of the feet are considered key energy points linked to various organs and systems in the body through meridians—pathways that connect different areas.
Sleeping with onions in your socks is thought to allow their beneficial compounds to be absorbed through the skin on your feet. These compounds are believed to travel along the meridians to your internal organs, promoting detoxification and supporting overall bodily functions.
Detoxification
The sulfur compounds in onions are renown for their detoxifying properties. When absorbed through the feet, these compounds are believed to support the liver and kidneys, helping the body release accumulated toxins and cleanse itself naturally.
Strengthened Immune System
The antibacterial and antiviral properties of onions can help to enhance your immune defenses. Regularly using this method may make contribution to a stronger immune system, potentially warding off colds, flu, and other infections.
Onions are thought to absorb viruses, bacteria, and pathogens in the air. By placing them in your socks while you sleep, you may help purify the air in your environment. This can be especially beneficial during flu season or when you’re dealing with respiratory issues.
Better Circulation
The warmth of your feet helps activate the compounds in the onions, promoting better blood flow and circulation throughout the night. This can potentially lead to more restful sleep and overall improved cardiovascular health.
Natural Sleep Aid
Though there is no scientific evidence to support this, some people believe that onions can help you sleep better by relaxing the body and relieving stress. Their natural compounds may have a calming effect on the nervous system, helping you achieve a deeper, more restful sleep.
Step 1: Opt for large, organic onions, such as yellow or red onions, as they are rich in beneficial compounds.
Step 2: Cut the onion into flat slices that will comfortably fit into the arch of each sock.
Step 3: Tuck a slice of onion into the bottom of each sock. Ensure the onion slices are positioned securely against your feet.
Step 4: Wear the socks with the onions overnight while you sleep.
In the morning, remove the onions from your socks and discard them. Do not reuse the onions for cooking, as their properties will have been absorbed by your skin during the night.
