Sometimes, the Spicier the Better

By: Nikki Nies

I still am amazed how my taste buds have changed within the last year. When my parents moved to GA, I was fortunate enough that family friends took me in to live with them for the rest of my undergraduate program. Not only did they give me a roof over my head, but they gave me some more flavor.

Living with them, I was introduced to flavors that I never really ate. I’ve always shied away from spicy foods because I hadn’t been exposed to them. WIth my dad’s GERD, my mother didn’t cook with spicy flavors. However, with continuous exposure to spicier dishes in my new home, I developed an affinity for spicy flavors. A couple weeks ago, I opted for spicy Italian sausage at the grocery store. I would’ve never chosen that over mild a year ago.

I’m glad my taste has changed. I’ve started to appreciate a wider range of foods. The active ingredient that gives foods the extra kick is capsaicin–found in everyday foods such as jalapenos, cayenne pepper and red chili peppers.

Benefits:

Can temporarily boost metabolism up to 8%
Can help you feel more “satisfied” with meal–study showed that those that chose spicier dishes consumed 200 fewer calories than those who didn’t have hot sauce on plate
May lower bad cholesterol
Capsaicin blocks a gene that narrows the arteries–> increasing blood flow in the vessels.
Turmeric, which is a spice used in Indian cuisine, contains the active antioxidant curcumin. Curcumin has been shown to have some anti-cancer effects
Can help one attain their recommended intake of vitamin C, which can decrease risk of cancer, heart disease the common cold
May fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer!
Can reduce acne
Increases serotonin in one’s brain–improves mood

If you’d like to spice up your life, a gradual introduction of these flavors is key. Add a dab of salsa on your eggs in the morning or a dab of chili paste in your next dish of pasta. You may even like it!

Sources:

http://blogs.rhsmith.umd.edu/yangzhao/fun-and-fearless/home-spicy-home/

http://www.sheknows.com/food-and-recipes/articles/988185/health-benefits-of-spicy-foods

http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/health-benefits-spicy-food-7569.html

http://www.liveinthenow.com/article/infographic-capsaicin-levels-of-peppers-for-heart-health