Red hot chili peppers (can help you live longer)

Even if it makes your nose run and your face burn, spicy food can still be delicious. It can have health benefits, too, even if the pain would suggest otherwise. 

Why spice? 

The compound capsaicin puts the “hot” in hot peppers. It is also spice’s primary source of health benefits. According to the University of Chicago, capsaicin benefits multiple areas of your body. 

The studied benefits of capsaicin 

• Can have a positive effect on the microbiome of healthy bacteria living in your gut 
• Curb acid production in the stomach and helps prevent ulcers 
• Boost the body’s ability to burn fat and use energy 
• Help you feel full sooner 
• Reduce the risk of heart disease and Type 2 diabetes 
• Help you live longer when eaten 6-7 times a week 

Take care in your spice-eating endeavors 

While spicy food can have benefits, be careful not to overdo it. Foods that are too spicy can cause abdominal pain. If you don’t eat a lot of spicy food, start small and work your way up. Red chili pepper flakes in your pasta are a better start than eating whole ghost peppers. Dairy products are a good way to help subdue the effects of spices that are too hot to handle. 

Whether you already love to drown your food in hot sauce or you are just getting started on your spice journey, you can feel good knowing that you might just be doing your body a favor.