Nutritionists remind everyone that spicy foods are best eaten at noon. For those who like to rush out with friends or colleagues for Malatang or Boiled Fish after work, this might be disappointing, but avoiding spicy food at night can help protect the digestive system.
Nutritionists explain that the body's digestive and absorption functions are more vigorous from morning to noon. However, in the morning, since the amount of food consumed is relatively small, the effect of capsaicin is more prominent, causing significant stimulation to the gastrointestinal tract. After 7 PM, the body's digestive rate slows down, and the defensive ability of stomach wall cells is relatively weaker than during the day. Eating spicy food at this time can also irritate the gastric mucosa, triggering illness or discomfort.
Therefore, it is recommended to avoid spicy foods for breakfast and dinner to prevent overburdening the stomach. For lunch, since the meal is typically larger and more varied, it is acceptable to eat spicy food in moderation. Experts also suggest that after eating spicy food, it is best to increase water intake and consumption of vegetables and fruits to mitigate the stimulation of spicy food on the digestive system.