Spicy food seems to be a hobby for some people, such as Malatang, hot pot, boiled fish, and so on. However, eating too much spicy food can easily lead to problems like "heatiness," stomachaches, and diarrhea. In severe cases, it may even cause liver cancer or esophageal cancer. So, how can you enjoy spicy food without harming your health? Below, nutrition experts teach you some tips for eating spicy food, allowing you to enjoy the delicious taste without damaging your health.
I. Cooking Precautions
First, it's best to choose dishes made with fresh chilies. Fresh chilies are more nutritious and less "fiery" than dried chilies or chili powder. Cooking experts remind us that the spiciness of fresh chilies can be reduced after high-heat stir-frying.
If a dish already contains chili, avoid adding other "heaty" spices like Sichuan peppercorns, star anise, or cinnamon, as this creates a "double heat" effect, making it more likely to cause "heatiness." Finally, nutrition experts suggest soaking the chilies in vinegar for a while before cooking, or adding vinegar while cooking spicy dishes, which can also help alleviate "heatiness."
II. Pairing Ingredients is Important
According to Chinese herbal medicine experts, pairing spicy food with "cooling" ingredients can have a "neutralizing" effect, clearing heat and reducing "heatiness."
Recommended: Duck, fish, bitter melon, lotus root, water chestnut, tofu, and asparagus lettuce are all cooling ingredients that can clear heat, generate fluids, nourish yin, and reduce dryness, making them the best partners for spicy dishes.
III. Choose Whole Grains as Your Staple Food
Because they are rich in dietary fiber, they can prevent constipation caused by intestinal dryness and heat.
Recommended: Corn or sweet potatoes are good choices. Additionally, Job's tears can also reduce dryness; when cooked with lily into a porridge, its effect is even more pronounced.
IV. Drink More Water or Soup When Eating Spicy Food
Spicy food can easily cause symptoms like a dry throat and chapped lips, so it's especially important to stay hydrated.
Recommended: Chrysanthemum tea and sour plum soup are the best "fire extinguishers." Drinking a glass of yogurt or milk can not only relieve the spiciness but also help to clear heat.
V. Eat More Sour Fruits After Eating Spicy Food
They contain tannins, dietary fiber, and other substances that can stimulate digestive juices, accelerate gastrointestinal motility, and help to nourish yin and moisten dryness.
Recommended: Hawthorn, grapefruit, citrus, apples, and pears are all good choices.