Spicy food is all the rage in society today. Diced Fish in Hot Chili Oil, Spicy Shrimp, Malatang, Sichuan Hot Pot, and Spicy Mixed Salad are all very popular. Many people also add chili to almost every dish when eating at home, believing that it stimulates the appetite. Some people have even reached a point where they feel a meal is incomplete without spice. More alarmingly, some regions have started chili-eating contests where people challenge their limits and compete to be the "King of Spice," a trend that should not be encouraged. This is because, despite the various benefits of chili, it is not suitable for everyone. Consuming too much can, in fact, be harmful to your health.
Appropriate consumption of spicy food can benefit your health
The vast majority of spicy foods are considered to have "damp-heat" properties, which can promote blood circulation, allowing for better flow of qi and blood, and nourishing and supporting the internal organs. Eating spicy food in cold weather can promote the synthesis of collagen in the body, prevent capillary rupture, and enhance the body's immune function. Chili can also increase the activity of brain cells, slow down aging, and reduce functional degeneration. In addition, chili is rich in carotene, which promotes the formation of vitamin A in the body, helping to protect the skin and maintain the integrity of internal mucous membranes.
Common misconceptions about eating spicy food
Misconception 1: Eating chili can help with weight loss.
Truth: The weight loss effect of chili is not long-lasting.
Although some reports have suggested that capsaicin can promote the secretion of neurotransmitters and adrenaline, and that adrenaline can aid weight loss by inducing sweating and burning fat, there is no scientific evidence to support this. Chili can cause the skin to flush and feel warm, which speeds up local metabolism, but this effect is temporary and therefore cannot achieve lasting weight loss.
Misconception 2: Eating chili stimulates the appetite.
Truth: Overconsumption of spicy food can damage the stomach.
Many people believe that chili stimulates the appetite, but in reality, eating too much of it only damages nerve endings. Over time, this can lead to damage of the gastrointestinal mucosa, causing chronic inflammation and symptoms like vomiting, cramps, pain, and diarrhea. Excessive spicy food can also cause strong irritation to the digestive tract, which in severe cases can lead to gastrointestinal bleeding or trigger ulcers.
Misconception 3: Eating more chili can prevent cancer.
Truth: Overconsumption of spicy food may increase cancer risk.
The claim that eating chili can prevent cancer is also not entirely accurate. While chili contains a large amount of antioxidants that can neutralize carcinogens, there is no scientific evidence to support this. Conversely, leukoplakia, a precancerous condition of oral cancer, has been linked to a preference for hot and spicy foods. Therefore, spicy food should be consumed in moderation.
Who should avoid eating chili?
Individuals with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, hypertension, chronic gastritis, gastric ulcers, esophagitis, chronic cholecystitis, gallstones, chronic pancreatitis, hemorrhoids, constipation, conjunctivitis, keratitis, kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, and those taking traditional Chinese medicine, as well as new mothers and pregnant women, should not eat chili.