Although scientific research indicates that spiciness is a unique taste bud sensation for humans, why do so many people enjoy such a tongue-numbing and tormenting spicy flavor? For those who love spicy food, this "thrilling" sensation is probably something that can only be understood but not expressed in words. The only way to describe their obsession with chili peppers is through the popular slogan often used by spicy food lovers: "No chili, no joy."
So, what are the benefits of chili peppers? Is it suitable to eat them during the summer?
Benefits of Eating Chili Peppers in the Summer
Harmonizing Hot and Cold: In the scorching summer, people have far more opportunities to consume cold foods than in other seasons. Besides drinking cold beverages and eating popsicles, fruits and vegetables commonly eaten in the summer, such as watermelon, cucumber, bitter melon, winter melon, loofah, eggplant, and radish, are all considered "cold-natured" foods. Eating too much of them can easily damage the spleen and stomach, leading to mild discomfort in the upper abdomen or even severe stomach pain. If we pair these with a little chili, it can help balance the hot and cold nature of the food. For instance, dishes like stir-fried bitter melon, stir-fried cabbage, cold cucumber salad, kimchi, and pickled radishes all contain chili. These dishes actually embody the wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) principles like "harmonizing hot and cold" and "nurturing yang in spring and summer."
Stimulating Appetite and Aiding Digestion: The fragrant and spicy stimulation of chili makes any dish taste more delicious. In folk culture, chili is also praised as an "appetizer" and a "rice-enhancer." During the intense summer heat, people often lose their appetite and don't feel like eating. A little chili can stimulate the appetite and make you want to eat more.
Removing Dampness and Lowering Body Temperature: Why do people in Sichuan, Hunan, Guangxi, Jiangxi, and Guizhou love spicy food? It's because those regions have a humid climate, and chili peppers have the effect of removing dampness, expelling excess moisture from the body. In summer, there is more rain and heavier dampness, so eating chili appropriately can help remove it.
Research has found that eating chili can lower body temperature. This is mainly because when you first eat chili, you feel a sharp pain. But after the pain subsides, the spicy stimulation leaves only a layer of晶莹汗珠 (crystal-like sweat beads) on your face. As these sweat beads evaporate, they carry away excess body heat, bringing you a pleasantly surprising cool sensation.
Important Tips for Eating Chili in the Summer
Prefer Fresh Chili Peppers: Fresh chili peppers are more nutritious and less "fiery" than dried ones or chili powder, so it's better to eat fewer of the latter. The spiciness of fresh chili is somewhat reduced after high-temperature stir-frying. Additionally, if a dish already contains chili, avoid adding other "heaty" spices like Sichuan peppercorns, star anise, or cinnamon, as this would be "adding heat to heat," making it more likely to cause "internal heat" (a concept in TCM). You can also alleviate this by soaking the chili in vinegar for a while before cooking or adding some vinegar while preparing the dish.
Pay Attention to Food Pairing: Pairing spicy food with "cool-natured" foods can have a "neutralizing" effect, clearing heat and reducing internal fire. Duck, fish, bitter melon, lotus root, water chestnut, tofu, and asparagus lettuce are all cool-natured foods that can clear heat, promote the production of body fluids, nourish yin, and calm irritability, making them the perfect partners for spicy dishes.
Choose Whole Grains as Your Staple Food: Whole grains are rich in dietary fiber, which can prevent constipation caused by "heat in the stomach and intestines." Corn or sweet potatoes are good choices. Furthermore, Job's tears (coix seed) can also reduce "heatiness," and its effect is more pronounced when cooked into a congee with lilies.
Drink More Water or Soup When Eating Chili: Eating spicy food can easily cause symptoms like a sore throat and chapped lips, so it's important to stay hydrated. 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 internal heat.