When the fiery stimulation of chili peppers unfolds on the taste buds; when we, regardless of season, north or south, or gender, all fall in love with the feeling of breaking into a sweat and exclaiming how satisfying it is, "spiciness" has imperceptibly become a flavor that many people cannot live without. It whets our appetite, making us crave it even when we're not eating, and in the midst of this satisfying experience, it quietly carries away the stress accumulated from a busy day. What kind of charm does spiciness hold? And do you truly know how to eat spicy food?
Eating spicy food not only brings happiness, but chili peppers themselves are also rich in nutrients and have many health benefits. Professor Shen Yanying, Vice President of Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, points out that first, the variety and content of vitamins in chili peppers are exceptionally rich. A single small chili contains vitamins A, B vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K, carotene, folic acid, and more. Secondly, chili peppers also contain minerals such as calcium and iron, as well as dietary fiber. Based on various studies both in China and abroad, there are the following 10 benefits of eating chili peppers:
Stimulates appetite and aids digestion. Chili peppers can promote the secretion of digestive fluids and increase appetite.
Warms the stomach and expels cold. The "Compendium of Materia Medica on Food" states that chili peppers can warm the spleen and stomach. If symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach pain occur due to cold exposure, one can eat some chili peppers appropriately.
Promotes blood circulation. Chili peppers have certain medicinal properties and can "expel wind, induce sweating, resolve phlegm, and remove dampness." In modern medical terms, this means they can promote blood circulation and improve conditions such as cold intolerance, frostbite, and vascular headaches.
Beauty benefits for the skin. Chili peppers can promote hormone secretion in the body and improve skin condition. Many people think that eating spicy food causes acne, but this is not actually the fault of the chili peppers. For those who are already prone to acne, eating spicy food can only make the problem worse.
Lowers fat and aids weight loss. Capsaicin can accelerate fat breakdown, and the rich dietary fiber also has a certain effect on lowering blood lipids.
Relieves pain and reduces fever. Chili peppers are considered "warm" in nature and can lower body temperature through sweating, as well as relieve muscle pain, thus having a strong antipyretic and analgesic effect. American research has found that capsaicin can reduce neurotransmitters that transmit pain signals, weakening a person's perception of pain.
Fights cancer. Capsaicin can accelerate the death of cancer cells without damaging healthy cells.
Protects the heart. Regular consumption of chili peppers can effectively delay the development of atherosclerosis.
Lowers blood pressure. The latest animal experiments in the UK have found that capsaicin can lower blood pressure, but the specific mechanism is not yet fully understood.
Beneficial for diabetes. For certain symptoms of type 1 diabetes, capsaicin can help alleviate them.