Spice up Your Life

March 17, 2023

Do you crave the heat or run from it? Spicy foods are exciting to some, and terrifying to others. If you’re the type who gravitates towards extra hot foods, you’re in luck! Here’s a few reasons why eating spicy foods can be beneficial to your health:

Eating spicy foods can boost your metabolism

Your metabolism is what turns the food you eat into energy. Having a high metabolism means you burn more calories faster, which leads to weight loss. Studies have shown that people who eat more spicy foods on a day to day basis burn more calories than those who do not. (Source)

Certain spices, such as the Korean chili paste in this week’s Paleo Spicy Korean Style Stir Fried Shrimp (pictured), have been shown to raise your resting metabolic rate, in turn slowing down your appetite. (Source)

Spicy foods can help combat depression

Capsaicin, an ingredient found in chili peppers, has been shown to work as an endorphin. Haley Robinson, a clinical dietitian at Piedmont Atlanta Hospital, says, “The body produces endorphins, like serotonin, in response to the heat, which it mistakes for pain. This makes you feel better and decreases the risk for depression or stress.” (Source)

Spicy foods can help improve heart health

It has been studied that certain spices, such as chili peppers, can help lower your cholesterol. On top of that, capsaicin has also been shown to help with inflammation, and increase blood flow through your body. (Source)

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