The benefits of spice to the body: little known in Spain

Image archive of pepper and pepper powder. iStock

Live It's about the response of the nerves of our palate to molecules of these substances, which convey the characteristic sensations of touch and temperature.

November1, 2023. 02:19

Spicy Food Health April RoncoG/p>

Some people love spicy food, others hate it. However, few people know about its properties and disadvantages for the body. Want to know if consuming spicy food is good for our body? In this article, we will explain it to you. [Seven places to try spicy in Madrid and they're not Mexican]

Spicy, contrary to what many people think, has no flavor. This is due to the fact that it has no odor or specific taste. In fact, it is a combination that our body responds to. In other words, it is the response of the nerves of our palate to molecules of these substances that convey the characteristic sensations of touch and temperature. Substances in spicy foods cause neuropathic pain, which is the damage or dysfunction of the nervous system. The main function of these compounds is to protect plants and vegetables. In this way, they help them survive and reproduce without risking the extinction of their offspring. On the other hand, at the digestive level, they can cause irritation by stimulating the synthesis of digestive juices. This can lead to abdominal pain when eating such foods.

There are some pros and cons of including spicy foods in your diet.

Benefits

• First, spicy foods increase energy expenditure, which leads to metabolic regulation. It helps in controlling excess weight.
• It is also a salt substitute, so adding flavor to food is healthier.
• And not only that, eating such food helps to quench your appetite. [New (and original) foods that can't be missing from a spicy food lover's kitchen]

As health blog MAPFRE explains, spicy can be good for digestion.

For this purpose, it is necessary to consume it in moderation. For example, foods such as wasabi contain antibacterial and antiseptic properties. As mentioned in an article on EL ESPAÑOL about wasabi, it is highly anti-inflammatory due to its ability to produce enzymes and cytokines. It also contains vitamin C, which enhances its antioxidant effect. It is also a probiotic due to its compounds. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, spicy helps to activate blood circulation. At the same time, it is a natural pain reliever. This is because some of these products contain a molecule called capsaicin. It is a derivative of pepper that helps relieve pain. The reason why it has an effect on the sensation of pain is because it is a substance that affects the cells associated with it. Therefore, it causes a decrease in their activity and hence pain. Its use has spread to both medicines and skin creams.

Harmful aspects

As with any product, its overuse can be harmful to your health. Spicy foods in large quantities can cause damage to the stomach. Some of the symptoms this can cause are nausea or vomiting, as well as heartburn sensation and irritation. Also, it is not recommended that people with intestinal problems or viral diseases such as gastroenteritis consume such food. This is because spicy has a strong effect on the body.