4 Positive Effects Often Eat Spicy, Can Lower Death Risk

Illustration of spicy food (Freepik/jcomp)

JAKARTA - A spicy food provides a pleasant sensation for the tongue. A spicy food always tastes up. The types of chilies used may be different, but the spicy sensation persists.

While you may have been used to eating spicy food since childhood, you may not know if this food affects health. Here are 4 positive effects often eating spicy foods, as reported by VOI from Eating Well on Friday, November 29, 2024.

1. Help Lower Blood Pressure

If you have hypertension (high blood pressure), it is usually recommended to reduce sodium intake on a diet.

In a study in adults in China, women claim to usually eat spicy foods with a 26% lower chance of experiencing hypertension than they don't eat spicy food, according to a 2019 study published in the European Journal of Nutrition.

Senyawa yang memberi rasa scathing pada chili dapat membantu melawan hypertensi yang disebabkan oleh diet tinggi salt.

Interestingly, food that was considered a little spicy by the research participants was found to be better for blood pressure. So, add a little spicy taste to the food, but don't overdo it.

2. Help Heart Health

The spicy food may sweat, but it turns out to be good for heart health. A 2022 review published in Molecular Nutrition & Food Research found a connection between regular consumption of spicy foods with reduced risk of death from heart disease and stroke.

A person who often consumes spicy food has a lower mortality rate. This may be related to improving cholesterol levels.

"Although a more conclusive study is still needed, eating spicy food can increase levels of HDL cholesterol that protect against heart disease, as well as reduce LDL (a type of cholesterol related to heart disease)," said Alice Figueroa, MPH, RDN, CDN, founder of Alice in Foodieland.

3. Affects appetite

The sharp and spicy taste of spicy food can also affect appetite. A spicy food can make you feel fuller. This can help create a more positive relationship with food.

"Feeling full and satisfied is the key to building a balanced relationship with food," said Figueroa.

4. Reduces Death Risk

Consumption of higher spicy food is also associated with lower mortality rates, according to a 2021 meta-analytic published in the journal Angiology involving more than 500,000 adults.

Compared to people who don't eat spicy food, those who eat spicy more than once a week have a 12% lower risk of dying from all causes over a 10-year period.

According to the researchers, eating spicy food can fight obesity. This reduces the risk of disease (such as type 2 diabetes) which is associated with obesity. In addition, spicy food contains antioxidants and increases the gut's microbiome. This can help protect the body from various diseases.