Some Like It Hot: 5 Reasons Spicy Food Is Insanely Good for You

There are few things in the food world that evoke stronger opinions than spice. Do you go for the mild salsa, the medium, or the three-alarm hot version? Fortunately for people who do love spice (and not just the fiery spice from capsaicin found in chili peppers), science is in your favor. Spices like cinnamon, turmeric, garlic, ginger, and cumin, as well as chili, host many health benefits.

If you’re an agnostic or simply don’t like the heat, here are five compelling reasons to reconsider adding a little spice to your day.

1. Spicy food has longevity benefits

Eating spicy food six or seven days a week — even just once a day — lowered mortality rates by 14 percent, according to a large 2015 study by Harvard and China National Center for Disease Control and Prevention. (Sadly, the benefits are even larger if you skip the margarita or Corona with your spicy taco.)

2. Spicy food speeds up your metabolism

Data across numerous studies indicates that certain spices — like cumin, cinnamon, turmeric, peppers, and chilies — can raise your metabolic resting rate and slow down your appetite. One study also found that turmeric suppressed fat tissue growth in mice.

The effect is mild, so putting cinnamon on your roll probably isn’t going to aid in weight loss. But if you’ve reached a plateau in your weight loss journey, spicing it up may be just the thing to try.

3. Spices combat inflammation

Curcumin, a compound in turmeric, may reduce inflammation in the body. In Ayurvedic medicine, the anti-inflammatory properties of ginger and garlic have been used for centuries to treat a range of conditions, like arthritis, autoimmune disorders, and even headaches and nausea.

4. Spices may even help fight cancer cells

Capsaicin, an active component of chili peppers, has been shown to slow and destroy cancer cells. A UCLA study found that capsaicin inhibited the growth of prostate cancer cells in mice while leaving healthy cells unharmed.

5. Spices help kill bacteria

Cumin and turmeric have been shown to have powerful antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. This means they can be used against harmful bacteria in the body.

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