There are few things in the food world that elicit stronger opinions than spice. Fortunately for people who love spices (and not just the fiery spices found in chili), the science is on your side.
Health benefits of hot spices food
Spices like cinnamon, turmeric, garlic, ginger and cumin, as well as cayenne pepper, have many health benefits.
If you're neutral or don't like zeal, here are five compelling reasons to reconsider adding a little spice to your day.
1. Hot spices food has benefits in reducing mortality
Eating spicy food six or seven days a week — even just once a day — cut death rates by 14 percent, according to a large 2015 study by Harvard and China's National Center for Disease Control and Prevention (s).
See: 41 Herbs and Spices Vocabulary With Pictures
2. Hot spices food speeds up the metabolism
Data across several studies shows that certain spices — such as cumin, cinnamon, turmeric, pepper, and cayenne pepper — can raise your resting metabolic rate and slow your appetite.
One study also found that turmeric reduced the growth of adipose tissue in mice (s, s, s).
3. Hot spices fight infections
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, such as arthritis, autoimmune disorders, and even headaches and nausea (s).
4. Hot spices may even help fight cancer cells
Capsaicin, an active ingredient in hot peppers, has been shown to slow down and destroy cancer cells.
A study from the University of California found that capsaicin inhibits the growth of prostate cancer cells in mice while leaving healthy cells unharmed (s).
5. Hot spices help kill bacteria
Cumin and turmeric have been shown to have powerful antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.
This means that it can be used against harmful bacteria in the body (s).