Spicy dishes are present in almost every kitchen around the world, with spiciness ranging from a little spicy to a feeling of a mouth that is set on fire. Examples are Indian hot curries, Thai soup or Chinese hot pot. The spiciness is often caused by the addition of chili peppers or an extract of these peppers and the spiciness can be expressed in the Scale of Scoville.   Adapting to spicy food may be hard at first, but you’ll open the door to so many new dishes and cuisines if you can make the change. On top of that, spicy food is good for you.


 Consumption of chili peppers is correlated with positive health outcomes, since they are filled with vitamins and antioxidants .  Capsaicin, the compound that makes hot peppers hot, can stimulate the brain, causing it to release certain chemicals.  The spiciness in spicy foods is not a taste but rather a sensation caused by capsaicinoids. Simply put, these compounds send signals to your brain, making it believe that it’s in pain.  In response, your brain releases endorphins and dopamine to block pain signaling and reduce distress. Endorphins are the body’s natural response to pain by blocking the nerve’s ability to transmit pain signals throughout the body.

Additionally, the neurotransmitter dopamine is released when we’re in pain. This chemical is known for its role in pleasure, reward, and heightened mood.A spicy food high is characterized by a sense of euphoria and is compared to a “runner’s high.”


There are compelling reasons to reconsider adding a little spice to your day.


1. 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.Spices can also help you cut down on the amount of unhealthy fats and sweets that are too easily added as a quick fix for taste. There's also a popular (albeit untested) theory that because hot dishes are more difficult to wolf down, you're less likely to eat too much.


2.  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.


3. Spices can help you cool down in a hot day.

If your meal is so hot you find yourself mopping the sweat from your brow, don't worry. This is a natural response when you eat spicy food.

The capsaicin in chilli causes your brain to determine that your body is overheating. Whenever this happens, sweat is produced to cool you down, which is perfectly normal.


 But too much of anything can be a bad thing, a concept that definitely applies to spicy food.  Upset stomach and acid reflux occurs due to overstimulation of the nervous system.  Portion yourself accordingly, and don’t eat more than you can handle.

If you’re not used to spicy foods, start slow, not with habanero peppers!


Good news is most people can train themselves to eat spicy food. Start small with mildly spicy food at least once every week.The same way that your body builds a tolerance to things like alcohol and caffeine, it can build a tolerance to capsaicin.

When you reach to the point you cannot handle it anymore drink milk to stop the spice in its tracks. The fat and protein in milk will neutralize the spice in your food. Carbs like potatoes and bread will also help absorb the capsaicin. 

Remember that it will all be over soon. The heat from spicy food only takes 15 minutes to dissipate. 


Traveling to a country known for its red-hot cuisine? Cross your fingers that you can find the one mild dish on the menu.  For now check out and train yourself with our recipes - from mild to the spiciest ones!