Alexandra Long, Dietetic Intern To my fellow spice foodies out there: rejoice. We now have more reason to make and order the spicy foods we crave. It’s for our health after all! Capsaicin has more effects on our body than just a runny nose, flushed face, and possibly a couple tears. What is capsaicin, and where can I find it?
Capsaicin is a phytochemical that is responsible for the spicy flavor in chili peppers. Some ingredients you may be familiar with that contain capsaicin are chili powder, hot sauces, and chili peppers such as habaneros, jalapenos, poblanos, and scotch bonnets; the list goes on and on. Capsaicin is stable at high temperatures, so if you decide to cook your chilis, don’t worry! The capsaicin will survive the cooking process. What are the health benefits? Capsaicin has promising effects on the body for heart health. It has the ability to dilate blood vessels by triggering the production of endothelial nitric oxide synthase, leading to lower blood pressure. Capsaicin has also been linked to slowing atherogenesis, or the formation of plaques in the arteries. In addition, it stimulates the production of antioxidant enzymes, reduces inflammation, improves glycemic control, increases the thermic effect of food, encourages fat metabolism, helps to control appetite, and can even prevent or hasten the healing of stomach ulcers. Don’t use it as a “cure-all”. Unfortunately, the health perks of capsaicin don’t give us the freedom to liberalize the rest of our diet. Yes, this means buffalo chicken dip isn’t magically healthy for you just because it’s a little spicy. It’s still in your best interest to make choices that are lower in fat and sodium. Try throwing some cayenne or poblano into the marinade of your grilled chicken, or garnish your taco salad bowl with some slices of fresh jalapeno. For those who don’t enjoy spicy foods, one big, extremely spicy meal doesn’t translate the same as a diet of consistent capsaicin intake. Capsaicin is only one of countless phytochemicals that are found in the plants we eat. Don’t torture yourself over a spicy meal! If you don’t enjoy your meal, the health benefits won’t be worth it. Otherwise, continue to satisfy those cravings if you enjoy the heat of a habanero like me.
2 Comments
12/23/2017 11:23:56 pm
Reply
12/27/2017 11:11:47 pm
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
ABOUTTerps With Taste is run by the Student Nutritionist Team with University of Maryland Dining Services. We write content for students, by students. Enjoy! Categories
All
Archives
April 2024
|