Is Spicy Food Good for You?
In a nutshell, yes. Spicy foods pack a savory punch. But that's not the only reason they rock. Spices are well-known for bringing on a host of body benefits. This counts with the super-hot spice from things like chili peppers, which contains a compound called of capsaicin. And it also works with milder spices. Ginger, garlic, cumin, turmeric and even cinnamon come with advantages, as does our good friend jalapeno.
Spicy Foods Help You Live Longer
If you eat a spicy food just once a day, you can actually end up living longer. One study found that eating one spicy food at least six days a week decreased mortality rates by 14 percent. The study was conducted by Harvard in conjunction with China's National Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
Spices Reduce Inflammation (and Headaches)
Inflammation tends to crop up with conditions like arthritis and autoimmune disorders. But some spices can knock that inflammation back down. Turmeric contains a compound called curcumin, which is well-known for its ability to soothe inflammation. So are garlic and ginger, which can also help with nausea and headaches.
Spices Speed up Metabolism
If you're looking to feel satisfied on less calories, or burn more calories in general, spicy food is at your services. The capsaicin in chili peppers is again well-known for this trick-and another one. Not only can it boost your calorie burn, but it can also selectively destroy certain nerve fibers that send info from your gut to your brain. Additional weight-loss benefits of spicy foods include:
- Increased fat burning
- Reduced body fat tissue
- Lowered blood fat levels
- Decreased fat buildup
- Decreased appetite
Chili peppers may lead the pack with these benefits, but you can also reap them from spices like turmeric, cumin and jalapenos and other peppers.
Spicy Foods Can Make YOU Hotter
While spicy foods do indeed create heat in your body, that's not what we're talking about. We mean heat in the bedroom. Yep, that's right. Spicy foods can increase your libido, acting as a natural aphrodisiac. A study in "Food Research International" discovered the combination of saffron and ginseng enhanced sexual performance. While we didn't get word on the impact of other spices on libido, it doesn't hurt to give it a try.
Healthy Jalapeno Nacho Chicken Tenders
Whip up our healthy jalapeno nacho chicken tenders for a romantic dinner for two. Feel free to thank us later.
What You Need
- 1 egg
- 1 bag Beanfields Jalapeno Nacho chips
- 10 or so chicken tenders
What You Do
- Crack egg into a wide bowl, scramble.
- Place the bean chips into food processor and grind into a fine consistency. Pour into a separate bowl.
- Coat the chicken tenders by first dipping each in the egg, followed by a dip in the ground chips.
- Once coated, lay each chicken piece on a lined baking sheet. Make sure none are touching.
- Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes. Check to ensure they're cooked through, with a center that's fully white. Thicker chicken may take longer.
