Is spicy food healthier than non-spicy food?

Question

Is there any evidence that spicy food, like Mexican, Thai or Indian food is in some way 'healthier' because of the spices used to prepare the dishes?

Answer 1

In hot weather food spoils more quickly. Mexico, Thailand and India developed "hot" food to mask the flavor of unrefrigerated food that was suspicious. In time these herbs and spices became standard in their cooking, and today have been discovered to have health benefits.
Here are a few of the many sites that discuss herbal health benefits/
http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/fitness/story.jhtml?storyid=/templatedata/fitness/story/data/1145306552612.xml&catref=ftn18
http://www.healthyeatingclub.com/info/articles/diets-foods/herbspice.htm
http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0NAH/is_4_33/ai_100732337
Hope that helps.

Answer 2

It depends on what kind/how many percent of vitamins and minerals and what is the contents or food nutrients on the food you serve,like in the Philippines "laing" is the most common spicy food in this country,this is a vegetable that has more vitamins. Yes.there are more evidence and facts that the spices of mexican and indian food are more healthier than others,because thier spices are come to the nature and to their native land so thats why thier dishes are unique.Try to check it from the website of yahoo. Trust me iam a nurse!

Answer 3

Not necessary. Certain spice is good and some is just flavouring. It depend on the ingredient add in to make the dish. Spicy food is heaty and will cause pimple outbreak, dry lips etc for some people. If your gastric is not good, its best to take it moderately.

Answer 4

Yes, it's proven that spicy foods "rev" up your immune system, thus making you less vulnerable to illness.
Plus, it just tastes better! As an Indian person I wonder how some people can eat the same old tasteless things everyday, like steamed vegetables & a piece of meat marinated in nothing. =( Blah!

Answer 5

You have to separate the "spice" from the overall dish.

Hot peppers can be good for you insofar as they are loaded with viatamins. But they can also be harmful in heavy doses to the extent it can harm your stomach lining. So, spice in moderation. Don't overdo it.

Now, whether Mexican, Thai or Indian food is "better" for you ... what are you comparing to? The spice itself will probably not be the determining factor as to how healthy it is. It will be the fat, calory and overall nutrition content of the meal itself.

Answer 6

Spicy foods give it a kick to your immune system and non spicy do nothing at all. Its good to have a good blood
circulation which is healthier.

Answer 7

Yes...capsacin, which is found in all the hot peppers (jalapeno, habanero, etc) is excellent for the digestive tract as it draws capillaries and has even been founf to heal ulcers and stuff. The antioxidants in peppers are very good for cleaning the blood. As for tahi and INdian...ginger does pretty much the same thing though it can actually be stronger than peppers.

Answer 8

The only thing that I know spicy food offers that non-spicy food does not, is that because it is spicy it gets your heart beating faster, hence temporarily increasing your metabolism.

Answer 9

It's bad only if you have an ulcer or if you're prone to getting ulcers. Otherwise, spices are good for you- they add flavor without adding calories, peppery and hot spices improve blood flow, and they make life more fun.

Answer 10

I'm not too sure if there are a lot of spices that are "healthy" but I do know that garlic is very good for you. Most spices have a lot of sodium and that's not good for you.