There is no doubt that hot pepper tastes pungent and is difficult for some to tolerate, despite that many people accept it, and in some societies they depend on spicy foodstuffs as an essential part of their meals, due to their health benefits, according to nutrition expert Daniela Kilkovsky, spicy food reduces pressure and facilitates Digestive, has an anti-inflammatory effect and is beneficial for oral hygiene.
The hot taste is caused by certain substances: radish and mustard give their hot taste to mustard oil, black pepper refers to piperine, ginger refers to gingerol, and allicin in garlic. As for the hottest types of pepper, such as pepperoni, they contain capsaicin.
Despite the multiplicity of substances that cause a spicy taste, they all have the same effect. Nutrition expert Kilkowski explains the effect of this effect by saying:
“Spicy food irritates the pain receptors responsible for hot and pungent taste. The brain tries to process the stimulus of pain and counteract these risks with several metabolic reactions.”
The spicy taste has multiple benefits.. It gives a feeling of happiness, because the brain responds to pain stimulation by secreting endorphins, according to Kilkovsky.
It also helps to lose weight, as nutrients are better absorbed and fats are burned well, and since they stimulate blood circulation, this is really beneficial for maintaining weight.
As for those who suffer from chronic heartburn, Kilovsky, a nutrition expert, advises them to stay away from eating spicy food, as spicy food increases the production of stomach acids, which in turn increases heartburn.
