What happens to your body when you eat spicy food?

Indian cuisine is much more flavourful than other countries' cuisine as we love our spices, aromatics and masalas loaded with flavour. We often cook curries and dishes, adding ground chili paste. These food items satisfy the taste buds and cause many changes in our body. The compound called capsaicin in chili peppers triggers the receptors in the mouth and digestive system, making the body feel hot while eating spicy food. Besides improving the taste of the food, spices or chilies can also release endorphins that can make you happy. This is why you feel happy and fulfilled after having a spicy meal.

Research shows that capsaicin also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which reduce swelling and lower the risk of diabetes, heart ailments and even some kinds of cancers. Spicy food can also aid weight loss, as the capsaicin compound improves the metabolic rate, swiftly burning the calories. Meanwhile, the pungent smell of spicy food would excite the taste buds and help you enjoy healthier food items. However, those who often consume food that is excessively spicy may suffer from digestive problems, heartburn and irritable bowel syndrome. So, including moderately spicy food in your daily diet is vital.