Sweat drips from the forehead, faces turn a fiery red, and heartbeats race. Yet, we say to the Golgappa (pani puri) vendor, “Brother, make it spicier.” We don’t mind the sweat, the burning sensation, or even the hissing, all in the name of spicy indulgence.
Have you ever wondered why, despite the sweat and the fiery tongues, we crave spicy food? Well, it’s because eating spicy food triggers the release of a hormone called endorphin in our bodies, giving us a pleasurable sensation.
Good news for spice lovers: The Guinness Book of World Records recently awarded the title of the world’s hottest chili to the ‘Pepper Ax,’ measuring a scorching 2,693,000 Scoville Heat Units. To put it in perspective, the relatively mild Kashmiri chili measures 1,000-2,000 Scoville heat units. Imagine the intensity of the world’s hottest chili!
Our love for spicy flavors aside, do chilies offer any health benefits? And can consuming too much spice be detrimental to health? Let’s explore these questions.
American pharmacist Scoville developed a formula to measure the heat and spiciness of chilies. It involves diluting the chemical capsaicinoid, which imparts spiciness to chilies, in sugar water. The more sugar water required to diminish the chili’s spiciness, the higher its Scoville Heat Unit (SHU) rating. A higher SHU indicates a hotter chili.
Chilies also contain nutritional value. While we often associate chilies solely with spiciness, they are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These antioxidants offer numerous benefits, aiding our body’s cells in warding off harmful elements. Chilies are also good for our eyes.
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Intriguingly, despite the pain they can induce, chilies may offer pain relief in certain scenarios. Research published in the ‘World Journal of Pharmaceutical’ suggests that chili components can help alleviate joint pain.
For those aiming to manage their weight, a study encouraged individuals to consume chili daily and monitored their weight over several days. The research, published in the ‘National Library of Medicine,’ revealed that chili can assist in fat burning. It was also observed in various studies that eating chili before meals can curb one’s appetite.
It’s important to note that while chili can reduce appetite, it’s not a magic weight-loss solution. Exercise and a balanced diet remain essential for effective weight control.
Overindulging in chili can have adverse effects. Red chilies, in particular, contain chemicals known as polyaromatic hydrocarbons, which can become more concentrated when roasted or dried. These chemicals can harm our body’s cells, potentially leading to heart disease and even cancer.
Research conducted in India explored the link between eating habits and the risk of cancer. The ‘National Library of Medicine’ study indicated that excessive consumption of red chili might increase the risk of cancer. Conversely, the research highlighted that individuals who included vegetables, pulses, buttermilk, and fish in their diets faced a lower cancer risk.
The lesson is clear: moderation is key. While chili provides various nutrients, its extreme spiciness requires balance. When consumed judiciously, chili can offer calcium, potassium, and vitamins. However, excessive intake may lead to stomach discomfort and health issues. So, enjoy the taste of life with chili, but remember to maintain balance.
