The many benefits of spicy foods
7/7/2025 by Audrey McKinney
Have the changing temps left you with a summer cold? Turn up the heat by elevating your spice game! That's right, spicy foods are back, and we will break down why and how you should incorporate them into your diet.
Boost your metabolism
Did you know the spicy kick you get from a chili pepper could also kick your metabolism into high gear? Capsaicin, the compound that gives pepper its heat, has been shown to increase the body's ability to burn calories. Boosting the spice level in your food may boost your metabolism into high gear.
Reduce inflammation
If you thought capsaicin only had calorie-burning benefits, think again. Reducing inflammation is another perk of this compound. Specifically, capsaicin has been shown to fight low-grade inflammation, a mark of metabolic disorders such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. Not feeling like chili peppers? No worries! Other spices, like turmeric and cinnamon, have anti-inflammatory benefits and are easy to incorporate into meals.
Endorphin rush
If you've ever felt a rush of euphoria after eating something spicy, you are not imagining things. Spicy foods trigger the release of endorphins, those feel-good hormones that give you an increased sense of well-being. So, the next time you feel down, consider swapping out the chocolate for some hot wings.
Clear your sinuses
A little heat might be the remedy you need, whether it's the common cold or seasonal allergies leaving you stuffy. Spicy foods can act as natural decongestants, helping to open up your nasal passages and relieve that pesky congestion. A bowl of spicy soup could be just what the doctor ordered.
Ideas to spice up your life
Now that you know why you should spice up your life, I'm sure you are wondering how you should do it. While the benefits of spice are tempting, you do not need to go full-on ghost pepper at every meal. Start slowly by adding a sprinkle of cinnamon to your morning oats or stirring some chili flakes into your pasta sauce. You can turn up the heat without overdoing it as your tolerance builds.
So, whether you are a spice lover or just starting to explore the world of heat, embracing this elevated spice trend can be as fun as it is beneficial. Just remember to have some water, or maybe a glass of milk, on hand and enjoy the burn!
Audrey McKinney graduated from Purdue University with a bachelor's degree in nutrition and dietetics. She is completing her master's in clinical nutrition from UW-Madison alongside her dietetic internship at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.