Top 10 Reasons to Spice it Up

Spicy foods stimulate the palate by adding zing and fire to your palate. Hot and spicy spices have been known to not only get your taste buds sizzling, but they also have many health benefits.

Here's our Top 10 Reasons to Spice it Up:

1. Anti-cancer. Chillies, peppers and curry can decrease your risk of cancer and can even cause existing cancer cells to die. Cultures that eat lots of curry and spicy foods report much lower cancer rates.

2. Better Sleep. People who regularly eat spicy foods fall asleep faster and wake up feeling more refreshed throughout the day, according to Australian researchers.

3. Breathe Better. Hot peppers are an expectorant that can help you breathe better and help with the symptoms of asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, sinusitis and other respiratory conditions.

4. Cough, Colds and Flu. Increase sweating by consuming capsaicin, which in turn eases the discomfort of cold and flu symptoms.

5. Heart Health. Spciy foods help dissolve blood clotting and can reduce your risk of stroke. Stats show that cultures that eat spicy foods have a lower rate of heart attack and stroke.

6. Improve Digestion. Prevent stomach ulcers, increase blood flow and kill harmful bacteria in your stomach by adding hot and spicy foods to your diet.

7. Mood Enhancer. Boost your endorphins and serotonin levels and promote a better feeling of calmness and well-being.

8. Promote Circulation. Improve circulation and lower blood pressure. Hot peppers strengthen blood vessel walls, increase blood flow and get your heart pumping.

9. Reduce Arthritis. Turmeric acts as an ant-inflammatory, pain reliever and reduces bone destruction.

10. Lose Weight. Hot peppers contain capsaicin which helps boost the metabolism and burn fat by increasing your body's core temperature. Furthermore, people that eat spicy foods tend to eat smaller portions, therefore reducing caloric intake.

Spicy foods are a wonderful part of many diets all around the world and can greatly benefit your health and well-being. Add some spice to your life and enjoy the great benefits of spicy foods.