Pros and Cons: The Advantages and Disadvantages of Spicy Peppers

When told he should avoid eating spicy peppers, he looked at me incredulously. “What? How could I give up spicy peppers when I add them to everything I eat?!”

“Yes, but you suffer from a burning sensation in your upper abdomen!” I replied.

Those who experience a burning sensation in the upper abdomen or have various digestive system inflammations should avoid spicy peppers and spicy foods in general.

The spicy taste of peppers comes from a substance called capsaicin. This compound helps relieve pain and generally makes people feel good, which is why many enjoy adding spicy peppers to their meals despite the intense heat that would otherwise discourage them.

How does it work? Capsaicin stimulates the pain receptors on the tongue, activating the brain’s pain center, which then releases natural painkillers called endorphins. These substances not only reduce the burning sensation but also alleviate other types of pain in the body, while simultaneously creating a pleasant feeling during the meal.

Capsaicin may also help reduce blood pressure. Research shows that it activates a channel in the walls of blood vessels, triggering the production of nitric oxide, a gas that dilates the vessels. This dilation reduces pressure on the vessel walls, resulting in lower blood pressure.

Additionally, capsaicin can aid in weight management. During weight loss, metabolic rate often drops, slowing or halting progress. Red pepper containing capsaicin can help by raising body temperature, boosting metabolism, and restarting fat-burning processes. A U.S. study involving two groups consuming the same food—except that one group also consumed spicy red pepper—found that the group eating peppers lost more weight. Spicy peppers also assist digestion by stimulating the secretion of gastric juices, which may benefit those suffering from constipation.

Research has also revealed that a component in capsaicin can cause cancer cells to undergo apoptosis, essentially “self-destruction.” However, this effect requires very high quantities of the substance. At the same time, researchers caution that excessive consumption of spicy peppers may increase the risk of stomach and liver cancer.

In conclusion, while spicy peppers offer many benefits, they should be consumed with caution.

To good health,
Eliahu Shechter, Iridologist and Natural Therapist