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Spices for Health: Get Spicy to Boost Your Metabolism

benefits-spices-health-585Okay, so this is a bit of a stretch. Scratch that. It’s a huge stretch. But since it’s Fit Bottomed Dude’s Week over on Fit Bottomed Girls this week, we wanted to do something fun today to celebrate. And what’s more fun than spice? Getting spicy, getting hot, getting sweaty? Oh, yeah, that’s how we like to celebrate Fit Bottomed Dude’s Week! So read on as we share some fun spices-for-health facts and exactly why spicy foods boost your metabolism from the good people at Tandoor Chef who know their spices.

Spicy Foods and Your Metabolism

  • Spices enable people to burn up to 1,000 more calories daily than those not incorporating spices into their diet.
  • Your basal metabolic rate peaks after eating spicy cuisine to help your body digest and metabolize the food you consume.
  • Eating foods rich in cayenne pepper and curry would do the trick.
  • Studies have shown that a spicy meal, such as Tandoor Chef’s Lamb Vindaloo (their spiciest entrée), can provide a temporary rise in metabolism of about 8 percent greater than a person’s typical metabolic rate.
  • Along with its slimming effects, the spice capsaicin is shown to work as a blood thinner, helping to prevent blood clots.

Spices for Health: What They Can Do

  • Curry powder is a zesty mix of medicinally potent spices like turmeric, cardamom, chilli, cumin and coriander that does wonders for your health.
  • Some spices, especially the hot ones, contain phytochemicals that avert cell damage and other chronic ailments. In fact, curry powder is believed to be good for your brain, boost memory and protect against Alzheimer disease and cancer. So, if you thought that curry powder was best used to spice up bland food, considering the health benefits may surprise you.
  • Coriander seeds have a health-supporting reputation that is high on the list of the healing spices, great for your post-workout recovery. Coriander has traditionally been referred to as an “anti-diabetic” plant and even has anti-inflammatory properties. Coriander has recently been studied for its cholesterol-lowering effects.
  • Ginger is an herb, but it is often known as a spice, and in many countries, it is thought to be a remedy for many ailments. Ginger has been said to cure migraines, reduce joint swelling for people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, and shorten flu and cold symptoms. Ginger is an essential ingredient in Indian cooking.
  • Paprika is actually made from ground dried bell peppers and chili peppers and their “heat” or hotness will vary. Though primarily used for flavor, paprika does contain antioxidants and several vitamins.

Do you have a favorite spice? Love spicy foods? Love Indian food? Love Fit Bottomed Dudes? Let’s discuss. —Jenn

FTC disclosure: We often receive products from companies to review. All thoughts and opinions are always entirely our own. Unless otherwise stated, we have received no compensation for our review and the content is purely editorial. Affiliate links may be included. If you purchase something through one of those links we may receive a small commission. Thanks for your support!