When it comes to eating spicy foods, the benefits expand to more than just bountiful flavor. Spicy foods in Latin cuisine are good for your health for a variety of reasons. In fact, capsaicin— the compound in chili peppers that is responsible for the heat— is so potent, it’s used in topical creams for pain relief. Below are three health benefits you can gain from eating foods with a little spice.  

Why Spicy Foods are Beneficial 

1. Increases Metabolism 

Have you ever found yourself sweating a bit when enjoying a particularly spicy dish at your favorite restaurant? Capsaicin is thermogenic, meaning it increases the heat in your body. This, in turn, stimulates your metabolism so you burn more calories for as long as 20 minutes after you finish your meal. So eating Latin cuisine can help keep your waistline trim— just be sure to limit cocktail intake, so you don’t cancel out the benefits with empty calories. 

2. Promotes Heart Health

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, surpassing cancer and unintentional injuries. Besides eating a healthy diet, exercising, and getting plenty of rest, you can reduce your risk of heart disease by adding a little spice to your food. Hot peppers can reduce the effects of LDL—or bad—cholesterol while improving circulation. Furthermore, chili peppers are rich in vitamins A and C, which strengthen the heart for a healthier cardiovascular system. Additionally, capsaicin is anti-inflammatory. Inflammation in the body is considered a dangerous risk factor for heart disease. 

3. Boosts Mood

Consuming capsaicin releases feel-good neurochemicals including serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins. Increasing serotonin levels helps to ease feelings of depression and anxiety. Dopamine triggers the brain’s pleasure, enabling feelings of happiness, comfort, and joy. Endorphins are the body’s natural pain relievers and mood boosters. So next time you’re feeling blue, add some spice to your dishes for a mood boost. 

Spice up your next meal with a trip to Mamajuana Café Paterson in Paterson, NJ. Since opening their doors in 2006, this restaurant offers an array of Latin cuisine dishes that incorporate flavors from South America to the Caribbean. The Dominican Republic-inspired decor and Spanish music create a full Latin American experience. Visit their website to browse their menu—from cocktails to desserts—and call (973) 925-5172 to place an order or make reservations.