Malaysians and spicy food are inseparable! Nasi ayam penyet, sambal belacan, tomyam, nasi lemak, asam laksa… we can go on forever!
But do you get tummy aches every time you eat spicy food? Well then…
Photo via Bright Side
Some studies have found that spicy foods can curb appetite. Research has shown that people felt more satisfied after eating hot and spicy foods and consumed less fat.
Although a curbed appetite seems like an easy way to lose weight, it is not recommended to eat spicy food daily because if you overdo it, a loss of appetite could become a much more serious problem.
According to Insider, gastritis occurs when your stomach lining is inflamed and can be caused by eating spicy foods! Most people experience acute gastritis, which just means it comes on suddenly and is temporary.
Symptoms will include nausea, vomiting and feeling of fullness in your upper abdomen after eating. To avoid harming your stomach, try to reduce the amount of spicy food you eat.
Meanwhile, sweating when eating spicy food is a sign that your body is trying to “cool down” and it is a normal response after eating spicy food, so don’t be alarmed! The capsaicin in spicy food sends signals to your brain telling it that you’re overheating.
Interesting, huh?
Photo via MSN
However, this does not mean you can’t eat spicy food, EVER!
Sunway Medical Centre Gynaecologist and Obstetrician, Dr. Zaharuddin Rahmat said that consuming spicy food has its advantages and disadvantages on health, and when consumed in moderation, it can have many positive effects on health. However, no studies have been conducted to determine the harmful effects of spicy food on health.
Spicy food needs to be consumed in small quantities because when spicy food is consumed in large quantities, the effects of capsaicin become excessive in the body.
Consuming food that is too spicy and causes heartburn, stomach aches and sometimes seizures as the intestinal system tries to move the food to the colon as quickly as possible. At the same time, the intestine reacts by absorbing too much fluid that can cause diarrhea! For that reason, we often see faces and hands turning red due to spicy food.
So, enjoy your spicy food, guys, but remember, not too much!
By: Aishah Akashah Ahadiat
