Why is it good:

It extends life. The study, which was conducted among more than half a million Chinese in the period of 7 years, found that those who eat spicy food 6 times a week, 14% less prone to premature death, and those who eat such food 2 times a week - on 10% compared with those who do not like sharp.

It reduces weight. It has been proved that hot peppers reduces appetite and speeds up metabolism. Scientists at Purdue University, NY. Indiana, in 2011, conducted a study and concluded that people feel more satiated after "burning" foods. Previous experiments have shown that people who during the meal eat a lot of spicy, eat less fat.

Tabasco also affect the metabolism of certain Dr. THORKELSON Gregory, an assistant professor of psychiatry and gastroenterology University of Pittsburgh. "That's why we after getting hot spicy food Some evidence suggests that capsaicin (the substance that causes a burning sensation in the mouth) increases the body's ability to burn calories." - He says.

Another reason for this phenomenon may be that because of the burning sensation in the mouth we eat slowly, says Dana Hannes, senior nutritionist and professor at the School of Public Health at the University of California in Los Angeles: "If you eat slowly, saturation comes quickly" .

It relieves pain. Capsaicin stimulates the body's own opioids - endorphins, says THORKELSON. However, this effect is observed more at the local external use, than when consuming spicy foods.

Anti-inflammatory effect. Studies suggest that capsaicin can treat autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. Torkelson noted that exposure to these diseases in people with acute lower in countries catering.

It has an antimicrobial effect. Studies show that capsaicin has antibacterial properties, and possibly to a lesser extent, antifungal. That is why before hot peppers are often used as a preservative, says Hannes.

Why is that bad:

It causes burns. If the peppers in the dish got too sharp, it can burn the buds on the tongue, which are responsible for distinguishing tastes, says Hannes. Fortunately, this effect is temporary.

"Even if you eat a Scottish cap, is the kind of burning pepper and damage the buds, they quickly restored," - she said. If so it was that you ate a lot of hot peppers, drink milk is the most effective way to "put out the fire" in your mouth.

It is important that it is ordinary milk and skimmed not because it binds to capsaicin fat molecules. Capsaicin thins the blood. Most people who are generally healthy, spicy food will not hurt, but if you are taking anticoagulants, the capsaicin can further enhance their effect.

It can burn the hemorrhoids. One unpleasant qualities capsaicin is that he does not break the digestive system and may cause burns. Inside is nothing wrong, is not likely to happen, but the output can be all. Especially discomfort it can cause is if you have hemorrhoids.