Category Archives: Food And Nutrition

Many people from different cultures and backgrounds from all around the world, especially in Singapore, eat spicy food for the unique sensation it makes in our mouths.

However, that’s not all you can get from indulging in spicy food (if you haven’t already). It may not be an elixir of immortality, but eating spicy food at least once a day can certainly help you live longer overall. Here are some of the reasons why:

1. They may reduce your risk of cancer
Capsaicin, the chemical naturally found in peppers that triggers spiciness, has been found to activate certain cell receptors in your intestinal lining, which could reduce the risk of developing tumors later in life.

Other types of spices can help fight cancer as well: for instance, turmeric can actively help your body fight leukemic cells, while black pepper can increase your body’s resistance to forming tumors.

2. They can help you lose weight
Capsaicin is a fat- and alcohol-soluble chemical, which is likely to be the reason why it has been observed to help burn stored calories. It has also been found to increase metabolism and counter the process known as metabolic decline.

Another health benefit related to losing weight is that capsaicin lowers blood pressure. This is because it signals the release of neuropeptides in the brain, which have two different effects: they induce the burning sensation, but also; they signal a reduction in blood pressure.

3. Spicy food boosts your mood in general
Eating spicy foods has been found to make the brain release more neurochemicals (e.g. endorphins, serotonin) that make you feel happier. It has even been found to increase activity in your cerebral opioid system, which is responsible for bringing out a feeling of euphoria.

These in turn can help fight depression and anxiety in the long run, which can greatly improve your mental health.

4. Capsaicin does wonders to relieve pain
Eating spicy foods may cause temporary pain in your taste buds. However, when applied topically, it can make the pain go away instead. Capsaicin is in fact an important component in topical creams and patches that ironically numbs the pain by producing an intense burning sensation.

Chili peppers are not the only spicy food available that has amazing health benefits – in fact, almost every spice you find in dishes has their own health benefits.

For instance, ginseng has been linked to weight loss and lowering your risk of diabetes, and cinnamon, black pepper, and mustard speed up your metabolism by lowering your blood sugar and burning calories.

Bid goodbye to your favourite caffeinated drink and say hi to Matcha green tea. This stress-reducing, metabolism-enhancing, cholesterol-lowering, immune boosting, cancer-fighting drink is the newest fad in the world of health. If you want to know more of this drink’s wonders, here’s a list of Matcha’s best health benefits.

1. Boosts Endurance and Energy Levels

While green teas naturally contain caffeine, the boost of energy from Matcha is due to its combination of nutrients. The increased endurance from a cup of Matcha tea can last up to six hours because of L-Theanine, and drinkers don’t experience the usual side effects of stimulants, such as hypertension and nervousness.

2. Burns Calories

Drinking Matcha tea has also showed an increase of metabolism rate and helps the body to burn fat much faster than average. Unlike many diet products available in the market today, Matcha tea causes no negative side effects, such as high blood pressure and increased heart-rate.

3. Fortifies Immune System

Matcha contains antibiotic properties, which promote overall physical health. A cup of Matcha green tea already provides high amount of Vitamins A and C, Potassium, Calcium, Iron, and Protein. Further studies have even showed that nutrients found in Matcha can help inhbit the attacks of HIV on human cells.

4. Loaded with More Potent Antioxidants

Matcha is high in antioxidants, including catechin. Catechin is the most potent and beneficial among all types of antioxidants because of its ability to inhibit diseases from developing. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCg), a type of catechin, makes up 60% of the catechins in Matcha tea. Out of all antioxidants, EGCg is the most essential for its cancer-fighting properties.

5. Detoxifies the Body

Three weeks before tea leaves are harvested to be made into Matcha, they are covered to deprive them of sunlight. Because of this, a tremendous increase of chlorophyll production happens in the plants. The high levels of chlorophyll not only give the tea its vibrant green colour, but also detoxify the body from toxins and pollutants of whoever drinks the tea.

Take note though that Matcha has quite strong aroma. However, when you get used to it, you’ll likely find yourself constantly looking for its addictive sharp scent and taste. Enjoy a couple of cups of this tea a day and treat your body with great amounts of essential nutrients it needs.