Chili oil benefits: Why it helps with weight loss; heart disease and more

Chili peppers do more than just enhance the flavor of a dish. Learn about the health benefits of chili oil that can help you lose weight and stay healthy.

Chili oil is more than just a spicy addition to your meals. This vibrant oil is usually made by combining dried chilies with vegetable oil and is often enhanced with ingredients like garlic and spices. In addition to adding flavor to dishes like noodles and salads, it also provides a host of health benefits. Chili oil mostly contains capsaicin, the substance that gives chili peppers their heat. This combination improves metabolism and provides antioxidant benefits. Chili oil has many health benefits that will make you fall in love with it. But don’t overdo it because it can have side effects.

What are the health benefits of chili oil?

Chili oil, also known as red oil, is popular in Asian cuisine not only for its flavor but also for its health benefits. Here are some of them:

1. Antioxidant properties

According to a study published in the journal Current Research in Food Science in 2023, chili oil contains carotenoids and capsaicinoids, which have antioxidant properties. Antioxidants play an important role in neutralizing free radicals in the body. Free radicals are unstable molecules that cause oxidative stress, leading to chronic diseases like cancer. The antioxidants in chilli oil help protect body cells and improve overall health by reducing oxidative stress.

2. Anti-inflammatory effect

Capsaicin is the main ingredient in chili oil and has anti-inflammatory properties, so it can help reduce pain in the body. By inhibiting the production of inflammatory proteins, capsaicin can help control and prevent diseases associated with chronic pain. It is the main cause of many diseases, including heart disease. A study published in the journal Biomolecules in 2022 showed that people who ate a diet rich in sweet peppers had a lower risk of dying from heart disease.

3. Reduces pain

Capsaicin is also known for its pain-reducing properties. It works by taking away substance P, a neurotransmitter responsible for sending pain signals to the brain. “Due to this ability, chili oil can help treat conditions such as arthritis and even post-exercise muscle soreness,” experts said.

4. Supports digestive health

Eating moderate amounts of pepper is good for digestion. Capsaicin stimulates the stomach to produce more juice, which improves digestion and prevents problems such as constipation. Capsaicin also helps regulate digestion, allowing food to pass through the intestines better.

5. Boost metabolism

In a 2017 review published in the International Journal of Food Science and Nutrition, researchers found that people who ate red peppers for 12 weeks lost weight. Chili oil may help with weight loss by boosting metabolism. Capsaicin can increase thermogenesis, which is when the body heats up. Increased thermogenesis leads to more calories burned, even at rest, making it easier to maintain or lose weight.

6. Improve circulation

The capsaicin in chili oil also improves circulation by promoting vasodilation (widening of blood vessels). This helps improve blood flow throughout the body and ensures that oxygen and nutrients are properly delivered to the tissues. Exercise is good for your heart health and helps you recover from injuries faster.

What are the side effects of chili oil?

Chili oil may have health benefits, but it’s not for everyone.

• People with stomach problems like gastritis or reflux may find that capsaicin makes their symptoms worse.
• People with hemorrhoids or hemorrhoids may feel discomfort when eating spicy foods like chili.
• People who are allergic to chili or other ingredients in chili oil should not take this medication unless they want to develop symptoms like a rash.
• Eating too much chili pepper can cause gastrointestinal problems such as stomach upset or diarrhea, especially in people who are sensitive to spicy foods.
• Chili oil can be a valuable addition to your diet when used properly. It can provide many health benefits, from boosting metabolism to reducing inflammation. However, it should be used with caution, especially by people with certain medical conditions.