Antioxidant
Chili oil is primarily composed of capsaicin, the active compound in chili peppers that gives them their spicy taste. This compound gives chili oil antioxidant properties that help protect the body's cells and support overall health.
Anti-inflammatory
By inhibiting the production of certain inflammatory proteins, capsaicin in chili oil may help control and prevent conditions associated with chronic inflammation, which is a major contributor to many diseases, including heart disease.
Pain relief
Capsaicin is also known for its pain-relieving properties. It works by depleting substance P (a neurotransmitter responsible for sending pain signals to the brain).
Supports digestive health
Consuming chili oil in moderation can actually be beneficial for digestive health. Capsaicin stimulates the stomach to produce more digestive juices, which can improve digestion and prevent problems like constipation. Capsaicin can help regulate bowel movements, ensuring that food moves smoothly through the digestive tract.
Boost metabolism
Chili oil can help you lose weight by boosting your metabolism. The capsaicin in chili oil increases your body's thermogenesis, which leads to a higher rate of calorie burning, even at rest. This makes it easier to maintain or lose weight.
Improve circulation
Capsaicin in chili oil can also improve blood circulation by promoting vasodilation, the widening of blood vessels. This improves blood flow throughout the body and ensures that oxygen and nutrients are delivered to tissues efficiently. Improved blood circulation is beneficial for cardiovascular health and helps with faster recovery from injury.
Side effects of chili oil
Chili oil can be incorporated into meals by making salad dressings, adding it to soups, drizzling it on noodles, adding it to chicken marinades, drizzling it over fried eggs… But it is important to use it in moderation. 1 or 2 tablespoons of chili oil per day is safe to consume. The amount of chili oil in your diet depends on your tolerance for spicy foods.
Capsaicin in chili oil can aggravate symptoms in people with gastritis, acid reflux…
People with hemorrhoids may experience discomfort when eating spicy foods such as chili oil.
People who are allergic to chili or other ingredients in chili oil should avoid consuming it if they do not want to experience symptoms such as skin rashes.
Consuming too much chili oil can also lead to gastrointestinal problems like bloating and diarrhea.
