The Benefits of Spicy Food

October 11, 2019

Spice is something that every single Indian and Pakistani chef understands. After all, the heat of a dish has a cultural importance and is often passed down in recipes through generations. Here at Royal Nawaab, we recognise the importance of cooking an authentic curry which is why we try to include enough spices in order to add a kick without affecting the overall flavour. In fact, there are a variety of different benefits that can be obtained from including spicy food in a balanced diet. Read on as we go through the top three…

Does spicy food speed up your metabolism?

There have been a variety of different studies into the effects of spicy food and many scientists have discovered that particular spices like cumin, cinnamon, turmeric and even chillies have the ability to reduce an individual’s appetite and increase their resting metabolic rate. Interestingly, metabolism is defined as the number of calories that are required to sustain life at rest which means that increasing one’s metabolic rate could aid weight loss in a very subtle way.

How does spicy food reduce inflammation?

The spice turmeric contains a compound known as curcumin which is thought to reduce inflammation in the body if/when it is present which is why it is regarded as one of the most important spices. In fact, both ginger and garlic, although the latter is considered a vegetable and not a spice, have been used within Ayurvedic medicine because they hold anti-inflammatory properties that are said to be helpful in treating nausea, headaches and even autoimmune medical conditions.

Is spicy food an effective cancer prevention method?

The active component that is found in spicy food like chilli peppers is known as capsaicin and it is thought to be an effective cancer treatment. After all, cancer cells divide endlessly without dying and it is difficult to find an effective treatment that kills the malignant cells without harming the healthy ones. Interestingly, a study conducted by UCLA found that capsaicin managed to stop the growth of prostate cancer cells in mice without affecting the healthy cells. As a result, the inclusion of spice in a varied diet may help prevent such conditions from developing.

Here at Royal Nawaab, we recognise that western cuisine does not place as much of an emphasis on the implementation of spices as Indian and Pakistani cuisine does and this can cause many chefs to alter their dishes in order to appeal to a particular pallet. With this said, our dishes are made with authenticity in mind in order to offer our diners the most traditional dining experience possible and that is why we follow our recipes rigorously. After all, curries are incredibly versatile which means that diners can often find enjoyment in a creamy korma or a hot madras in order to suit their spice requirements. To find out more information, get in contact with the best restaurant London has to offer today!