I think we can all agree that Indian food is one of the most aromatic cuisines in Ottawa. Just thinking about the different flavours in these Indian restaurants makes my mouth water. It’s also true that many Indian dishes use a variety of sizzling hot spices, which do more for us than we think. Need a reason to eat Indian restaurant? Listed below are several health benefits from eating spicy food!
Increased Metabolism
The best Indian food in Ottawa not only tastes great, but it can also help you lose weight. Chilies used in Indian food have been proven to increase your metabolic rate temporarily, so you’ll burn more calories in a shorter period of time. Chilies also make you feel full for a longer period of time, suppressing further unwanted food cravings. If you’re watching your weight, visiting an Indian restaurant is a surprisingly good option!
Help Prevent Cancer
Believe it or not, certain spices at an Indian restaurant can help prevent cancer. This is not to say that it is the definitive answer to this debilitating illness, but Capsaicin, a compound found in chilies, is proven to inhibit the growth of cancer cells by interfering with their protein synthesis. By interrupting this process, cancer cells will begin to degrade themselves—in other words, they commit suicide. Not to worry, Capsaicin only targets cancer cells, and won’t affect your healthy ones.
Good for Your Heart
Spicy food is good for your heart! As another wondrous side effect, capsaicin helps remove bad cholesterol from the body, which improves your circulation. And as a result, you’re less likely to suffer a heart attack or stroke. This also helps prevent heart disease, which is one of the top killers in Canada. Just remember, moderation is key. Too much of anything isn’t good for you either.
Feel Happier!
When you eat the best Indian food in Ottawa, of course you feel happy—you’re usually in a colorful Indian restaurant with lively Bollywood music and great food (what’s not to smile about?) However, there’s more than what meets the eye with spicy food. It’s no mistake that you’re happier, because spicy food makes your brain release serotonin, a chemical that works as a neurotransmitter and is responsible for maintaining mood balance. In other words, it makes you feel happy!
Lower Your Blood Pressure
When you eat at an Indian restaurant, you could be helping your body lower your blood pressure. Indian restaurant curries use turmeric, a delightful and aromatic spice. Turmeric also has extremely strong anti-inflammatory properties, which lowers blood pressure drastically by reducing inflammation.
The next time you can’t decide where to eat, spice up your diet with the best Indian food in Ottawa. Be sure to reap the healthy benefits of what spicy foods have to offer!
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