Love it or loathe it, spicy food carries both allure and risks. While some love the fiery sensation, others prefer milder flavours.
In an article published on Health For Mzansi, dietitians shed light on navigating the spice spectrum while safeguarding your health.
Kamogelo Magolego, from Pretoria, said she favours a non-spicy fare to savour the nuances of each dish. According to her spice can overwhelm subtler flavours.
“I feel like food being spicy is just an addition to what is already there. It doesn’t tamper with any of the food’s health benefits that are there,” she said.
Meanwhile, Richard Sibambo, also from Pretoria, enjoys the zing of spicy dishes. However, he is aware of the potential drawbacks like heartburn and stomach discomfort.
Watch out for health issues
According to Pretoria-based dietitian Zandile Mengwai, spicy and non-spicy foods do not carry much of a nutritional value difference.
“There aren’t additional calories or nutrients that you can obtain from either the spicy or non-spicy food. The only difference is the taste difference and health effects that spicy food has,” she said.
She warned that consuming too much spicy food may lead to health issues. Excessive spice consumption could lead to heightened blood pressure and exacerbate digestive issues.
Ultimately, the debate between hot or not underscores the need for balance. Whether you prefer a fiery kick or milder flavours, being mindful of spice consumption is key to enjoying flavourful meals while safeguarding your well-being.
To prevent stomach irritation for people with sensitive stomachs, Mengwai advised that the best way is to avoid chilly and salty spices as much as you can, especially for people with ulcers, as they might aggravate the condition and cause serious complications.
“I’d recommend healthy options for spices, such as your natural spices such as herbs – oregano, parsley, thyme, rosemary, mixed herbs – and others include your curry powders, turmeric, cumin, garlic powder (not garlic or onion salts), cinnamon, etc.”
This article was first published on Health For Mzansi and written by Candice Khumalo.
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