What your love for spicy food really means

MANILA, Philippines – Let’s face it; you are what you eat. Your food choices mirror your personality but, at the same time, it also reflects on the place, people and culture that make up your background. To paraphrase a classic ballad, food is all around you, and so the feeling grows!

Those that have a penchant for spicy food tend to stand out. They favor food that is bursting with flavor, color and spicy goodness. They also tend to apply the same outlook on life, seeking experiences that are new, different and exciting. Make no mistake; spicy food lovers are likely to be thrill-seekers at heart.

The science behind the spice

• Adventurous lives

Spicy food lovers are more inclined to being adventurous in their day-to-day lives, and that’s backed by science. Researchers from Penn State University found that the more a person craves for spicy food, the more likely they are to seek excitement in other aspects of their lives. Every bite of a spicy dish is an adventure and the lives of its fans are no exception.  

• Cooling effect

On a more practical level, the fiery experience of spicy food can actually cool your body down on a hot day. As your blood circulates, your body begins to sweat. Once your body’s moisture evaporates, you have already cooled off from the heat. Scientists identify this effect as “gustatory facial sweating” due to the initial perspiration starting from your face. Getting a bit red-faced and sweaty may not be sexy but eating spicy food will do the trick on hot days. 

• The path to wellness

Other benefits of spicy food include improved digestion, decongestion of the nasal passage and lower blood pressure. Certain spicy dishes have even been linked with possible cancer-preventing properties. And a healthier lifestyle is certainly an adventure worth pursuing.

Local flavor

For countries that have spicy dishes in their gastronomic offerings, there is normally a particular spice associated with that region as well. For Indian curries, turmeric is a primary source. Mexican dishes are usually enhanced with jalapeños. For Filipinos, the chili of choice is the siling labuyo. The good news is that in addition to livening up food, chilis offer a host of health benefits.

• Secret ingredient

The active ingredient in siling labuyo and other chili peppers, the one that gives your mouth that burning sensation, is known as capsaicin. A 2009 study conducted in Thailand found that capsaicin contains properties that can help reduce the likelihood of diabetes.

• Feelin’ good

Capsaicin also triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s feel-good hormones. Siling labuyo is also a good source of iron, calcium, phosphorus and vitamins A and B.

• Home brewed

Wouldn’t you know it, but siling labuyo is also commonly used in various forms of household remedies, like gargles for sore throats, and ointments for pain relief. Its crushed juices are even used to relieve toothaches.

A dash of siling labuyo is often added to Filipino dishes like instant mami for the flavorful kick that spicy lovers crave for. One bite of this chili is enough to leave you reaching for the nearest glass of water.

The siling labuyo might be small in stature but it is most definitely potent. In fact, when measured on the Scoville Scale (the scale that scientists use to measure spiciness), the siling labuyo scores a whopping 100,000 Scoville Heat Units!

Spice up your life

The road to spicy enlightenment is a lot like training for a marathon. At first, the task seems impossible and leaves you gasping for air. With increasing doses over time, however, your body soon adapts to the new stimulus and you find yourself getting that runner’s high. Or in this case, the spicy lover’s high. 

So why not add some spice to your life and embark on a culinary adventure? The next time you’re faced with a choice between mild and spicy, take the fiery road. It’ll leave you feeling warm on the inside and slightly chili all over. – Rappler.com

Make the most of your spicy personality with the new Lucky Me! Mami Spicy Labuyo Mami – in Spicy Beef, Spicy Pork, and Spicy Chicken.