Sudden food cravings can sometimes be a signal your body is sending you. If you often crave spicy food, consider the following possible contributing factors.
Stress
Many people tend to crave food when stressed. Some studies show that on stressful or anxious days, people tend to eat more sweets and fast food than usual, according to Verywell Health (USA).
Studies have also shown that spicy food can stimulate the body to produce endorphins and dopamine—chemicals that bring about feelings of euphoria.
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Although there aren't many studies directly proving a link between stress and cravings for spicy food, according to nutritionist Guevara (USA), it's still possible.
"Some people often turn to 'comfort foods' when stressed to soothe themselves. If spicy food is something you usually eat and is associated with happy memories, then it could also be one of your personal 'comfort foods'," says expert Guevara.
Furthermore, studies have shown that spicy food can cause mild pain, stimulating the body to produce endorphins and dopamine—chemicals that bring about feelings of euphoria. That's why many people feel happy, even satisfied, when eating spicy food.
Hormonal changes
Many people experience food cravings when hormones in their bodies change, such as during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause.
A 2016 study found that, of the 39% of pregnant women who experienced food cravings, 3.3% craved spicy foods such as chili peppers, curry, or strong spices.
"During pregnancy or as they age, some women may experience a decrease in their sense of taste, leading them to crave foods with stronger flavors," added expert Guevara.
Because of the hot weather
It may sound illogical, but hot weather can sometimes make you crave spicy food, because it can make you sweat while you eat it.
To explain this, nutritionist Diana Guevara (USA) said that capsaicin – a compound that gives chili peppers their spicy flavor – binds to the same thermoreceptors in the body. Therefore, “it can slightly increase internal body temperature, which then stimulates sweating, making us feel like we are being cooled,” explained Diana Guevara.
Hot and humid weather can sometimes make you crave spicy food.
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Stimulated by images and smells
For some people, advertisements, smells, or environmental cues can suddenly trigger cravings for a particular food.
"Sometimes, you're watching TV and you see an advertisement for a food you used to love, and the craving comes flooding back," says nutritionist Shailja Mathur from Rutgers University (USA). This phenomenon is often associated with "super tempting" foods like french fries or ice cream – foods that can activate the brain's "pleasure center," creating a pleasant feeling that makes people want to eat them again.
A recent study also showed that people who enjoy spicy food have distinct physiological responses such as increased saliva production and a faster heartbeat when they see spicy dishes. They also tend to consume more chili oil after being stimulated by images of spicy food.
Are spicy foods good for your health?
Many spicy foods contain compounds with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties; they are also thought to be associated with supporting longer lifespans and slowing down eating speed – helping to limit overeating during meals.
However, you shouldn't always give in to your craving for spicy food. According to nutritionist Judy D. Simon of the University of Washington Medical Center, spicy foods can cause discomfort for people with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), irritating the mouth, lips, esophagus, or anus.
"Spicy foods can cause inflammation of the taste buds and lead to indigestion, affecting sleep," expert Simon shared.
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/4-ly-do-bat-ngo-co-the-khien-ban-them-an-cay-185250805001133828.htm
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