6 Benefits of Chili Oil for Weight Loss, Heart Health, and More

Chili oil is much more than just a spicy seasoning added to dishes. This vibrant oil is usually made by infusing dried chili peppers with vegetable oil and is often enhanced with ingredients like garlic and spices. Not only does it add a zingy kick to dishes like noodles and salads, but it also offers a host of health benefits. Chili oil primarily contains capsaicin, the active compound in chili peppers that gives them their heat. Because of this compound, it can improve metabolism and provide antioxidant properties. There are other health benefits of chili oil that will make you love chili oil. But don’t overdo it, as there are side effects too.

What are the health benefits of chili oil?

Chili oil, also known as red oil, is popular in Asian cuisine not only for its flavor but also for its health benefits. Here are some of them:

1. Antioxidant properties

According to a 2023 study published in The New York Times, chili oil contains carotenoids and capsaicinoids, which have antioxidant properties. Current Research in Food Science magazine. Antioxidants play a major role in neutralizing free radicals in the body. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can cause oxidative stress, which can lead to chronic diseases like cancer. “By reducing oxidative stress, the antioxidants in chili oil help protect the body’s cells and maintain overall health,” says the nutritionist. Manvi Lohia.

2. Anti-inflammatory action

“Capsaicin, which is the main part of chili oil, has anti-inflammatory properties, so it can help with reducing inflammation in the body,” the expert says. By suppressing the production of certain inflammatory proteins, capsaicin may help control and prevent conditions associated with chronic inflammation. It is a key factor in many diseases, including heart disease. A 2022 study published in Biomolecules The journal found that those who ate a diet rich in chili peppers had a lower risk of dying from cardiovascular disease.

3. Pain relief

Capsaicin is also known for its ability provide pain relief. It works by depleting substance P, a neurotransmitter responsible for transmitting pain signals to the brain. “Because of this ability, chili oil may be useful for treating painful conditions such as arthritis and even muscle soreness after exercise,” says the expert.

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4. Supports digestive health

Moderate consumption of chili oil may actually benefit your digestive health. Capsaicin stimulates the stomach to produce more digestive juices, which can improve digestion and prevent problems like constipation. Additionally, capsaicin may help regulate intestinal motility, ensuring that food moves smoothly through the digestive tract.

5. Acceleration of metabolism

In an analysis published in 2017 in the journal International Journal of Food Science and NutritionResearchers found that people who ate chili peppers for 12 weeks lost weight. Chili oil may help with weight loss by speeding up metabolism. Capsaicin may increase thermogenesis, the process by which the body produces heat. This increase in thermogenesis may lead to a higher rate of calorie burning, even at rest, making it easier to maintain or lose weight.

6. Improved blood circulation

The capsaicin in chili oil can also improve circulation by promoting vasodilation, the widening of blood vessels. “This helps improve blood flow throughout the body and ensures efficient delivery of oxygen and nutrients to tissues,” says Lohia. Improved circulation is good for heart health and can help you recover more quickly from injuries.

How to use chili oil?

Chili oil is very versatile, so it can be added to a variety of dishes –

• Use chili oil as salad dressing
• Add it to soups.
• Drizzle a little chili oil over the noodles.
• Add it to the chicken marinade.
• Drink this with momo
• Pour this sauce over the fried eggs.

But it is important to use it in moderation, meaning one or two teaspoons of chili oil per day is safe to consume. The amount of chili oil in your diet depends on your tolerance for spicy foods.

What are the side effects of chili oil?

Chili oil may have health benefits, but it's not suitable for everyone.

• People with digestive disorders such as gastritis or acid reflux may find that capsaicin makes their symptoms worse.
• People suffering from piles or hemorrhoids may experience discomfort when consuming spicy foods such as chili oil.
• People with allergies to chili peppers or other ingredients in chili oil should avoid consuming it unless they want to experience symptoms such as skin rashes.
• Excessive consumption of chili oil may also lead to gastrointestinal problems such as bloating or diarrhea, especially in people who are sensitive to spicy foods.

Chili oil, when used correctly, can be a valuable addition to your diet. It can offer a range of health benefits from boosting metabolism to reducing inflammation. However, it should be consumed with caution, especially by those with certain health issues.