Page 37 - Ma 2023 Galveston Monthly

the spicy kimchi soup from fish company taco can be served
as a vegetarian dish or with grilled fish or shrimp.

that food with a kick can also kickstart weight loss. have many health benefits, bottled hot sauce and dry
According to extensive research by the British Medical seasoning packets can be high in sodium. Check your
Association, spicy food can accelerate the body’s fat- labels before getting too saucy.
burning mechanisms and folks who eat more spicy foods If spicy foods give you stomach pain, think twice
are likely to have a BMI of 25 and under. In addition, about what you put on your plate. Be extra careful
chiles may also affect your hunger, as capsaicin acts on if you have irritable bowel syndrome, dyspepsia, or
the part of the brain that controls hunger and fullness. inflammatory bowel disease as excessive spice may
A study from the University of vermont found that worsen your digestion issues. Remember, while it may
people who regularly ate chile peppers had a 13 percent be perfectly safe to spice up your life, all things are best
lower likelihood of death. The researchers also found in moderation.
fiery food eaters are less likely to die of cardiovascular What to do if you overdo it? If you need to beat the
causes like heart attacks and strokes. heat, here are some hot tips to cool your mouth.
According to McDonald, spicy foods don’t cause Got milk? A protein in dairy called casein not only
ulcers—they may actually help. Multiple studies show breaks down capsaicin but washes it away. Acidic drinks
that capsaicin inhibits acid production in the stomach. also neutralize capsaicin and cool your mouth, so keep
your lemonade or orange juice nearby.
Further research indicates that spicy food might also
Photos by esther davis mckenna can help combat low-grade inflammation in the gut. heat: a bite of bread, rice or tortilla will help neutralize
In addition, carbohydrates create a physical barrier to
reduce inflammation. There’s evidence that capsaicin
the afterburn.
Beyond the belly, capsaicin’s inflammation-fighting
If you’re a fan of flaming foods, you will enjoy the
powers can be found in creams that treat arthritis and
following dishes from Galveston eateries suggested by
fibromyalgia.
keep in mind that all fiery foods are not created equal.
our staff and readers. To hype the heat in any one of the
While adding fresh or dried peppers to your diet can
following foods, ask your servers to make it extra spicy.
MAY 2023 | GALVESTON MONTHLY | 37