Love Spicy Food? Here are 3 Reasons to Eat it More

Adding a little spice to your diet may be all you need to dramatically improve your health. According to findings from several different studies, there are significant added components to incorporating more spices into your everyday foods.

Check out three reasons why people should try to eat spicy foods, according to TIME: 

1.) Boost your libido by "spicing" up your sex life
Previous studies have shown that certain spices can effectively work as natural aphrodisiacs. However, a review of research published in the journal Food Research International in 2011 found that ginseng and saffron both boosted sexual performance. However, researchers are still uncertain just how much is needed to work effectively in this way.

2.) Spicy foods can help you lose weight
Recent studies have discussed adding a little spice to your diet to help shrink inches from your waistline. A study conducted by researchers from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Center for Human Nutrition found that peppers could trigger the body to burn more calories. Another similar study found that a pill made with components taken from peppers helped men and women burn more fat compared to those on a placebo.

3.) Spicy foods can lower tumor risk
A chemical called capsaicin found in peppers was found to be effective in triggering cell receptors that reside inside the intestinal lining. With the proper activation, these cells can shrink and reduce the risk of tumor growth. Researchers found that this was true in an experimental group of mice who were genetically altered to develop tumors. Findings revealed that capsaicin not only reduced the risk of tumors, but extended the creature's lifespan. More information regarding the findings can be seen via the Journal of Clinical Investigation.