When you compare meals, most people choose spiced foods over plain food because they are tastier. But for long, the question has been whether there are any health benefits from consuming spiced meals. "Consuming food with spices helps to reduce body fat (unhealthy fats) and on the other hand increases the health fats,” says Isaac Bikorimana, a nutritionist at Kibagabaga Hospital.

Spices also provide satiety and as a result individuals who eat spices lose weight easily but on top of this, spices in foods can be helpful in relieving certain infections.

"Spices such as ginger relieve common cold and vitamins such as A and B are useful in boosting the defence functions of the body through destroying free radicals,” Bikorimana explains.

Besides these benefits, when spices are applied to food, the resultant colour is attractive to the eye and this goes without saying that the flavour and aroma increases appetite.

For example spices such as garlic, tea, vinegar and onions black pepper, chilli enhance palatability through their aroma.

The chemical properties of spices are the reason behind the use of spices as preservatives.

Bikorimana, however, warns that overusing spices can be harmful to the body.

"Spices add taste to foods but should not be consumed in large quantities,” he warns.

How much of spiced food should you eat?

Dr Rachna Pande, a specialist in Internal Medicine at Ruhengeri Hospital, points out that much as spices have different kinds of benefits, this may depend on the quantity one consumes.

"Sometimes regular eating habits affect nutritional gain from spices. For example someone who is not used to eating pepper may feel hot with small quantity and will lose out from meals spiced with pepper,” Pande says.

She, however, warns about certain groups of people with health problems about excessive use of spices.

"People suffering from heart burn, dyspepsia and digestive problems should avoid excessive spices, oil, deep fried substances, milk products with fat like cheese, junk food, alcohol and sodas,” she says.

Increasing longevity

Spices are not so bad after all! A recent research published by Harvest Study suggests that people who eat spicy food as little as three days per week are less likely to die compared to those who consume such foods less than once per week.

The research also indicates that spicy foods are better for your health and that they will lower the risk for mortality especially from cancer and heart diseases.

King Faisal Hospital nutritionist Rene Tabaro also deems spices in foods necessary because they boost appetite for people with a reduced urge to eat. "Spices such as onions and mineral salt if well cooked provide potassium, sodium calcium and vitamin A and C which act as appetizers depending on the preparation,” Tabaro explains.

Cardiovascular diseases and sexual enhancement

Tabaro says that garlic has more functions in the cardiovascular system but the spice is also related to improved sexual activity.

"Garlic contains strong smell and delicious taste. It can benefit cardiovascular health, physical, sexual vitality and cancer anti cancer properties,” he added.

Tabaro further explains that when white or black pepper powder is added to black tea, fibers present help in digestion and ease the elimination of the waste materials from the body.

"Besides boosting metabolism, hot chilies reduce cardiovascular diseases,” Tabaro says, but adds: "A healthy diet should be a priority for whichever food one decides to take. You may eat as many spices as possible but without balancing your diet well, you may end up not gaining anything from it.”

Side effects of spicy foods

Too much of anything is always bad. Despite the health benefits, spices too, have side effects.

Some people may have mild effects such as heart burn, diarrhea and some stomach discomfort when they take some spices whereas consuming raw garlic daily is associated with bad breath, a burning sensation in the mouth or stomach, heartburn, gas vomiting and diarrhea, too much of vinegar can also destroy the lining of the intestines in the body.