When we hear the word parasite, our mind instantly goes to bugs which sit on raw meat to lay down eggs.
That’s gross, enjoy your meal!
But did you know that human beings have parasites too? In fact, we all have about 4-5 of them in our bodies, and thankfully, most of them do not cause any major harm.
Most of them don’t even need treatment because our bodies can fight them off. Parasites are basically small organisms (like bacteria or viruses) that live in large groups within a host organism (like humans).
They get their food from the host organism instead of getting it themselves and often damage the host organism in order to survive.
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What is a parasite?
A parasite is an organism that depends on another for its survival. A host is an organism upon which it feeds and gains nutrients.
In this relationship, it gains benefits but does not give anything in return. (that sounds like my relationship)
Most parasites are microscopic organisms that feed off of a host’s vital substances, such as blood or skin in a human body. They can be beneficial or harmful depending on the extent to which they are affecting their hosts.
The most common types of parasites include
Parasitic protozoan (four groups)
- Sarcodina
- Mastigophora
- Ciliophora
- Sporozoa
Helminths
- Flatworms (platyhelminths) a.k.a., tapeworms
- Thorny-headed worms (reside in the gastrointestinal tract)
- Roundworms (reside in the gastrointestinal tract, blood, lymphatic system or subcutaneous tissues)
Source: CDC
These different types are known for living in different parts of the human body such as the intestines and mouth or skin.
The worm that is the most common infection in the United States is pinworm, especially among kids and young children at school.
Source: Mayoclinic
PS: Do not Google any of them. I’m warning you!
Some parasites can also cause illness, infection or death if not treated properly.
A few examples of these are malaria, parasitic infection, and tuberculosis.
What Is Capsicum Or Capsaicin?
Both Capsicum and capsaicin are active ingredients in hot peppers that give them their spicy taste. While capsicum has been known to have anti-parasitic properties, capsaicin has been studied for its potential benefits against them.
source: Wiki Commons
The evidence suggests that spicy food may help kill these parasites by increasing body temperature and stimulating the immune system.
Cornell University has posted about some cultures using it for specific reasons here.
Although this is from 1998, they are listing many “Spices with Antimicrobial Properties”
When it comes to effective hot peppers for killing parasites, more research is needed to determine the most effective way to use hot peppers as a food source for treating parasitic infections.
Apart from eating hot chili peppers, people can also make hot water purification or herbal worm treatments.
Is spicy food good for you?
It is a popular choice for many people, from savoury dishes to simple cravings (like me!)
There are many benefits of spicy food for your health. Spices have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help with gut health and overall well-being.
However, the effects of spice vary from person to person and should be monitored by a healthcare provider. The cons include increased body temperature and heart rate which may lead to an increased risk of heart attacks (in rare cases) in some individuals.
For my part, if I eat too much of them, I will get heartburn and some psoriasis on my scalp! Ah. But I love hot chilies, what can I do?
Let’s not forget the non-spoken cons…what goes in, has to go out, and yes, if it stings in, it will sting out!
Overall, the positive effects of spicy food outweigh the negative ones and it should be incorporated into a healthy lifestyle.
Metabolism Booster
It has been found to be an effective way of promoting weight loss and improving metabolism.
In addition to containing capsaicin, which is the compound that gives peppers their heat, spices can also contain other ingredients that have proven to have positive impacts on the body.
For instance, some studies have shown that spices such as cayenne pepper, garlic, and ginger can be effective at killing parasites in the body. I’ll explain more below soon.
Furthermore, consuming them can help enhance the flavour of food while stimulating the digestive system.
Weight Loss
Weight loss is often linked to the consumption of spices, as they can help with weight loss by boosting your metabolism and reducing your appetite.
Moreover, consuming it can help kill parasites in the body due to the compound capsaicin, which has antiparasitic properties.
Additionally, spicy food can reduce inflammation and improve digestion, which can have a positive impact on your health.
However, it is important to remember that it is always best to moderate your spices intake; too much of this type of food can lead to stomach upset or other digestive issues.
What foods do parasites love?
If you’re looking to avoid parasites, it’s important to avoid refined sugar and carbohydrates like bread, pasta, and white rice.
Additionally, processed foods like hot dogs, bacon, canned meats, and deli meats can carry parasites. These foods are high in unhealthy fats that can also carry parasites.
Finally, fried foods like french fries and potato chips are a common source of these unhealthy fats.
By avoiding these potential sources of infection, you can reduce the risk of contracting parasites.
Eat this instead
These foods can increase the acidity of your body, which can make it uncomfortable for parasites to survive and create and hostile environment.
- Pineapple
- Pumpkin Seeds
- Cucumber Seeds
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Apple Cider Vinegar
What are the three symptoms of a parasite infection?
The symptoms of a parasitic infection vary from person to person depending on the type of parasite and the body’s immune system.
Some common symptoms include diarrhea or constipation, unexplained weight loss, fatigue and weakness, abdominal pain and cramping, intestinal gas and nausea.
It’s important to consult a medical professional if you’re experiencing these symptoms for any reason.
How Does Spicy Food Kill Parasites and Bacteria?
It can help kill parasites and bacteria by deactivating the enzymes in the digestive system.
Capsaicin, a compound found in spicy food, can also help reduce the growth of bacterial colonies. It can also strengthen the immune system, making it less susceptible to infection from parasites and bacteria.
Bonus: 5 Best Ingredients and spices that kill parasites in humans
These ingredients are great natural ways to fight parasites. They can help prevent and treat infections in humans as they will create a hostile environment for them to survive.
1. Pumpkin seeds
Pumpkin seeds are a popular and effective remedy for parasitic infections due to their high content of cucurbitacin, a natural amino acid that can kill parasites in the intestines.
In addition to their parasitic-killing properties, pumpkin seeds are also rich in essential vitamins and minerals such as zinc, magnesium, and fatty acids which can help boost your immune system.
Pumpkin seeds can be eaten raw or cooked, added to salads and smoothies, or ground into a powder for use as a seasoning.
They are available fresh from supermarkets or specialty shops or can be found in most grocery stores in the health section and they are not expensive! We all know how saving is now more important than ever in 2023.
They can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 weeks.
2. Cayenne pepper
Cayenne pepper is a common spice used in many different types of cuisine. It is known for its spicy, pungent flavour and has been used extensively in traditional medicine for centuries.
Cayenne pepper contains a compound called capsaicin which has been shown to have antimicrobial and anti-parasitic properties.
Capsaicin has been shown to have a variety of effects on the body including the ability to kill parasites. It can help to reduce inflammation and rid the body of parasites by creating an environment too acidic for them to survive in.
Additionally, cayenne pepper helps to stimulate the digestive system, helping to flush out any lingering parasites from the body.
It can be added to food or taken as a supplement for maximum effect.
In addition to its use as a spice, cayenne pepper is also an excellent source of capsaicin, making it a valuable ingredient in the fight against parasites.
3. Garlic
Garlic is a powerful antimicrobial agent. It contains compounds such as allicin and ajoene, which have been proven to be effective against parasites.
It also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help strengthen the immune system and protect the body from future infections.
To best achieve the desired result, it is recommended to eat raw garlic (please don’t do that before going on a date!) or add it to food in small amounts.
Besides, it is important to remember that not all types of garlic are effective against parasites; only garlic that is grown organically and without pesticides should be used for culinary or medicinal purposes. This would ensure that you are getting the most effective form of garlic for your personal needs.
4. Ginger
It contains gingerol, a natural compound that has been proven to be effective against certain types of parasites, such as roundworms, whipworms, and hookworms which are all intestinal parasites.
In addition to being an effective anti-parasitic agent, ginger can also help to reduce inflammation in the body, which can help to alleviate some of the symptoms associated with parasitic infections.
To reap the benefits of ginger as an anti-parasitic herb, it can be consumed fresh or in supplement form. It can be found in prepared foods, such as ginger ale and ginger tea, or as a supplement in capsule form.
Additionally, it can be grown in your own garden to help ensure you have access to this essential ingredient all year round.
5. Turmeric
It has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. It contains a powerful compound called curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
Studies have found that curcumin can help to kill parasites in the digestive tract, including Giardia and Cryptosporidium.
In addition, turmeric can boost the immune system and help to protect against future infections.
In a Nutshell
Spicy food does not kill parasites per se, but it can help to reduce their activity. This is because hot spicy foods can make the body increase its metabolism, which can help to flush out parasites.
Additionally, eating them may also provide dietary sources of cholinesterase inhibitors, which are chemicals that help the body break down the chemical messenger acetylcholine and kill parasites.
It may also provide dietary sources of capsaicin, a chemical that can act as an irritant and create a hostile environment for parasites and aid in their elimination.
However, it is important to practice proper hygiene and cook food thoroughly to avoid infection from parasites.
Overall, eating spicy foods may be a viable option for individuals seeking ways to reduce their risk of parasitic infestations.
