Polyphenols, such as curcumin, have gained popularity because epidemiological studies have repeatedly shown that diets rich in them can provide inflammatory relief. At the molecular level, polyphenols help stabilize oxidation in cellular components. Oxidation can lead to damage to organelles within cells, including mitochondria, the cell powerhouses where much of the cell's energy is produced by the oxygen we breathe. Eating foods with antioxidant properties, such as berries, nuts, healthy fats, and turmeric, is thought to help maintain levels of oxidative damage.

It's important to note that individual tolerance to spiciness can vary, so what one person finds extremely spicy, another person might find tolerable. When cooking with chili peppers, it's important to consider the heat level of the specific variety being used and adjust the amount accordingly to achieve the desired level of spiciness in a dish.