Anti-inflammatory spice that could help lower cholesterol levels
Chilli peppers are emerging as a potential ally for heart health and more, due to capsaicin, the fiery component that gives chillies their heat, reports the Express.
Not only does capsaicin bring the spice to chillies, but it also has properties that may lower cholesterol and help in the fight against cancer and arthritis.
A 2022 study published in the Frontiers in Nutrition journal highlighted capsaicin's effects on cholesterol levels. This research involved an analysis of nine controlled trials with 461 patients suffering from metabolic syndrome—a combination of health issues that heighten the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
The results showed that capsaicin significantly reduced total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, commonly known as "bad" cholesterol.
The study's authors stated: "Capsaicin (CAP) supplementation is a promising approach to decreasing total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in patients with metabolic syndrome. However, short-term (less than 12 weeks) use of CAP in women may also reduce triglycerides [a type of fat found in the blood] levels."
Other studies have suggested that chillies and their fiery compound capsaicin might be useful in combating heart disease. A standout piece of research published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology from 2019 highlighted a connection between regular chilli consumption and a decreased risk of heart disease mortality.
The study scrutinised the eating habits and health records of over 22,000 individuals living in Southern Italy, with an average follow-up period just over eight years.
The results were quite remarkable: individuals who ate chilli peppers more than four times per week appeared to have about one-third reduction in death risk from heart disease compared to those who avoided these piquant pods. Intriguingly, this benefit seemed to hold true regardless of whether participants adhered to a Mediterranean diet or consumed less healthy diets.
The researchers concluded: "In a large adult Mediterranean population, regular consumption of chilli pepper is associated with a lower risk of total and cardiovascular disease (CVD) death independent of CVD risk factors or adherence to a Mediterranean diet. Known biomarkers of CVD risk only marginally mediate the association of chilli pepper intake with mortality."
Adding to the wealth of knowledge, a 2021 study published in the Angiology journal brought together data from four separate studies examining the intake of spicy food – specifically chilli peppers, chilli sauce, or chilli oil – and its connection to cardiovascular disease.
This collective research, involving 564,748 participants over an average period of 9.7 years, uncovered an intriguing association between regular consumption of spicy food and health advantages.
Researchers identified that individuals who frequently enjoy spicy foods have a lower mortality risk overall, as well as reduced death rates from cardiovascular diseases.
Their findings revealed: "The pooled data suggested that compared with people who did not regularly consume spicy food, regular consumers of spicy food experienced a 12% lower risk of all-cause mortality."
Moreover, they noticed that eating spicy food correlates significantly with a decreased risk of death from heart disease but found no similar link regarding cerebrovascular conditions.
In their conclusion, the researchers indicated: "Available epidemiological studies suggest that the consumption of spicy chilli food is associated with reduced risk of all-cause as well as heart disease-related mortality. Further studies in different populations are needed to confirm this association."
In a study featured in the 2022 edition of the Molecules journal, it was suggested that capsaicin could play a crucial role in warding off obesity. The research also pointed out its anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer qualities.
The scientists involved noted: "Capsaicinoids act against high cholesterol levels and obesity, show anticancer effects, and are used to treat arthritis pain."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
17 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Woman ditches 10,000 steps a day for Japanese walking and has never been fitter
Japanese walking, also known as the '3-3 walking workout', was developed by two professors in Japan and offers a different approach to step counting and fitness In today's world, the obsession with counting steps has become more prevalent than ever. With our smartphones and wearable tech tracking every move we make - from the number of stairs we climb to the calories we burn - the once niche practice of step counting has now become a part of our daily routines. However, while many are striving to hit their target of 10,000 or even 20,000 steps a day, others are choosing to step away from this trend and explore new methods. Amy Glover, a writer for HuffPost UK, shared her personal experience. Despite being an avid runner and frequent gym visitor, she found it challenging to consistently reach the 10k daily step goal. The demands of working from home made it even more difficult to fit in long walks after work or during lunch breaks. But everything changed when Glover stumbled upon the Japanese walking trend, also known as the '3-3 walking workout. ', reports the Express. This method, developed by Professor Hiroshi Nose and Associate Professor Shizue Masuki at Shinshu University in Matsumoto, Japan, applies the principles of interval training to everyday walking. Unlike traditional step goals that focus solely on distance, the Japanese walking method emphasises intensity and structure. The routine is straightforward - walk briskly for three minutes, then slow down for three minutes. This cycle is repeated five times, totalling 30 minutes. The approach isn't just about quantity but about varying pace and effort in a way that maximises cardiovascular benefit. A groundbreaking study conducted in 2007 by the creators of the method found that middle-aged participants who adopted the Japanese walking technique saw a decrease in blood pressure, stronger thigh muscles and improved aerobic capacity compared to those who didn't walk or walked at a moderate pace for similar durations. For Glover - and many others - the attraction is both efficiency and enjoyment. After taking up Japanese walking, her average daily step count actually increased to over 8,000 despite spending less time on her feet. She notes that the interval structure makes walks feel shorter and more engaging; knowing a session will last just half an hour removes mental barriers to getting started. The psychological shift is significant: "I walk more often and enjoy it more," says Glover. "The three-minute-on, three-minute-off approach makes exercise go by much faster." Scientific research indicates that any form of consistent moderate-intensity walking can offer substantial benefits for cardiovascular and mental health, and regular movement helps maintain a healthy weight while strengthening muscles and bones - a crucial factor in preventing osteoporosis and preserving mobility as we age. While many fitness fads come and go, Japanese walking's blend of scientific backing and real-world accessibility suggests it may have lasting appeal. For those who find traditional step goals challenging or are looking for a more effective way to maintain their health, particularly during hectic work-from-home routines, this approach provides a feasible route to enhanced wellbeing.
Daily Mirror
18 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Make 'easy' poached egg in just seconds without a frying pan or vinegar
Cooking a poached egg can be a struggle as it's easy for the egg white to separate in the water once cracked, but one expert has shared a simple way to make the breakfast favourite just right Preparing a poached egg is simpler than you might imagine and can be accomplished in just one minute, provided you follow the correct method. Nothing beats a perfectly soft poached egg atop a slice of buttered toast, yet the egg can easily disintegrate when cracked into boiling water. Dannii Martin, a culinary expert and creator of Hungry Healthy Happy, has revealed that the straightforward approach to cooking a poached egg doesn't require white vinegar or even a saucepan, as it's best prepared in the microwave. She explained: "This is seriously the easiest way to poach an egg, and so much quicker too - all you need is a mug and a microwave. We want to show you that healthy eating can be quick and easy too". This comes after the success of Mary Berry's 'easy' dauphinoise potatoes recipe, made with just six ingredients. Whilst it may sound peculiar, preparing an egg in the microwave is an excellent method for achieving the ideal poached egg as it requires less than a minute to complete, reports the Express. Dannii noted: "Microwaves tend to cook things much quicker, which is perfect for those with less time in the kitchen. You also don't usually need to do any stirring, which is perfect if you need something you can just put in and leave". Attempting this straightforward technique means you needn't fret about achieving the correct temperature or timing whilst cooking, while still managing to create a perfectly soft poached egg with an ideal yolk. You will need An egg 130ml of room temperature water A mug A plate A spoon Toothpick or knife Paper towels Method To start, add the water to a mug, then carefully crack the egg into the water. Use a toothpick or sharp knife to carefully pierce the egg yolk a couple of times to prevent the egg from exploding in the microwave. Pop the mug in the microwave, cover the top with a plate, and then cook the egg on a high-temperature setting for 30 seconds. Take off the plate and check if the whites are fully cooked and set. The cooking time will depend on your microwave and you may need to experiment a bit to get the poached egg perfectly cooked. If it needs more time, simply pop the egg back in the microwave and cook for 10 seconds at a time until it's fully cooked. Dannii states: "Once you have experimented a little with making this in your own microwave and getting the cooking times right, you will have perfect eggs every time". Once the poached egg is cooked, use a spoon to lift the egg from the mug and place it on a piece of kitchen roll. Your perfectly cooked poached egg is now ready to serve for breakfast on a bagel, a piece of buttered toast or even on a bacon sarnie.
Rhyl Journal
a day ago
- Rhyl Journal
Study shows which diets can stave off type 2 diabetes regardless of ethnicity
Researchers suggest the eating habits, all of which place a focus on consuming more fruits, vegetables and whole grains, 'can be promoted across all populations'. The analysis included 826,000 people, with researchers from the University of Cambridge looking at 33 studies on three different diets. These were the Mediterranean diet, which is high in olive oil, vegetables, fruit, nuts and fish; the Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI), which emphasises the importance of fruit, vegetables, whole grains, healthy proteins and oils to avoid chronic disease; and the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (Dash), designed to help lower blood pressure and rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy and lean protein, while limiting saturated fat, cholesterol and salt. The study found that the top 10% of people who adhered to the diets had a significantly lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes than the bottom 10%. Type 2 diabetes happens when the hormone insulin does not work properly, causing high blood sugar. Treatment can include lifestyle changes such as healthier eating and exercise to help lower these levels and avoid medication. The review suggests the Dash diet reduced the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 23%, while the Mediterranean diet was linked to a 17% lower risk and AHEI was linked to a 21% lower risk. The benefits of following each diet also did not appear to vary across African, Asian, European and Hispanic ethnic groups, according to researchers. Researchers said the findings 'suggest that major ethnic groups benefit equally from higher adherence to these dietary patterns', although more research is needed for specific populations. They added: 'This study strengthens the evidence that the Mediterranean, AHEI, and Dash dietary patterns may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes across diverse ethnic groups, and that they can be promoted across all populations.' The findings will be presented at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) in Vienna in September.
