Anti-inflammatory spice that could help lower cholesterol levels
Recent studies have shown that a well-loved spice could be the key to reducing cholesterol and even fighting cancer. This particular fruit is packed with a compound renowned for its multitude of health benefits.
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."
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