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The spice that packs your favorite Kung Pao Chicken, Tex-Mex Chili, or Indian Curry can also save your life.
Preliminary research shows that consuming chili may reduce the risk of death from heart disease, cancer, and other causes, building on previous studies that have shown chili to have health benefits.
“I think a lot of people are going to find this information quite new and pleasantly surprising,” said Penny Kris-Etherton, professor of nutrition at Pennsylvania State University in College Park, who reviewed the results.
For the study, researchers at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio looked at the health and diet records of more than 570,000 participants in four large studies conducted in the United States, Italy, China and Iran. Investigators compared the health outcomes of people who ate chili peppers to those who rarely or never ate it.
The result: Those who ate chili had a 26% reduction in deaths from heart causes, a 23% reduction in cancer deaths, and a 25% reduction in all-cause mortality over the period of time. ‘study.
Although dietary and cultural practices vary, similar trends were seen across all four countries, said lead author cardiologist Dr Bo Xu. The results highlight the impact of diet on overall health, he said.
But what is the magic of chili peppers?
Researchers have pointed to a chemical component called “capsaicin” – which is responsible for the spiciness of pepper – as a potential explanation for chili’s health benefits. This has already been studied, Xu noted.
“People are promoting it as something anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and anti-obesity,” he said, speculating that capsaicin explains the apparent health benefits of chili peppers. But Xu added that more study was needed to confirm this.
Meanwhile, Xu encourages patients in his cardiology practice to adopt a Mediterranean diet rich in fruits and vegetables, as well as certain types of nuts, protein, fish, and olive oil.
“Pay attention to your diet, as dietary factors can be both positive and negative,” Xu said. “I think it’s really important to pay attention to what you eat in terms of promoting your overall and cardiovascular health.”
Kris-Etherton noted that previous studies have shown that capsaicin helps curb the growth of cancer cells, which may play a role in reducing cancer and all-cause mortality.
Hot peppers contain potassium, fiber and vitamins A, B6 and E, she said, noting that these can improve blood pressure. And adding chili could replace some of the salt that a person might otherwise add to the food. Many people – including Americans and people of Asian cultures – eat very high salt diets, Kris-Etherton added.
“Rather than just cutting out the salt, people are looking for seasonings and flavors, and this can be one that has a double benefit, by lowering sodium and adding antioxidants and maybe bioactive components like capsaicin,” she declared.
But too many good things can also cause problems. The chili can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and a burning sensation in the gastrointestinal tract, she explained.
If you want to add spice to your diet, Kris-Etherton suggests using it as a flavoring.
“People could use them with certain foods. So let’s just say they want to make something like guacamole, which is good, but then pair it with healthy foods,” Kris-Etherton said. “Don’t get your chillies by eating a lot of avocado with a ton of crisps.”
The study did not break down the amount and type of chili that might be needed for health benefits. Xu also said it was too early in research to give dietary guidelines for eating chili peppers to improve health outcomes.
Researchers continue to analyze the data and hope to publish the full article soon. Preliminary results are expected to be presented at a virtual meeting of the American Heart Association November 13-17.
More information
Learn more about hot peppers and health from the US National Library of Medicine.
SOURCES: Bo Xu, MD, cardiologist, Heart, Vascular and Thoracic Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Ohio; Penny Kris-Etherton, PhD, RD, professor, nutritional sciences, College of Health and Human Development, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania; American Heart Association, Scientific Sessions Press Release, November 9, 2020
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