Research from the University of Vermont's Larner College of Medicine and Harvard University suggests that hot pepper consumption may be associated with a reduction in mortality. Mustafa Chopan and Professor Benjamin Littenberg found that consumption of hot red chili peppers is linked to a 13% decrease in total mortality, especially in deaths caused by heart disease or stroke.
According to an Italian study, frequent consumption of chilli peppers, more than four times a week, is associated with a lower risk of death from heart disease. Capsaicin, the main component of hot peppers, is believed to be behind these benefits, as it has properties that prevent obesity, improve coronary, blood flow, and have antimicrobial effects.
A Harvard University study, published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, analysed the diets and health records of more than 22,000 people in southern Italy, finding that the people who consumed hot peppers more than four times a week had 33% less risk of dying from heart disease compared to those who did not consume them.
The findings, presented at the American Heart Association meeting in 2020, suggest that capsaicin could attenuate inflammation and other processes involved in plaque formation in arteries. These are preliminary results but contribute to the hypothesis that regular consumption of hot peppers may offer significant health benefits, including lower rates of mortality from cardiovascular disease, cancer, and other causes.
It's important to note that these observational studies show a correlation but do not prove direct causality between chilli consumption and health benefits. The researchers caution that these effects could be associated with other dietary factors and lifestyles. However, the potential of capsaicin as a beneficial health component suggests the need for further research in clinical trials.
Other studies associate hot pepper consumption with gallbladder cancer, but the relationship is not clearly established, so more research is needed to determine optimal consumption patterns. Finally, it is essential to supplement the consumption of hot peppers with an overall healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise.
Source: ntelemicro.com