Tucking into a spicy
dish could be the key to a healthy heart.
Researchers found that the compounds that give cayennes,
jalapenos and other chilli peppers their heat can lower high blood pressure and
reduce blood cholesterol.
They said the chillies have great potential in protecting
against heart disease, which is the number one cause of death in the developed
world.
The study, from the Chinese University of Hong Kong, focused
on a family of substances known as 'capsaicinoids' - the part of the chilli
that gives them their 'kick.'
Study author Dr Zhen-Yu Chen said: 'Our research has
reinforced and expanded knowledge about how these substances in chilies work in
improving heart health.
'We now have a clearer and more detailed portrait of their
innermost effects on genes and other mechanisms that influence cholesterol and
the health of blood vessels. It is among the first research to provide that
information.'
In the study they
gave two groups of hamsters high-cholesterol diets, before giving one group
food with varying amounts of capsaicinoids while giving the other control group
food with no capsaicinoids. The scientists then analysed the effects.
WHY ARE CHILLIS SPICY?
Ever wondered why chilli peppers are so mind-blowingly hot?
It's all down to their ultra-effective defense system developed in the ongoing
war between plants and animals.
When humans bite down on chillis they crush the seeds the
plants want to spread with their molar teeth. The peppers extract their revenge
by releasing a mouth-burning mix of chemicals called capsinoids.
Birds swallow the seeds whole and eventually pass them out
the other end away from the original plant. They are therefore rewarded with
the flesh of the chilli and left unscathed by the encounter.
They found the spicy substances lowered levels of 'bad' cholesterol
by reducing accumulation of cholesterol in the body and increasing its
breakdown and excretion.
They also blocked the action of a gene that makes arteries
contract, restricting the flow of blood to the heart and other organs. By
blocking it, the muscles relaxed and widened allowing more blood to flow.
'We concluded that capsaicinoids were beneficial in
improving a range of factors related to heart and blood vessel health,' said Dr
Chen.
'But we certainly do not recommend that people start
consuming chilies to an excess. A good diet is a matter of balance. And
remember, chilies are no substitute for the prescription medications proven to
be beneficial. They may be a nice supplement, however, for people who find the
hot flavour pleasant.'
