Chilli peppers, often imported to the UK from parts of Central and South America, naturally contain a chemical called capsaicin. This is what gives the chilli its spicy kick – but it could be great for anyone wanting to take better care of their heart and cholesterol too.
Health expert Dr Michael Mosley wrote for the BBC : “When you eat a chilli, the capsaicin is released into your saliva and then binds on to TRPV1 receptors in your mouth and tongue. The receptors are actually there to detect the sensation of scalding heat.
“Capsaicin makes your mouth feel as if it is on fire because the capsaicin molecule happens to fit the receptors perfectly. When this happens it triggers these receptors, which send a signal to your brain, fooling it into thinking that your mouth is literally burning.”
Experts have researched the benefits of capsaicin, with one specific study review from 2022 looking at how it may play a role in combating high cholesterol. Researchers were keen to discover if the signature kick of a chilli pepper helped naturally lower increased LDL (bad) cholesterol.
The overview found that eight out of nine studies researched found that capsaicin reduced LDL levels in people with metabolic syndrome. However, reviewers also found that the same number of studies indicated that capsaicin did not make any changes to HDL (good) cholesterol.
Another study that included 22,811 Italian adults found that regular chilli pepper consumption was associated with a lower risk of death from heart disease. Some suggest that capsaicin may improve certain aspects of cardiovascular health, including blood vessel function, but more studies are needed to confirm this potential benefit.
Tolerance to heat may put some people off adding this to their daily diet. However, experts do have an alternative for anyone who thinks capsaicin might help them.
Supplements are also available if you do not like the idea of munching on chilli peppers. These supplements, like the chillis, are measured on the Scoville Heat Unit scale to measure potency but, because they’re encapsulated, you shouldn’t experience the same heat as when you eat hot peppers.
According to Healthline, this is a popular supplement that people often take to aid with weight loss goals. Losing weight is one of the major lifstyle changes recomneded by NHS doctors when it comes to cutting down your cholesterol levels.
Capsaicin supplements may boost your metabolism, enabling you to more easily lose weight and burn fat. Capsaicin works by increasing oxygen consumption and body temperature, which leads to a slight increase in calories burned.
Even though peppers are nutritious, most people can only handle a small portion because of their intense spicy flavour. This information should not replace any medical advice or instructions you have been given by a doctor. If you want to alter or amend anything regarding your lifestyle that may go against what you have been told to do, then speak with an expert first.
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