Peppers, peppers, spices are already known for their benefits in the prevention and treatment of certain diseases, particularly cardiovascular. New research shows that eating spicy foods helps extend lifespan. A little spice on the plate and years are added to life.
A study of dietary habits conducted on more than 16,000 Americans followed for 23 years, examined the consumption characteristics of hot red pepper.
The analysis finds that consumers of chili peppers tend to be:
- – younger,
- – male and married,
- – smokers,
- – consumers of alcohol, and also of meat and vegetables in greater quantities.
They also have lower levels of HDL cholesterol. Over a 19-year follow-up, researchers associate high consumption of chili peppers with delayed mortality.
Capsaicin: it stings the tongue but it protects health
What explanation? Capsaicin, the main component of chili peppers, plays a key role in the cellular and molecular mechanisms that prevent obesity and regulate coronary blood flow. Capsaicin also has antimicrobial properties that indirectly impact the gut microbiota and therefore the host.
The authors of the study suggest that chili or spicy foods should be incorporated more frequently into the daily diet to better protect health.
Chopan M et al. The Association of Hot Red Chili Pepper Consumption and Mortality: A Large Population-Based Cohort Study. PLoS ONE, DOI: 10.1371
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