There's never been a better excuse to tuck into a spicy curry because
researchers have found that chillies could help to protect against heart
disease.
The Daily Mail reports that researchers at the Chinese
University of Hong Kong have found that the compounds that give cayennes,
jalapeños and other chilli peppers their heat can help to lower blood pressure
and reduce blood cholesterol.
Scientists
looked at substances called 'capsaicinoids', which is what gives chillies their
spicy kick.
In one study they gave two
groups of hamsters high-cholesterol diets, before giving one group food with
varying amounts of capsaicinoids while the other control group had foods with no
capsaicinoids.
They found that the spicy
foods lowered levels of bad cholesterol by breaking it down and making it easier
for the body to excrete.
They also blocked
the action of a gene that makes the arteries contract, restricting the flow of
blood to the heart and other organs. This had the effect of relaxing muscles and
allowing the blood to flow more easily.
Study author Dr Zhen-Yu Chen said: "We concluded that
capsaicinoids were beneficial in improving a range of factors related to heart
and blood vessel health.
"But we do
certainly not recommend that people start consuming chillies to excess. A good
diet is a matter of balance. And remember, chillies 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."
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