A Hot Topic

Got your attention? This really is about the health benefits of capsaicin, the active ingredient in chili peppers. Capsaicin is the substance that makes chili peppers hot. It is a phytochemical which when taken in lower concentrations can offer a myriad of health benefits.

Here are 7 reasons why chili pepper is good for you:

1. Fight Cancer
Capsaicin inhibits growth of human cancer cells by causing cancer cells to commit suicide. In a research conducted at the University of California, Los Angeles, it was noted that capsaicin inhibits growth of human prostate cancer cells in petri dishes and mice.

2. Provide Pain Relief
Capsaicin is a natural pain killer. A topical form of capsaicin is a recognized treatment for osteoarthritis pain.

3. Prevent Sinusitis and Relieve Congestion
The potent antibacterial properties of capsaicin fight and prevent chronic sinus infections or sinusitis. Due to its hot nature, capsaicin also helps to stimulate secretions that in turn help clear mucus from the nose, thereby relieving nasal congestion and sinus-related allergy symptoms.

4. Fight Inflammation
Capsaicin is a potent anti-inflammatory agent. It works by inhibiting Substance P, a neuropeptide which is a key transmitter of pain to the brain and is associated with inflammatory process. Capsaicin is being looked at as a potential treatment for arthritis, psoriasis and diabetic neuropathy.

5. Soothe Intestinal Diseases
A Duke University study found that capsaicin may lead to a cure for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The substance can prevent stomach ulcers by killing harmful bacteria such as H. pylori.

6. Burn Fat and Lose Weight
Capsaicin is a thermogenic agent, which means it increases metabolic activity. This in effect helps burn calories and fat. Many popular "fat-burning" supplements on the market contain capsaicin, as the substance may significantly increase metabolic activity for over 20 minutes after it's eaten.

7. Protect Your Heart
Capsaicin helps protect the heart by reducing cholesterol, triglycerides and platelet aggregation. It may also help the body dissolve fibrin, a fibrous protein involved in the clotting of blood. In addition, cultures around the world that use hot peppers liberally in their meals were found to have significantly lower rates of heart attack and stroke than cultures that do not.