Chillies could be a magic ingredient in the fight against
flab.
Research shows that capsaicin, the compound which gives the
peppers their zing, makes fat cells self-destruct.
In laboratory experiments, the effect occurred at levels of chilli
that would be found in the stomach of someone who ate one or two
curries a day.
Chilli is already thought to speed up metabolism, aiding weight
loss.
The results, reported in the Journal of Agricultural and
Food Chemistry, add to a weight of evidence on the health
benefits of capsaicin.
Studies have shown it can cause prostate and pancreatic cancer
cells to kill themselves. It also helps prevent and heal stomach
ulcers.
This is because it blocks acid production, stimulates alkali and
improves blood flow in stomach tissue.
Experts claim that other research shows that gastric ulcers are
three times less common in countries where large numbers of
chillies are eaten.
In addition to all this, chillies have anti-inflammatory
properties and scientists hope to use capsaicin to create a pill to
treat swelling in arthritis sufferers.
Ancient cultures used the spice as an antiseptic and to treat
cholera and bronchitis. It is thought the burning sensation of the
chilli pepper is an evolutionary ploy to stop mammals eating
them.
Yet birds, whose help is needed to disperse the seeds, do not
suffer any ill effects from feasting on them.
The latest study was conducted in Taiwan.
(China Daily March 10, 2007)
