If you like spicy foods, you may think they are just a great way to add a little flavor and variety. Believe it or not, you may be receiving more health benefits from these spicy little treats than you even know!
After all, most of us know that hot peppers are great for spicing up food. They may be even better for keeping the human body feeling in the spice of life.
Capsaicin is the active ingredient in hot peppers and the one that turns up the heat. It is a compound useful in nature for preventing pepper plants from being eaten by insects and animals.
When capsaicin is consumed by humans in the form of hot sauce, chili peppers or cayenne pepper, it offers a wealth of health benefits. One that has received much recent attention is the ability of capsaicin to make prostate cancer cells commit suicide.
Capsaicin reduced cancer cell production of prostate specific antigen (PSA), a protein that is a marker for the presence of prostate cancer. Production of PSA is regulated by male sex hormones.
In countries where high intake of capsaicin is the dietary norm, cancer death rates for men and women are significantly lower than they are in countries with less chili pepper consumption according to statistics. Experiments have shown that capsaicin seems to be able to detoxify a wide range of chemical carcinogens which, if left to roam the body, could create mutations leading to full blown cancers.
Researchers have found that adding capsaicin in some form to breakfast foods or appetizers at lunch causes people to eat less during meals and for hours afterwards. Thirteen women, who ate breakfast foods spiced with red pepper ate less than normal at breakfast and during the day.
Ten men who ate appetizers laced with red pepper consumed fewer calories at lunch and during a mid-day snack hours later. In addition to acting as an appetite suppressant, red pepper seems to increase the number of calories burned, particularly after high-fat meals.
This is because capsaicin is a thermogenic agent, meaning it increases metabolic activity that results in calories and fat being burned. Several popular fat-burners on the market contain capsaicin.
Contrary to popular belief, a study has found that ulcer sufferers are helped by eating hot spicy foods. Capsaicin increases blood flow in the stomach's mucous lining, helping to heal stomach tissue.
It is effective against H. pylori bacteria, and stimulates circulation sequentially, from the internal organs to the skin surface, and on throughout the entire body. A Duke University study has found that capsaicin may lead to a cure for inflammatory bowel disease.
Eating chili peppers has also been shown to protect against the effects to the stomach of aspirin. Potent antibacterial properties fight chronic sinus infections.
Because it is so hot, it helps stimulate secretions that clear mucus from the nose, relieving nasal congestion. It may also be helpful for sinus related allergy problems.
It even reduces cholesterol, triglycerides, and platelet aggregation. It has shown evidence of being able to dissolve fibrin, which is necessary for blood clots to form.
Tumors often develop a fibrin based protective coating. Dissolving this coating leaves the tumors highly vulnerable.
Cultures around the world that engage in the liberal use of hot peppers have significantly lower rates of heart attack and stroke than cultures that do not. Red pepper is widely available in capsule form, usually as cayenne.
But eating it in the form of a spice dish is so much more fun. Red pepper is a great addition to almost any dish and can add another taste dimension when used alone or with black flakes.
Hot sauce is a staple on many kitchen tables where it is sprinkled liberally on meat, fish, side dishes, and snacks. It is a natural to accompany Mexican foods.
Chili may be one the best foods for men trying to avoid prostate cancer. When it is made with fresh tomatoes as well as with flakes, it offers the two major players against this form of cancer, lycopene, and capsaicin.
Spaghetti sauce can be spiced up as well. Baked potatoes doused with hot sauce and a clove of smashed organic garlic added in just can't be beat.
It is also the best friend of fish. Bake wild-caught cod or other whitefish, slice fresh sweet raw onions, and get out the hot sauce.
Author Resource:-
Jack R. Landry is an accomplished expert in family preparedness and has been giving seminars for over 15 years. He recommends that everyone have on hand an Survival Food Storage in case of any emergency or disaster.
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