Capsaicin triggered a similar effect in human lung and Researchers and dieticians around the world are excited
pancreatic cancer cells in a study conducted at the Univer- about the proven and potential health benefits of hot pep-
sity of Nottingham in the UK. pers. People everywhere are proving why, indeed, some like
it hot.
Manage Pain
Amber Lanier Nagle is a freelance writer in Adairsville,
Over-the-counter topical capsaicin ointments, such as Zostrix GA. Connect at
AmberNagle.com.
and Capzasin-P, currently provide thousands of individuals
Source: New Mexico State University; for more, visit ChilePepperInstitute.
with relief from the pain associated with osteoarthritis, sports
org and search Chile Information.
injuries and psoriasis. These peppery creams work by deplet-
ing the amount of a neurotransmitter called substance P, which
is believed to send pain messages to the brain. Many individu-
als experience a localized burning sensation when capsaicin
cream is applied to the skin, but this discomfort eventually
subsides with repeated use, and pain relief usually follows. Scoville Heat Scale
offset obesity
The Scoville Heat Scale measures the hotness of peppers.
The units represent the average amount of capsaicin present
Capsaicin is found in various weight loss supplements in the pepper.
because it increases metabolic activity, which helps to burn
calories and fat. In 1999, the British Journal of Nutrition pub-
lished a study revealing that women participants who added Pure Capsaicin 16 million
two teaspoons of dried red pepper to their food consumed
fewer calories and less fat at their next meal, so capsaicin
Naga Jolokia 855,000 +
may reduce appetite.
Red Savina Habanero 350,000 – 580,000
Habanero, Scotch Bonnet 100,000 – 350,000
spice Up a diet
Rocoto, Jamaican Hot, African Birdseye 100,000 – 200,000
To make the most of the diverse health benefits associat-
ed with eating hot peppers, we must add them to our every-
Thai 50,000 – 100,000
day diet. Any Mexican or Thai restaurant can easily satiate a
Cayenne, Tabasco 30,000 – 50,000
hankering for heat. At home, adding hot peppers to meals is
easy and adds intriguing color and flavor to foods.
Serrano 10,000 – 23,000
Note that regular consumption of hot peppers increases
one’s tolerance to capsaicin, and thus access to its benefits.
Wax 5,000 – 10,000
So experts recommend that we begin at the base of the
Jalapeño, Guajillo 2,500 – 8,000
Scoville Heat Scale, with milder peppers, and gradually work
our way up to the tongue scorchers.
Rocotillo 1,500 – 2,500
Start, for example, with pepperoncinis, which add zing
Poblano 1,000 – 1,500
to salads and soups and then, step up to hotter varieties, like
poblanos and jalapenos, perfect in pasta dishes, rices and
Pepperoncini 100 – 500
omelets. Maybe top a pizza with sliced wax peppers. Finally,
Bell 0
add a dash of cayenne pepper to spice salsas, sauces and
meat marinades.
September 2009 43
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