consciouseating
SPICe oF lIFe
Sizzling Hot
Healthy Peppers
by amber lanier Nagle
H
abanero, banana wax, jalapeno
One fresh, medium-
University of California, Los Angeles, demon-
and other members of the chile
sized green chile pod
strated that the pepper extract not only killed
pepper family have added a
approximately 80 percent of the cancer cells,
kick of flavor to otherwise bland food for
has as much vitamin C
but also dramatically curbed the growth of
hundreds of years. These spicy dynamos
as six oranges.
remaining tumors, which were only one-fifth
not only make our tongues sizzle and our
the size of those in untreated mice.
faces sweat, they also deliver an array of
Capsaicin triggered a similar effect in
health benefits.
One teaspoon of
human lung and pancreatic cancer cells in a
The hot, hotter and scorching sensa-
study conducted at the University of Notting-
tion of capsaicin, found primarily in the
dried red chile powder
ham in the UK.
seeds and ribs of cayenne peppers, has
its own heat scale. While the amount of
delivers the daily
Manage Pain
this chemical component varies among
requirement
Over-the-counter topical capsaicin ointments,
pepper varieties, the rule is, the more
of vitamin A.
such as Zostrix and Capzasin-P, currently
capsaicin, the more fire in the belly and
provide thousands of individuals with relief
mouth. Bell peppers are at the bottom of
from the pain associated with osteoarthritis, sports injuries
the Scoville Heat Scale, with zero units, while fiery habane-
and psoriasis. These peppery creams work by depleting the
ros score around 300,000 units, and pure capsaicin, at the
amount of a neurotransmitter called substance P, which is
top of the list, measures a scorching 16 million units.
believed to send pain messages to the brain. Many individu-
In recent years, researchers who have studied capsai-
als experience a localized burning sensation when capsaicin
cin have surfaced some promising results. Evidently, eating
cream is applied to the skin, but this discomfort eventually
these spicy treats can help prevent and treat certain types of
subsides with repeated use, and pain relief usually follows.
cancer, decrease and alleviate pain and help control weight.
Fight Cancer
offset obesity
In India, Mexico and other countries where hot peppers are
Capsaicin is found in various weight loss supplements
commonly used in traditional cuisine, cancer rates are rela-
because it increases metabolic activity, which helps to
tively low, according to the Globocan 2002 database. This
burn calories and fat. In 1999, the British Journal of Nutri-
correlates with the results of a study conducted on mice
tion published a study revealing that women participants
genetically modified with human prostate cancer cells.
who added two teaspoons of dried red pepper to their food
Research by the Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer In-
consumed fewer calories and less fat at their next meal, so
stitute at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, in collaboration with
capsaicin may reduce appetite.
22 Northern & Central New Mexico
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