Aging

Probiotics Benefit Parkinson’s Disease, Says New Study

Parkinson’s disease is a disorder that affects motor skills by way of the central nervous system. While symptoms may be mild at first, this condition inevitably worsens gradually over time. Currently, more than 500,000 people in the United States have Parkinson’s, with approximately 50,000 new cases diagnosed each year. Since motor skills are affected, symptoms of Parkinson’s disease can vary in type and severity from person to person. New research has discovered that probiotics benefit Parkinson’s disease, providing additional evidence of a link between gut health and this debilitating disease.

What Causes Parkinson’s Disease?

It’s believed that Parkinson’s is the result of low dopamine levels in the brain, which eventually causes nerve cells to die off. Dopamine has been identified as the neurotransmitter responsible for communicating messages that control coordination and physical movement. As neurotransmitter levels drop, the affected individual finds it more difficult to control their movements. They may also notice a stiffening of the muscles.

While the direct causes of the disease are unknown, there is some evidence that it may be an inherited condition in some individuals. Alternatively, there is a slightly higher risk of developing Parkinson’s disease if you already have an autoimmune disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Parkinson’s Early Warning Signs, Symptoms and Treatment

Some of the early warning signs of Parkinson’s include:

hand tremors
coordination and balance problems
change in posture, causing the individual to lean forward
fixed facial expressions
speech difficulties
cramped or messier handwriting
inhibited sense of smell
sleep disorders

While there is no cure for the disease, there are a number of medications that can help control the symptoms. The drugs prescribed for Parkinson’s won’t eliminate the symptoms completely, but they can significantly reduce the symptoms of the disease. Treatments include both medications that the brain converts to dopamine and or drugs that mimic the effects that dopamine has on the brain. The type of treatment received depends on the stage of the disease.

Link Between Parkinson’s And the Gut Microbiome

Studies have shown that people with Parkinson’s disease have an abnormal presence of a protein called alpha-synuclein, which the vagus nerve carries from the brain to the gut. This may explain the higher presence of protein aggregates in the gut microbiomes of people with Parkinson’s disease.

Since researchers know that alpha-synuclein is linked to the disease, a higher presence of the protein in the gut may help diagnose the disease before symptoms manifest. If the research can be confirmed, this may lead to more effective treatments in both preventing the illness and in controlling the symptoms for those who already have the disease.

Probiotics Benefit Parkinson’s Disease in New Study

In a laboratory study using roundworms, researchers think they may have found a way of using probiotics to treat Parkinson’s disease. The researchers suggest that administering a specific strand of probiotic bacteria could prevent the accumulation of the alpha-synuclein in the gut. The way that these probiotics benefit Parkinson’s may lead to a more effective treatment of the disease if these findings are confirmed.

The study, which was conducted at the University of Edinburgh, involved genetically engineering a worm to develop with the human equivalent of the alpha-synuclein protein. Once they reached adulthood, the worms were fed a supplement that contained Bacillus subtilis PXN21, which is a strand of probiotic bacteria.

Upon examining the results, the researchers didn’t find a difference in the levels of the alpha-synuclein protein itself, but they did observe that it didn’t react with the gut in the same manner. Aggregates of the protein were cleared from the guts of the worms as the probiotic was introduced into their bodies. When compared to normal worms on a traditional diet, the genetically altered worms exhibited far lower levels of the aggregated protein while on the probiotic diet. The low level of protein aggregates remained consistent throughout the lives of the test worms.

The researchers concluded that the B. subtilis PXN21 probiotic was effective in both inhibiting and reducing the protein aggregates in the roundworms. The probiotic does this by forming bio films and producing more nitric oxide, both of which are essential components in the prevention of protein aggregates. The team hopes that future research will confirm their findings and uncover more about the positive effect that probiotics have on the development and treatment of Parkinson’s disease.

What Else Can a Probiotic/Prebiotic Supplement Do for You?

Supplementing with a probiotic formula, or otherwise ensuring that you are getting adequate levels of probiotics in your everyday diet, can do wonders for your overall health. A healthy balance of probiotics in the gut has been linked to everything from stress resilience to liver health. Recent studies have found that in order to receive the full benefit of probiotics, it’s essential to find a high-quality supplement that provides both probiotics and prebiotics.

Probiotics Aid Digestive Health

In particular, one study found that patients who suffered from diarrhea that was caused by taking antibiotics experienced relief from the condition. Another study found that preterm infants had a reduced risk of necrotizing enterocolitis upon receiving probiotic supplements.

Probiotics Help Relieve Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Additional research has found that taking a probiotic helps improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. The probiotic bacteria is especially helpful in relieving the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and other similar conditions that can affect the digestive system.

Prebiotics Aid in the Processing of Carbohydrates

Some research has found that prebiotics, which are closely related to probiotics, can help the body absorb carbohydrates more efficiently. This may help regulate blood sugar levels and also aid in better weight management.

Probiotics and Prebiotics Improve the Gut Microbiome

Prebiotics can also help promote greater probiotic growth in the gut microbiome. Some researchers believe this means they can help improve the body’s metabolism and help to encourage a healthier digestive system.

The Top Natural Nutrients for Cellular Protection

Feb 27 by Ewcopywriting

Oxidative stress is a harmful process similar to “rusting” that results when there are more free radical molecules than antioxidant molecules in the body. Because free radicals have an odd electron count, they can initiate long-chain chemical reactions in the body. While these reactions can either be harmful or beneficial, they more often produce adverse effects, including a greater risk of disease. Research is taking a greater interest in cellular protection and the nutrients that help keep cells healthy as we learn more about the causes of disease.

Why is Cellular Protection Against Oxidative Damage Important?

The threats to human health posed by an overabundance of free radicals are well known. Fortunately, compounds called antioxidants inhibit oxidation by lending an electron to a free radical without causing another odd electron count. This means an equal number of antioxidants can help negate the harmful effects that free radicals may have on the body.

If there aren’t an equal or larger number of antioxidants than free radicals in the body, the free radicals are left to wreak havoc, causing cellular damage throughout the body. They do this by randomly attacking DNA and fatty tissue, although lipids and proteins are also at risk of damage.

As a result, the cells that are made up of these compounds are compromised and, as a greater number of cells are damaged, certain diseases are able to develop. A few medical conditions that can result from this type of cellular damage include:

atherosclerosis
cancer
diabetes
heart disease
hypertension, or high blood pressure
Parkinson’s disease
Alzheimer’s disease

Which Nutrients Protect Against Cellular Damage?

While eating a plant-based diet can help you consume the nutrients your body needs to produce more antioxidants, you may still not have enough to combat the free radicals in your body. Taking a supplement engineered to boost cellular protection can establish a better ratio of antioxidants and free radicals.

Resverchron, a natural, broad-spectrum all-in-one anti-aging regimen, provides powerful ingredients in its morning Green Cellular Protect capsule, so you can ensure your body has the nutrients it needs to build a stronger defense against cellular damage. The benefits of some of this supplement’s primary ingredients are discussed below.

Green Tea Catechins

When you steep green tea in hot water, the polyphenols, or catechins, in the leaves are extracted and infused into the water. Once consumed, these catechins provide a number of health benefits throughout the body. They have been found to be beneficial for helping to maintain healthy weight, maintaining healthy blood glucose levels, encouraging cellular health and protecting against heart disease and many other common conditions.

Catechins can benefit these areas of health because they have antioxidant properties that help counteract the activities of the free radicals. In this way, green tea catechins help protect cells from damage throughout the body.

Glutathione

While glutathione is another powerful and naturally occurring antioxidant that can help maintain good health, its levels in the body can be negatively impacted by poor diet, stress and environmental hazards. Research has also found that the level of glutathione in our bodies decreases as we age.

When we take a supplement that contains a sufficient quantity of this compound, it offers cellular protection by helping to counteract the oxidative stress that free radicals cause. As a result, conditions such as psoriasis, liver disease, insulin resistance, autoimmune disease, Parkinson’s disease and many other conditions may be positively impacted.

Pyrroloquinoline Quinone

The compound, commonly referred to as PQQ, is a naturally occurring compound that produces benefits similar to those of a vitamin, although it’s benefits are just now receiving recognition. It plays a part in promoting healthy cellular growth and development, helping to ensure that cells remain healthy and active for longer. It also possesses strong antioxidant properties and is more powerful than many known antioxidants, aiding in the fight to combat the effects that free radicals have on our cells.

Which Vegetables Provide the Best Protection?

Resverchron’s morning Green Cellular Protect capsule also contains a vegetable extract blend that provides the benefits of a range of vegetables in one capsule. The benefits of some of these vegetables are listed below.

Broccoli

The most beneficial compounds in broccoli are carotenoids and sulforaphane, each of which are helpful in protecting cellular health. They do this by helping to flush harmful carcinogens out of the body. Additionally, broccoli extract is helpful in preventing the cell damage that can contribute to heart disease, cognitive decline and digestive problems.

Brussels Sprouts

The antioxidants contained in Brussels sprouts help promote healthy cell growth, while also encouraging cardiovascular health and healthy cholesterol levels within normal ranges. Compounds found in Brussels sprouts are also helpful in flushing harmful toxins out of the body.

Carrots

The beta-carotene in carrots does more for us than just help with eyesight. Additionally, certain compounds in carrots can help improve oral health, promote liver health, boost overall immunity and protect the skin.

Leeks

Hailing from the same family as onions and garlic, leeks provide powerful antioxidants that help protect heart health, promote cellular health and help maintain healthy LDL cholesterol levels within normal ranges. They also improve gut health, promote a healthy pregnancy and encourage healthy weight maintenance by boosting metabolism.

Kale

This superfood contains a hefty supply of vitamin C, but that’s just the beginning of the benefits it provides. Kale contains compounds that possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities, helping to protect cellular health, support heart health and promote healthy vision. It also promotes healthy cell growth and aids in detoxification.

Garlic

This superfood is widely known for its antioxidant properties and is helpful in promoting cellular health. Additionally, it’s effective in protecting the skin against acne, psoriasis and other blemishes. It can also promote healthier hair growth.

More beneficial extracts found in the vegetable extract blend offered by Resverchron include barley, spinach, radish, beet, tomato, onion, cabbage, parsley, cauliflower, celery and yellow pepper. Each one of these extracts possess powerful healing properties that can help fight against the free radicals that contribute to cell damage.

Unleash the Powerful Health Benefits of Superfruits

Feb 19 by Ewcopywriting

In simple terms, a superfruit is a food that contains a condensed serving of vitamins and powerful phyto-nutrients that are beneficial to human health. These foods benefit the immune system in a variety of ways and it has been found that they can even benefit the health of bone marrow. Research is only beginning to uncover some of the significant health benefits of superfruits, which may be why more people are adding these foods to their diets.

What Are Superfruits?

The power of superfruits to boost immunity may help stave off illness and help the body recover faster from injuries by providing the body with antioxidant-rich compounds that are called polyphenols. Polyphenols (flavonoids are just one example) are compounds that are found in many natural plant-based foods, but exist in richer concentrations in superfruits.

These compounds have been found to help the body fight off inflammation, while also acting as antioxidant agents. Research into the functions these compounds serve found that they can increase longevity by 30 percent or more when there’s a consistent high level of polyphenols in the body. To achieve this benefit, researchers recommend a daily intake of polyphenols that’s greater than 500 mg.

What Are the Health Benefits of Superfruits?

In addition to increasing longevity, there are many more benefits of superfruits that you can enjoy by adding these foods to your diet. Here is a short list of some of the health benefits that the polyphenols in these fruits deliver.

Regulate Blood Sugar Levels

While it’s common to experience a spike in your blood sugar levels after eating a meal, adding superfruits to your diet can combat that sudden increase. The polyphenols do this by keeping the body from breaking starch down and transforming it into simple sugars. The polyphenols in superfruits may also help regulate insulin production, so more sugars will be pushed to the cells for use as energy.

Improve Heart Health

The antioxidants that polyphenols contain help to decrease inflammation in the cardiovascular system. Since inflammation is a significant factor in causing heart disease, eating more superfruits may help you maintain a healthier heart. Additionally, researchers have found that polyphenols are effective in regulating healthier blood pressure levels and keeping LDL (bad cholesterol) levels lower. These compounds may also be effective in increasing the body’s HDL (good cholesterol) levels.

Protect Cellular Health

Since the antioxidants in polyphenols are effective in reducing inflammation, they may help protect against unhealthy cell growth. Additional research suggests that a high level of polyphenols in the blood may help prevent cancer cells from developing. Even after cancer cells have developed, test-tube research has suggested that polyphenols may help prohibit unhealthy cell growth.

Boost Digestion

If you have digestive problems, eating superfruits may help resolve those problems. This is because polyphenols also promote healthier gut bacteria, which is essential to proper digestion. A higher level of polyphenols has been linked to more diverse growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut microbiome, so peptic ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease and similar conditions may be alleviated.

Improve Cognitive Functioning

In a recent study, older adults who had experienced memory loss and difficulties in concentrating on complex tasks were given polyphenol-rich grape juice. By the end of the study, those seniors drinking the grape juice experienced improved memory and better mental focus. There’s also evidence that polyphenols can support oxygen-rich blood flow to the brain in seniors.

What Are Some of the Most Powerful Superfruits?

If you’re unsure about adding superfruits to your meal plan for each day, taking a supplement can help you boost the polyphenols in your blood supply. Resverchron is a high-quality daily supplement that incorporates the nutrients and beneficial compounds found in a broad range of superfruits. Adding this supplement to your daily routine can help you get that healthy boost even on days when you may not eat as healthily as you plan.

Here is a short list of some of the most powerful superfruits:

Plums: These fruits are known to help stave off metabolic disorders and cardiovascular-related health problems.

Cherries: While there are a few different types of cherries, they have all been shown effective in reducing the risks of degenerative diseases in seniors.

Blackberries: Regularly eating these berries can help reduce the risks of degenerative disorders that affect the brain.

Strawberries: The strawberry is one of the most powerful superfruits available, because of all it can do for human health. The polyphenols in this fruit reduce the risks of developing unhealthy cell growth, heart disease, inflammation and metabolic syndrome.

Apples: The polyphenols in this fruit have been credited for extending longevity by as much as 12 percent.

Peaches: This superfruit is effective in reducing the risks of metabolic syndrome, which is common in those suffering from obesity. Peaches may also help reduce risks to your cardiovascular health.

Nectarines: Eating more nectarines will help boost your immune system due to the high content of polyphenols that they deliver.

In general, eating more plant-based fruits will expose you to a greater supply of vitamins, nutrients and other beneficial compounds. Eating more natural foods will help you live a healthier life for longer, but adding some of these superfruits to your daily routine may give you an even bigger health boost.

As research continues, we may find that polyphenols provide even more health benefits, but changing your diet now can help reduce your risks of developing many of the common health hazards mentioned here.

Study Finds Anti-Aging Supplements Work Best in Specific Formula

Feb 13 by Ewcopywriting Leave a Comment

Are you one of the millions searching for a natural Fountain of Youth? Americans and the Western culture have turned staying young into a national pastime, partaking in surgeries and a variety of extreme procedures to keep their youth and vitality well into old age. While there are many research-supported anti-aging supplements that purportedly help extend youth and help stave off aging from the cellular level, science shows that many of these herbal and vitamin ingredients can have a better effect and better health benefits when taken together in a formula.

What Causes Aging?

In order to understand anti-aging supplements, it is important to understand what causes the aging process to occur. While there are many pathways and biological processes that can break down over decades of life, the mitochondrial pathway and oxidative stress pathway are key components when it comes to the effects of ravages of time.

Mitochondria regulate a multitude of metabolic and signaling pathways in the body and play an important role in programmed cell death. In short, the body’s mitochondria serve as the powerhouses of the cell, producing the energy that our cells need to function. Over time, mitochondria are damaged by oxidative stress, which is destructive to mitochondrial DNA and other structures. Oxidative stress pathways age our body’s cells in a variety of other ways, as well.

It’s no doubt, we need oxygen in order to survive. This element however, is extremely destructive to delicate cell structures, in fact, oxygen is more reactive than other elements in the human body and often converts into free radicals and other reactive oxygen species, all of which are incredibly damaging to the body’s cells.

To reduce the damaging effects from these forms of oxygen antioxidants can help reduce these oxygen species before they can impair cells permanently. As a result of their synergistic functionality, both oxidative stress and mitochondrial pathways share certain steps working together to either speed up or to slow down the aging process.

As the body’s cells begin to accumulate damage, they are less able to repair themselves, leading to the visibly noticeable aging of tissue. These damaged cells also have a harder time making energy as efficiently, which causes the gradual slowing associated with the aging process. As tissues become increasingly damaged, more severe symptoms arise and diseases such as heart disease and dementia occur due to the cells’ inability to function or repair themselves adequately.

Getting the Most Out of Anti-Aging Supplements

The process of aging isn’t prejudiced, that’s why it’s never too early to start an anti-aging regimen. While creams and serums were once the only go-to on the market for anti-aging, new advancements in research have paved the way for a new line of anti-aging management in the form of supplements.

To date, millions of people take anti-aging supplements such as coenzyme Q10 and resveratrol every day, but what if there was a way to make these compounds even more effective when it comes to anti-aging? Thanks to new research and anti-aging breakthroughs in treatment options, there is in fact a way to get the most out of these herbs and vitamins, ensuring that they have the very best effects, and it all comes down to formulation and timing.

First, and most importantly, anti-aging supplements should be taken together in a single supplement. This is because the ingredients can act synergistically, working on similar and related pathways all at once, including mitochondrial pathways and those that repair oxidative stress. When combined, the supplements and supplement ingredients work together and enhance each other’s function, having far greater effect than they would have if taken separately.

Is it Ever Too Early to Start?

Most people do not begin to worry about aging until they are beginning to approach their 30s, and some wait even longer and try to reverse the effects of time rather than preventing them from occurring. According to research in the field of anti-aging treatments and preventative measures, earlier appears to be better when it comes to starting an anti-aging supplement regimen.

In a study comparing starting periods of anti-aging supplements, researchers gave coenzyme Q10 to both middle-aged and elderly rats and then measured their grip strength, a major sign of aging in rats. Results found that the middle-aged ones who took the supplement had more overall improvement, suggesting that anti-aging supplements have more effect on people who aren’t as far along in the aging process.

Keeping Youth and Health Naturally

So, how can people help delay or protect against some of the effects of aging? Experts recommend attacking the root causes of aging by taking antioxidants and supplements that hone in on promoting healthy cellular inflammatory processes and healthy cell growth while protecting against oxidative stress. Since these supplements are more effective when taken together in a formula, look for an anti-aging supplement that contains:

Resveratrol: This antioxidant found in red wine helps to neutralize reactive oxygen species in the oxidative stress pathway.

Vitamin C: This vitamin is an important component in building healthy tissue and maintaining strong collagen to prevent wrinkles and fine lines.
Omega-3 fatty acids: These nutrients reduce oxidative stress and protect our DNA from reactive oxygen species.
BIOPQQ: This nutrient supports brain health and helps maintain high mitochondrial function in nerve cells, which are especially prone to damaging as we age.
MSM: This biological sulfur compound is the main active ingredient of soothing sulfur baths. In its organically bioactive form, MSM also supports healthy cartilage renewal.

Similarly, finding a supplement that reduces aging by specifically focusing on the mitochondrial and oxidative stress pathways, can help focus solely on cellular support and proper function of these pathways. Formulas specifically focused on mitochondrial function and protection against oxidative damage should include:

Coenzyme Q10: Often called CoQ10 for short, this coenzyme is important in preventing aging in both the mitochondrial and oxidative stress pathways.
NADH: A substance that’s an important part of the mitochondrial pathways that produce energy to keep cells running at their highest level.
L-carnitine: This nutrient offers natural detoxification for cells that also aids in mitochondrial energy production.

Combining these types of anti-aging and oxidative stress-fighting supplements together can be more effective, as they work on the same cellular pathways. Working to help maintain good cell repair, detoxification of reactive oxygen and maintenance of mitochondrial pathways, these supplements and ingredients can have lifelong effects, helping you maintain youthful health and energy levels for years to come.

Confirmed: Season of Birth Influences Mortality Risk

Jan 08 by Ewcopywriting

The time and place of one’s birth and the relationship it has with mortality rates has been a topic studied by scientists throughout the world. Several studies have found that season of birth influences mortality, while other research suggests vitamin D may provide a crucial counterbalance.

Research Suggests Season of Birth Influences Mortality

Past research has found that individuals born in November in the northern hemisphere of the planet have the lowest risk of early mortality from all causes. Additionally, it was found that people in this group are less likely to suffer from early mortality that’s related to heart disease. Other studies have corroborated these findings, showing that those born in the spring and summer months experience a heightened risk of premature mortality, particularly those born during the month of May. It has also been noted that the risks observed in the previous research shift by a six-month interval for those living in the southern hemisphere.

While there does seem to be a correlation between season of birth and mortality risk, the previous research could not find why the relationship between birth timing and mortality exists. In an attempt to discover the reason that the season of birth influences mortality, a new study was conducted recently at Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women’s Hospital. The study examined the records for 121,700 female nurses, which were gathered as a part of the Nurses’ Health Study.

The Nurses’ Health Study was launched in the early 1970s, and examines the health conditions of registered nurses over an extended period of time. The data was gathered from 30-55-year-old registered nurses and includes a variety of factors, such as health history, smoking habits, height, weight and other demographics. The Nurses’ Health Study also includes information about each nurse’s socioeconomic status, such as education levels and whether their parents rented or owned their homes.

For the current study on season of birth and mortality risk, 116,911 subjects were used and the researchers accounted for any deaths that occurred, documenting the cause of death and the details of each subject’s birth. Conducting follow-up assessments across 38 years, they accounted for 43,248 deaths. While studying these records didn’t prove a connection between the time and place of birth and all-cause early mortality, they did establish a connection in regards to early mortality caused by cardiovascular problems.

Specifically, the researchers found that women born between the months of March and July had a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease than those born at any other time of the year. They also found that women with December birthdays experienced the lowest risk of an early cardiovascular-related death. There was a spike in heart-related deaths in the spring and summer when compared to the fall, even after accounting for hereditary and socioeconomic factors.

Could the Month of Your Birth Also Play a Role in How Long You Live?

A previous study looked at how location and birth timing affected early mortality, defining early mortality is dying before the age of 50. In this study, they found that people born in Denmark and Austria from October through December had a reduced risk of early mortality, while those born from April to June in the same regions had a significantly higher risk of early mortality.

This study also found that the patterns of early mortality shifted by six months in the southern hemisphere. Since early mortality was related to the season and month of birth in both hemispheres, the shifting patterns seem to back up the hypothesis that external environment plays a role in determining early mortality rates. Future research will have to focus more on why this relationship exists. This knowledge may help establish a method for taking environmental cues into account in order to conceive children that will grow into healthier adults.

The Important Role Vitamin D Plays

Vitamin D is thought to play a role in infant health and the correlation that an individual’s health as a baby has to early mortality. Specifically, a prolonged vitamin deficiency can cause cardiovascular problems later in life, a significant cause of early mortality. Since most infants get their vitamin D from breastfeeding, it’s also important for new mothers to ensure they’re getting enough. Pregnant women and new mothers should get 15 micrograms of vitamin per day , while older adults over the age of 70 should get a minimum of 20 micrograms of vitamin D per day.

The best source of vitamin D is the sun, but the sun’s UV rays also raise the risk of skin cancer. One way of reducing cancer risk is to use a good-quality sun block and limit sunlight exposure to short intervals. Spending 20 minutes per day in the sun, during early morning or late afternoon hours, is ideal. Avoid midday exposure when the sun is at its peak.

You can also take a dietary supplement that contains a sufficient supply of vitamin D. In particular, it’s important for pregnant women to supplement with a prenatal vitamin that contains enough vitamin D for both the mother and her developing child. By taking a supplement on a daily basis, you can help your baby develop strong bones and muscles, a healthier immune system and a healthier nervous system.

Finally, there are a few foods that you should consider adding to your diet for their vitamin D content. Eating sufficient quantities of the following foods can help you build up vitamin D levels in your body to ensure good cardiovascular health:

fatty fish, including mackerel, salmon and tuna
beef liver
egg yolk
cheese
fortified cereals, milk and juices
mushrooms

Future research will focus on why different regions and seasonal changes may affect early mortality. Eventually, this may lead to better methods of preventative care that will help us to live longer. In the meantime, ensuring you’re getting enough vitamin D for yourself and your developing child is essential to improved health and longevity.

Chili Pepper Compound Capsaicin Reduces Mortality Risk, Says New Study

Dec 20 by Ewcopywriting

People all over the world love spicy foods — and chili peppers in particular — but these potent peppers may do more than just add flavor to our favorite meals. According to a recent study conducted at Italy’s Mediterranean Neurological Institute, eating chili peppers may benefit longevity. In particular, the researchers found that capsaicin reduces mortality risk by positively affecting cardiovascular health and metabolic rates in adults.

New Research Finds Capsaicin Reduces Mortality Risk

In conducting their research, the team studied surveys from subjects in the United States and China, ultimately noting that those who ate more chili peppers exhibited reduced early mortality rates. Taking their research a step further in a separate study, the team then observed the ways in which capsaicin affected lipids in the blood in an attempt to uncover exactly how the compound improved mortality.

In this second study, they included 22,811 adults, aged 35 or older. The subjects were observed for a period of 8.2 years on average. For each participant, supplemental factors that could affect the outcome of the study, such as activity levels, smoking, alcohol consumption and medical history, were accounted for in advance. The subjects were asked to complete questionnaires about their eating habits, which included questions about their consumption of chili peppers.

After reviewing the answers to the questionnaires, the research team found that 24.3 percent of the subjects admitted to heavy consumption of chili peppers. In the terms of the study, this meant they consumed chili peppers at least four times per week. Additionally, 33.7 percent of the group reported that they consumed chili peppers rarely, or not at all. The researchers found that those participants with the heaviest chili pepper consumption had a 23 percent lower risk of early mortality from all causes when compared to those who rarely or never ate chili peppers.

The Effects of Capsaicin on Cardiovascular Health

Looking specifically at how chili peppers affected cardiovascular health, the researchers found that there was a 34 percent lower risk of death by cardiovascular events as a result of heavy chili pepper consumption. In particular, the risks of early mortality resulting from cerebrovascular incidents and ischemic heart disease were dramatically lowered.

The team was surprised to discover that the type of diet had little to no impact on mortality in the study. Whether the test subjects ate a Mediterranean or a typical Western diet, the benefits from eating chili peppers was not affected. Although these factors had no impact on the results of the study, the research team also noted that highly educated, older males tended to eat the most chili peppers. Those who ate more chili peppers also more commonly suffered from type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, and higher blood lipids. For this reason, the scientists conducting the study concluded that the process by which chili peppers reduces mortality does not affect other cardiovascular disease risk factors.

The researchers noted that this study could not establish a causal relationship, so further research is needed. In the meantime, there’s enough evidence to suggest that the capsaicin in chili peppers can help improve longevity. Since eating more chili peppers isn’t appealing to some people, an alternative is to take a daily supplement that contains capsaicin. Taking a daily supplement can help you enjoy the benefits mentioned here without actually having to consume more chili peppers each week.

Other Capsaicin Health Benefits

Besides findgins that capsaicin reduces mortality risk, previous research has found that capsaicin is also beneficial in alleviating chronic pain, such as that caused by arthritis. When the compound is formulated into a topical lotion or cream, it affects how pain signals are transmitted from the nerve endings to the brain. As a result, pain sensations are reduced or eliminated altogether. It has been found effective in treating the pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia.

Topical capsaicin treatments are generally safe, but people with sensitive skin may want to use the product with caution. In some cases, it can cause skin irritation at the application site, including rashes, burning sensations and redness. Itching and swelling may also occur in some instances. Even if these symptoms are experienced, they often disappear after a short time of continued use. They rarely reappear, except in cases of extreme temperature changes, or when the skin is exposed to extremely hot or cold water.

In another previous study, conducted at Marshall University’s Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, it was found that capsaicin may help prevent cancer from metastasizing, or spreading to other parts of the body. The research involved adapting capsaicin into medicinal compounds that didn’t produce the same adverse side effects as those caused by chili pepper consumption.

Of the three products tested (capsaicin, capsiate and capsiconiate), only capsiconiate had no effect on test mice. Capsiate was found to prevent cancer cells from invading nearby cells, which is the first step in a process that leads to metastasis. They also found that mice who were treated with capcaisin had less metastatic cells than those who did not receive any capsaicin-related product. The researchers hope that future studies will lead to a natural capsaicin treatment for lung cancer that could help prevent the spread of the disease without subjecting the patient to adverse side effects.