Cellular Health

New Research Reveals How Resveratrol Lowers Blood Pressure

Resveratrol is a natural compound found in a variety of healthy foods, such as blueberries, peanuts and red grapes, that has been proven to offer a variety of health benefits. Since red grapes contain a high concentration of the compound, it is also found in red wine. Resveratrol is a polyphenolic compound, meaning it contains polyphenols, plant constituents with strong antioxidant properties. Resveratrol has long been known to provide cardiovascular benefits, including helping to maintain healthy blood pressure, but the means through which it does so has eluded researchers. Now, a new study sheds light on how resveratrol lowers blood pressure.

New Study Reveals How Resveratrol Lowers Blood Pressure

Much previous research has suggested that resveratrol is beneficial to heart health. A new study led by Joseph Burgoyne, Ph.D. and conducted at King’s College London sought to identify its precise effect on blood pressure. In this study, the research team selected a group of mice with high blood pressure and added resveratrol to their diets. Using telemetry probes, which were implanted in the mice, the team was able to monitor the mice for a 15-day period.

The team divided the mice into two groups. One group was fed a diet containing resveratrol, while the second group was fed a resveratrol-free diet. After 15 days, the researchers found that the mice on the resveratrol diet exhibited a drop of approximately 20 milliliters of mercury in their blood pressure. Additionally, it was observed that a protein called PKG1a was oxidized by the resveratrol, causing blood vessels to relax. In short, the study discovered that oxidizing proteins in the blood while the mice were experiencing oxidative stress caused blood pressure levels to drop.

While resveratrol is believed to be an antioxidant, the researchers concluded that, paradoxically, it actually acts as an oxidant in the way that it helps lower blood pressure. Furthermore, the team speculated that all antioxidants may work via a similar process. To confirm that their findings may be applicable to humans, Burgoyne’s team injected smooth human muscle cells with resveratrol. They observed that the resveratrol initiated the same oxidation process in the human cells.

While these findings are promising, the researchers caution against trying to reap these benefits at home. In order to experience a positive effect on blood pressure, an individual would have to consume massive amounts of resveratrol-rich foods. In terms of red wine, for example, this would mean consuming more than 1,000 bottles daily.

Dr. Burgoyne is hopeful that the research will lead to new blood pressure medications. If a more efficient delivery method can be devised, resveratrol may one day hold the key to regulating high blood pressure. The research may ultimately lead to more effective drugs that can benefit the over 100 million suffers of high blood pressure.

Resveratrol May Help Fight Aging, Protect Against Cardiovascular Disease and More

A person’s brain and central nervous system communicate via neurons that transmit messages across a bridge known as a synapse. As people age, these connections, commonly called neuromuscular junctions, degrade, which is why we move more slowly as we get older. This degenerative process also causes other age-related symptoms. Suspicions that resveratrol may affect this type of degeneration prompted a new study.

The study, which was conducted at Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute, sought to understand how resveratrol affected aging. Researchers administered resveratrol-rich diets to two-year-old mice to see how the compound would affect the senior rodents. After one year of administering resveratrol to the mice, they found that the neuromuscular junctions were just as protected as they would have been through a regimen of healthy eating and regular exercise. The research team cautioned that humans would have to ingest massive amounts of resveratrol-rich foods to enjoy a similar benefit.

The antioxidant properties of resveratrol may also be effective in protecting against certain types of cancer, according to a Federal University of Rio de Janeiro study. In particular, the study team examined the compound’s effects on protein p53. Under normal circumstances, p53 is supposed to be a cancer-fighting protein, but the protein can mutate and act in opposition to its original purpose: Instead of protecting healthy cells and fighting off cancerous tumors, p53 may actually cause tumors to develop.

The researchers studied how resveratrol affected the mutated versions of p53 by injecting breast cancer cells into the mice. When resveratrol was administered, the research team discovered that the compound fought the growth of mutated p53 cells in the mice. This observation remained true in relation to combating the injected breast cancers cells as well as in treating tumor cells found naturally in the mice. This research may lead to a treatment for cancer in cases where it is caused by the growth of mutated p53 proteins, as is often the case with certain types of breast cancer.

An earlier study which prompted the latest research on how resveratrol lowers blood pressure found that the compound may reduce the risks of developing cardiovascular disease. This research found that resveratrol may protect blood vessels by lowering the presence of LDL cholesterol in the body. The antioxidant properties of the compound may also help prevent blood clots from forming, while helping to reduce inflammation throughout the body.

Resveratrol: Wonder-Supplement of the Future?

Admittedly, this early research is promising, but more studies are needed to fully understand how resveratrol affects cardiovascular health. If it can be confirmed that resveratrol reduces the inflammation and impeded blood flow that are often responsible for cardiovascular events, this may open the door to new treatments.

While there’s promise that resveratrol may help improve a number of health conditions, researchers are still a long way from developing medications based on the compound. In addition, even though it is found in natural foods, it would be nearly impossible to consume enough each day to experience a lasting effect on health. Until further research commences, the best possible way to enjoy the health benefits that resveratrol provides is through a high-quality, concentrated supplement.

Powerful Broccoli Compounds Slow Arthritis, Protect Cellular Health and More

May 23 by Ewcopywriting

There are 21 million Americans suffering from schizophrenia; most of those people don’t get the treatment they need. Those that do seek treatment are prescribed anti-psychotic drugs that treat the symptoms of the illness, but produce severe side effects, such as cardiovascular problems and “the shakes,” or body tremors. This has caused researchers to look for alternative treatments for schizophrenia that might resolve the underlying condition without producing severe side effects. Now, recent research suggests broccoli compounds may not only effectively reduce the symptoms of schizophrenia and arthritis, but also help protect against tumor growth.

How Do Broccoli Compounds Affect the Symptoms of Schizophrenia?

We have known for several decades that schizophrenia is the result of a chemical imbalance in the brain. We also know that glutamate is involved in the development of schizophrenia and that the enzyme is present in glutathione. When studying the levels of these enzymes in the various parts of the brain, researchers have found that schizophrenia patients had lower glutathione levels in the anterior cingulate cortex and thalamus. There was an average of three percent less glutathione in the anterior cingulate cortex, while there was an eight-percent lower level of the enzyme in the thalamus of the brain.

This is important because glutamate is transformed into glutathione by another enzyme called sulforaphane. Left alone, glutamate sends more messages to the nerve cells that result in the symptoms of schizophrenia, such as delusions and hallucinations. However, when sulforaphane transforms glutamate into glutathione, those messages are reduced and brain activity is better regulated.

In the most recent study, a group of five men and four women were administered 100-micromole doses of sulforaphane twice per day. The compound, which is extracted from broccoli sprouts, was administered in capsule form throughout a seven-day trial period. The researchers used magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) to study the levels of glutathione in various parts of the brain. The imaging tests were conducted before the first dose of sulforaphane was administered and again after the week-long study was completed. They found a 30-percent rise in glutathione levels that confirmed the effectiveness of the treatment.

Although the most common side effect reported from the sulforaphane treatments was an upset stomach, more research is needed. It’s still unclear who high or frequent the dose would need to be to prevent or control symptoms of schizophrenia. For this reason, it’s important to consult your doctor before taking a sulforaphane supplement to treat your symptoms.

How Does Eating Broccoli Protect Against Tumor Growth?

A study conducted at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center has found that a certain compound, indole-3-carbinol (I3C), can inhibit tumor growth in mice. This is especially important in that it seems to enhance the body’s ability to fight cancer growth when the immune system is compromised. The compound works by increasing the production of PTEN, which is a protein that suppresses tumor growth in the body. PTEN is often diminished in human beings, though I3C seems to correct this imbalance.

Another protein, WWP1, is commonly found in cancer patients and has been discovered to suppress the tumor suppressing genes. By switching off the correct gene, I3C causes the WWP1 protein to become inactive. In this way, PTEN production isn’t inhibited and the protein can more actively suppress tumor growth.

Identifying I3C as the compound essential for ensuring PTEN can do its job in fighting tumor growth is only the first step. More studies will have to be conducted to determine how much I3C is required to inhibit the functioning of WWP1. As it stands, Dr. Pandolfi, who led the most recent study, suggests we would have to consume several pounds of broccoli, kale and cruciferous vegetables per day to obtain the necessary levels of the compound.

Another Compound Found in Broccoli May Slow the Progression of Arthritis

A University of East Anglia research team has announced that they’re ready to begin human trials on a possible new treatment for osteoarthritis. The treatment is based on broccoli compounds, in particular sulforaphane, that can be effective in attacking an enzyme in the body that degrades cartilage, helping to protect the joints. While the compound is also found in cabbage and Brussels sprouts, the researchers are asking their 20 test subjects to consume large quantities of broccoli. For this study, the broccoli has been specially crossbred with a stronger wild type of broccoli that’s primarily found in Sicily. This “super-charged” broccoli is particularly rich in nutrients.

In the trial, subjects will be asked to consume the super-charged broccoli every day for a two-week period. At the end of the 14-day trial, each subject will undergo knee surgery to have the damaged tissue extracted. It’s the hope of Dr. Rose Davidson and her team that the broccoli will have had a positive effect on the damaged tissue.

Each patient in the study will be asked to eat 100 g (3.5 oz) of the broccoli. Dr. Davidson compares this to a handful, which is the minimum serving size of vegetables we should be eating on a daily basis. Even so, Davidson acknowledges two weeks is hardly enough time to reverse or prevent tissue damage caused by osteoarthritis. Instead, she says she’ll be happy to find any positive effect at all. She says she’s looking for a sign that will justify continued research into the effects of sulforaphane.

If the upcoming study produces positive effects, it may be further evidence that a healthy diet — particularly one that includes broccoli compounds — can treat and prevent degenerative illnesses. While we know that eating right and engaging in physical exercise is important for continued good health, studies like this can show specific medical conditions can be avoided by eating the right foods.

New Research Confirms Probiotics Protect the Liver

May 10 by Ewcopywriting

You may be aware that your body is exposed to bacteria every time you eat something, but what you may not know is that your digestive system relies on some of that bacteria to function. The “good” bacteria that you ingest helps to form the gut microbiome in your gastrointestinal tract. This system relies on a continued supply of bacteria, particularly bacteria that’s similar to the microbes already thriving in your system. Bacteria that resemble the bacteria already present in your body is more commonly known as probiotics. In addition to helping the digestive system function more efficiently, new evidence suggests probiotics protect the liver.

Why It’s Important to Get Probiotics in Your Diet

Unfortunately, most of the bacteria we ingest is harmful to us. Additionally, poor diets, which rely on foods high in sugar and trans-fats, encourage the growth of harmful bacteria into the digestive system. This is why it’s important to be more conscious of what you eat, and to try to eat foods that are naturally high in probiotics. Foods like kimchi, cheese, yogurt, sauerkraut and other fermented foods are excellent sources of probiotics.

What can probiotics do for you? Their primary function is to improve the balance of bacteria in the gut microbiome. Since probiotics are good bacteria, ingesting foods rich in these microorganisms will help ensure you have enough good bacteria to balance the bad. Maintaining this balance is helpful in preventing or minimizing diarrhea, especially when it has been caused by taking antibiotic medications. In fact, a recent study found that diarrhea linked to antibiotics was reduced by 42 percent, while diarrhea instigated by other infections was decreased by 25 hours when exposed to probiotics.

There’s also evidence that probiotics can improve certain types of mental illness. Depressive episodes, anxiety, autism and obsessive-compulsive disorder have all been improved through the regular consumption of probiotics. In some cases, memory has also been improved, suggesting probiotics may help to boost cognitive functioning. Additionally, heart health, skin allergies, immunity and obesity have all benefited with regular exposure to probiotics.

New Study Finds Probiotics Protect the Liver

A newer study has found that probiotics are also beneficial to liver health. The recent study involved administering the common probiotic LGG, or lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, to mice over a two-week period. After the level of LGG had been built up in the rodents, they were given heavy doses of acetaminophen, which has been shown to cause liver damage. The drug can also cause death by boosting levels of free radicals in the body, resulting in high levels of oxidative stress.

However, the researchers found that in the mice, the probiotics helped protect liver functioning. While the mice in the control group, which did not receive doses of probiotics, did suffer liver damage, the mice in the test group were not as seriously affected. The probiotics seemed to help protect their livers so that the acetaminophen affected their livers to a lesser degree. According to the study’s authors, the probiotics provided the liver with the antioxidants necessary to fight off the oxidative stress.

This is an important finding, because the liver is responsible for removing toxins from the blood, while also turning food into energy for cell functioning. By protecting the liver against the damage caused by certain medications, probiotics ensure that the entire gastrointestinal system stays healthy. Additionally, the probiotic LGG has been found to protect against liver damage caused by alcohol consumption. This particular probiotic can also guard against the development of fatty liver disease which is not caused by alcohol consumption. Findings that confirm probiotics protect the liver suggest that a healthy gut microbiome benefits other parts of the body — not just the gastrointestinal tract.

What Can You Do to Build a Strong Gut Microbiome?

This new research suggests that your overall health can be protected, or improved, by enhancing your gut microbiome. This can be done with just a few dietary changes that may even enhance your eating experience.

Eat a More Diverse Diet

The typical diet in the Western world is very limited, relying on foods derived from just a few sources. However, eating a broader range of foods, which includes more fruits, vegetables, seeds and nuts, will introduce a broader range of bacteria into your gut microbiome. The more bacteria you introduce into your system, the stronger your gut microbiome will become.

Avoid Artificial Sweeteners

Often, people turn to artificial sweeteners, including Aspartame, as a means of controlling their blood sugar levels. However, recent studies have found that artificial sweeteners may be just as bad for you in this regard as regular sugar. While they may help limit weight gain, artificial sweeteners still cause a spike in blood glucose levels and also inhibits insulin production.

Eat Prebiotic Foods

Prebiotic foods are foods that encourage the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut after they have been consumed. These are foods that are harder to digest, including fiber and complex carbohydrates. Resistant starches, fruits and vegetables and whole grains all contain prebiotics. By consuming foods rich in prebiotics, you can reduce the risks of developing diabetes, heart disease and obesity.

Considering the vast benefits that probiotics supply, many people are also turning to supplements. In addition to making these dietary changes, taking a high-quality probiotic supplement can help you enhance the health of your gut microbiome. As recent research suggests, this will help you experience better digestive health, boost liver health and strengthen protection to systems throughout your body.

Three Little-Known Benefits of Vitamin D

May 02 by Ewcopywriting

Getting sufficient amounts of vitamin D may be less emphasized than maintaining proper levels of other important vitamins, however this nutrient is vital to the functioning of our bodies. In fact, every single cell in the body has a receptor devoted to collecting vitamin D, suggesting it’s used more as a hormone than as a vitamin.

Even though we can get vitamin D from sunlight exposure and a variety of natural foods, more than a billion people throughout the world lack sufficient quantities of vitamin D. Now, new research has uncovered three little-known benefits of vitamin D that may encourage you to look for natural sources of this vital nutrient.

Vitamin D: Are You Deficient?

There are some situations that increase the likelihood of developing a vitamin D deficiency. Some of these factors, such as having darker skin and reaching your senior years, are beyond your control. However, there are some lifestyle practices that can affect the levels of vitamin D in your system. If you’re overweight or obese, or if your diet doesn’t include adequate servings of fish and dairy products, you likely have low levels of vitamin D.

Exposure to sunlight also has a strong impact on the amount of vitamin D in the body, which is why people who live farther from the equator have the lowest levels. Additionally, sunscreen also prevents your body from absorbing vitamin D. While too much unprotected sun exposure raises the risks of skin cancer, short bursts of exposure to the sun’s rays helps the body get the benefits this nutrient provides.

When you don’t get enough vitamin D, you’re doing more harm than you may realize. This nutrient is key to maintaining a strong immune system, which explains why people with vitamin D deficiencies get sick more often and take longer to heal from injuries. Lack of vitamin D can also leave you feeling fatigued and unmotivated, leading to struggles with depression. A prolonged deficiency can even compromise your physical health, causing bones to become fragile and brittle. People lacking sufficient vitamin D also experience hair loss and muscle pain more frequently.

Recently, research has uncovered three additional, but less well-known, benefits that vitamin D provides to the body.

Vitamin D May Explain Link Between Gum Disease and Diabetes

Since type 2 diabetes is a growing problem that affects more people each year, much of the research has looked into the causal factors of the disease. As a result, we know that diabetes is affected by the condition of various systems throughout the body. Several of these studies have found that diabetics have a significantly higher risk of developing periodontal disease, while those with periodontal disease also have a higher risk of developing diabetes.

The bidirectional link between diabetes and periodontitis prompted a University of Toronto research team to look at the role vitamin D plays in this relationship. Since periodontitis is a bacterial disease marked by inflammation of gum tissue, researchers believed that the anti-inflammatory properties of vitamin D might affect the likelihood of developing periodontal disease.

By examining patient records gathered for a 2010 survey, the research team found that adequate levels of vitamin D did help reduce inflammation. Vitamin D was also found to attack the oral microbes that were responsible for causing gum disease to develop. Additionally, they found that 40 percent of people with gum disease also had a vitamin D deficiency. While more research is needed, the team hopes the findings will be duplicated. If so, increasing vitamin D levels may help treat gum disease, which, in turn, may make it easier for people to manage type 2 diabetes.

The Benefits of Vitamin D on Colorectal Cancer

Another recent study sought to determine how vitamin D affected the growth of advanced colorectal cancer. The participants in the study were divided into two groups. Those in the first group were given high doses of vitamin D in conjunction with chemotherapy treatments, while those in the second group received low doses of vitamin D. For the first two weeks of the study, the first group was given 8,000 international units of vitamin D per day. That dose was reduced by half after those first 14 days. The second group received 400 IU doses per day throughout the trial.

The participants receiving a larger dose of vitamin D experienced a halt of the progression of their colorectal cancer for a period of 13 months. The second group, which received lower doses, experienced a delay of 11 months in the progression of the disease. Although further research is necessary, the team is hopeful that this research will lead the way to a safer and more effective method for treating colorectal cancer. If these results can be confirmed, a regiment of vitamin D supplements combined with chemotherapy may help treat this type of cancer more effectively.

Vitamin D May Help Relieve Joint Pain

We already know that vitamin D is partly responsible for bone health and muscle growth, but could it also provide relief from joint pain? Vitamin D works as an anti-inflammatory agent, which means it can help alleviate swelling around the joints. Backing up this supposition, a 2016 study found that people with rheumatoid arthritis often had pronounced vitamin D deficiencies. The study also found that those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis had lower levels of vitamin D than those who did not suffer from the degenerative disease.

A variety of degenerative diseases, such as arthritis and osteoporosis, may also be affected by exposure to vitamin D. Researchers believe increasing your intake of vitamin D can significantly lower your risks of developing these diseases. More research is needed to confirm these findings, but the fact that vitamin D deficiencies are common suggests most people could benefit from increasing their vitamin D intake.

While the best way to enjoy the benefits of vitamin D is by exposing yourself to more sunlight, eating certain foods can also help. One of the best dietary sources of vitamin D is seafood; salmon, tuna and other oily fish provide an excellent source of the nutrient. Beef liver is another good source of vitamin D. Additionally, fortified milk and breakfast cereals, egg yolk and mushrooms all provide vitamin D. Taking a high-quality vitamin and mineral supplement can also help you to maintain healthy levels of this crucial vitamin. Ensuring you’re getting adequate amounts of vitamin D can help you to protect your health and feel better each day.

Poor Diet Biggest Risk Factor for Early Death, Says New Study

Apr 25 by Ewcopywriting

According to a new study, poor eating habits are responsible for one-fifth of all early deaths on a global scale. In 2017, this rate was equivalent to 11 million deaths. While unhealthy foods may not directly cause those premature deaths, the researchers concluded that unhealthy diets exposed more people to noncommunicable diseases like cancer, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease by inhibiting immunity strength. This new information suggests that simple lifestyle changes can have a prominent impact on overall health.

Diet Biggest Risk Factor for Early Death

A new study has identified poor eating habits as a top risk factor for early death worldwide, responsible for more deaths than even smoking. Conducted as a part of the Global Urban Disease Study, the research project examined the dietary habits of subjects in 195 countries for a 27-year period beginning in 1990, taking special note of the consumption of specific nutrients and foods.

While poor diet resulted in cancer and type 2 diabetes in some instances, a massive number of participants suffered from diet-related compromised cardiovascular health. In 2017, Uzbekistan ranked highest with 892 deaths per 100,000 people, and Israel came in last with just 89 diet-related deaths per 100,000 people. For perspective, the study noted that the United States was ranked 43rd with 171 deaths attributed to poor diet. Coming in at 23, the United Kingdom had 127 diet-related deaths in 2017.

In the study, the researchers paid particular attention to 15 food categories:

fruits
vegetables
nuts and seeds
legumes
whole grains
fiber
calcium
milk
omega-3 fatty acids
trans fats
polyunsaturated fats
red meat
processed meat
sugary beverages
sodium

Of this 15 items, it was discovered that specific foods, namely nuts and seeds, whole grains and milk, were especially lacking in most diets. In regard to nuts and seeds, the study found that the average intake was just three grams per individual — only 12 percent of the recommended intake. Milk consumption was lower than 16 percent, while intake of whole grains was only 23 percent of the ideal amount.

What the researchers found even more alarming than the absence of certain healthy foods was the high intake of unhealthy foods and ingredients. For example, the consumption of soda, juice and other sugary beverages was far too high. Intake of sodium and processed meat was also found to be excessive.

Can Adding Healthy Foods to Your Diet Help You Live Longer?

In plain terms, the study found that eating too few healthy foods may be more damaging to our health than eating too many unhealthy foods. While the most detrimental diets were found to be high in sodium, there were also low in several key areas. Specifically, these diets were especially low in whole grains and plant-based foods (vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds). These diets were also very low in omega-3s, which is a nutrient most commonly found in wild-caught fish.

The study also attributed high-sodium diets which were also lacking in fruits and whole grains to one-half of 2017’s diet-related deaths. These diets were also responsible for causing two-thirds of the severe health problems in the years leading up to death.

What does this mean for the future? The head researcher, Dr. Christopher Murray, says the evidence points to a need to re-examine how we look at nutrition. In the past, the focus has been on getting people to eat fewer unhealthy foods. This new research suggests it may be time to shift that focus by placing greater emphasis on eating more healthy foods. In short, while ditching unhealthy foods is important, it’s more important to replace them with larger portions of foods that are rich in vitamins and nutrients.

Lifestyle Changes to Ensure You’re Eating Healthier Meals

In light of the evidence that diet biggest risk factor in premature deaths, it stands to reason that we can each stay healthier and stronger by making simple diety-related lifestyle changes. In particular, these dietary changes can help to ensure you’re giving your body optimum levels of vitamins and minerals.

Don’t Underestimate Variety

Nutritionists recommend choosing your fruits and vegetables by color, because each color provides different tastes, different vitamins and a vast range of phyto-nutrients. The best practice is to change up your food choices every three days, since this will help you to get the most out of the various nutrients in each food.

Add Nuts and Seeds to Your Meals

We typically think of nuts and seeds as snack foods, but, if recent research has shown us anything, it’s that just snacking on these foods isn’t good enough. They can and should be added to your meals as often as possible. Sprinkle seeds in your salad or on chicken. Similarly, you can mix nuts in with your salads, whole grain pasta dishes or rice.

Take a Daily Supplement

There are many vitamin formulas on the market, but this is one important area where it pays to take the time to choose wisely. Look for a high-quality daily multivitamin and multi-mineral supplement that’s specifically formulated for either men or women to get the most important vitamins and minerals for optimum health. While taking a daily vitamin and mineral formula can provide a powerful boost, it is still important to use these types of supplements in conjunction with a healthy diet to maximize your health.

The science is in: Eating healthier can help you live longer. And, more importantly, it will help you stay healthier well into your senior years. Making nutrition a priority can help to protect against the cognitive and physical decline that affects many people as they get older. As this research and previous studies have confirmed, enjoying more plant-based foods and whole grains just may help you live a healthier, higher-quality life.

Can Chili Pepper Compound Capsaicin Curb Cancer?

Apr 17 by Ewcopywriting

Capsaicin is the compound in chili peppers that give them their spicy kick, but ongoing research has found that it does even more than that. A new study confirms capsaicin slows cancer, backing up previous research indicating that this spicy compound may hold the key to more successful treatments. Specifically, researchers found that the compound has a powerful effect on adenocarcinoma, which is a condition that’s responsible for approximately 40 percent of all lung cancer cases. Previous studies have examined the powerful health benefits that capsaicin provides, but the latest research is the most promising.

When cancer develops, its ability to spread to various parts of the body (a process called metastasis) is what makes it so deadly and so difficult to cure. This is also one of the reasons it has been so challenging to come up with effective treatments. Thus, much cancer research centers on finding methods to negatively influence metastasis.

In a recent study out of Marshall University in West Virginia, it was found that the anti-metastasizing properties in capsaicin, a compound found in chili peppers, worked to hinder the spread of cancer cells in earlier stages of the disease, before healthy cells were affected. These findings suggest that early diagnosis would be vital to the successful use of medications derived from capsaicin.

New Research Finds That Capsaicin Slows Cancer

The reason capsaicin has gained the attention of researchers in the United States is that there are lower instances of cancer in countries where spicy dishes are more common. Thailand and India in particular have lower numbers of lung cancer cases. Seeking to understand if there was a link between spicy foods and cancer, researchers began investigating and found that capsaicin seemed to be the common factor.

Working with mice, researchers in the study discovered that mice who were fed capsaicin manifested a lower number of metastasized cells than mice who were not fed the compound. It’s believed the compound works by preventing the activation of Src, which is a protein that helps cancer cells metastasize. The researchers involved in the latest study also found that capsaicin helps by making the lungs more sensitive to chemotherapy.

The next step for lead researcher Dr. Friedman and the rest of the team is to find a way to make capsaicin more palatable. They hope to dull the spicy sensation of the compound without diminishing its cancer-fighting properties. In its natural state, capsaicin can cause some extreme side effects, especially for those unaccustomed to spicy foods. Some side effects include burning diarrhea, stomach cramping, nausea and vomiting, extremely teary eyes and reddening of the skin.

While capsaicin may not be a cure for cancer, it may be useful in helping to prevent the spread of the disease. In this way, capsaicin-based medication may become part of a broader treatment regimen, especially in treating lung cancer. However, Dr. Friedman cautions there’s still more research needed to determine if capsaicin can really serve as a beneficial treatment option.

What Else Can Capsaicin Do for Your Body?

As previously mentioned, this isn’t the first study to focus on the health benefits of capsaicin. There has been previous research on the chili pepper compound that has found it helps the body in a number of ways. Below are just a few examples of the benefits that this natural compound provides.

Pain Relief

We experience pain because our nerves carry pain messages to the brain. This process is aided by the release of a chemical called substance P. It has been found that capsaicin helps exhaust the supply of substance P, making it more difficult for your nerves to carry those pain messages back to the brain. To prove this effect, researchers administered 2.5 grams of capsaicin to heartburn sufferers on a daily basis. Initially, the heartburn pain worsened, but it improved significantly after the first few days.

Weight Loss

In another study, subjects were given 10 grams of red pepper with their meal. Following the meal, the subjects’ energy levels were monitored. Researchers found that those who consumed the red pepper exhibited a hike in energy expenditure. As a result, the study’s authors concluded that consuming capsaicin on a regular basis could help burn up to an extra 50 calories each day.

Hypertension

If you have high blood pressure, eating more chili peppers may help. Research has found that eating foods rich in capsaicin helps maintain blood pressure levels already within healthy ranges. It’s believed that the compound activates TRPV1, which is a receptor responsible for reducing vascular tension and maintaining healthier blood pressure levels.

Digestive Health

There are a few ways capsaicin helps boost your digestive health. It helps by buffering the digestive tract during gastric secretion and prevents the damage caused by alcoholic beverages. Additionally, it may help heal gastric ulcers, since capsaicin does inhibit the secretion of acids in the digestive tract.

Research continues to uncover more health benefits provided by capsaicin. This is good news for those of us who love our spicy foods. For the rest of us, it may not be long before we see mild capsaicin supplements available in concentrated capsule form. In addition to helping to promote cellular health, capsaicin could have a bright future in helping to alleviate a number of other health concerns.