Heart Health

Exploring the Beneficial Effects of Melatonin

Melatonin is a hormone best known for its role in preparing the brain for sleep. Due to its effectiveness in this respect, it’s the primary ingredient in many sleep supplements. Outside of the United States and Canada, melatonin-based formulas are only available with a doctor’s prescription. While some argue that using melatonin for sleep isn’t always effective, people suffering from insomnia find that it can help them sleep better in most cases. We already know that there are many positive effects of melatonin, but new research is still uncovering more benefits provided by this amazing hormone.

What is Melatonin?

To understand melatonin and its effect on the body, it’s important to first understand how and why it’s produced. Our bodies rely on a biological clock to function, known as our circadian rhythm. Among the other bodily functions it regulates, the circadian rhythm helps the brain differentiate between wakefulness and sleep. This is a process that relies on the changes between light and dark. As the sun goes down and the sky gets darker, the brain recognizes that it’s soon nearing time for sleep and releases melatonin to promote drowsiness.

Unfortunately for those who work irregular shifts, melatonin production is inhibited during the day, which is why it’s harder to get to sleep in the mornings and afternoons. People who follow irregular sleep schedules experience insomnia and other sleep disorders more commonly because the production of melatonin has been interrupted. This is also why a sleep formula containing melatonin can be more effective for those who work these types of schedules. Their bodies need that extra boost of melatonin during the day, when their brains won’t naturally produce the hormone in sufficient quantities.

What are the Positive Effects of Melatonin?

There have been multiple studies on the effects that melatonin has on the body, leading to the discovery that it can do more than just help you get a good night’s sleep. One of the surprising effects of melatonin is that it can help alleviate the symptoms of jet lag. A study that started in 2010 and lasted for four years looked at the effects that melatonin had on 142 travelers. In that study, researchers found that subjects who were given melatonin supplements experienced less severe jet lag symptoms than travelers who were given a placebo. Those taking the supplement experienced more restful sleep, reduced instances of daytime tiredness and fewer digestion problems.

Melatonin was also found to help people suffering from delayed sleep-wake phase disorder, or DSWPD. This is a condition in which the individual can’t fall asleep until 2:00 a.m. or later and end up sleeping well into the afternoon. Including a 2016 study of 52 subjects, research has found that taking melatonin supplements at the right time in the evening helped people with DSWPD to fall asleep earlier. They also fell asleep faster, taking an average of 22 minutes to nod off.

A 2015 research project looked at 774 patients and found melatonin was also effective in reducing anxiety prior to surgery. Many people suffer severe bouts of anxiety just before undergoing a surgical procedure, but taking a melatonin supplement seemed to alleviate those emotions. While it wasn’t clear whether or not melatonin was effective in treating post-surgery anxiety, it was found to be just as effective as anti-anxiety medications in treating pre-surgery anxiety.

Research into the positive benefits of melatonin is ongoing. Current and future studies are looking into the hormone’s effect on cancer symptoms, high blood pressure, diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases and intestinal illnesses.

How Can You Get More Melatonin Naturally?

Take a Supplement

As the previously cited studies show, a melatonin supplement can help you maintain adequate levels of melatonin when you need it most. A high-quality melatonin supplement can be beneficial because a single dose contains a sufficient amount of melatonin to help you get the restful sleep you need. Additionally, certain time-controlled melatonin formulas ensure the melatonin will have the best possible effect on your sleep cycle.

Get More Daylight

Sunlight is beneficial in controlled exposure, because its rays encourage vitamin D production in the body. Additionally, exposing yourself to natural daylight will help regulate your circadian rhythm. The sun’s rays help promote the production of serotonin, which the brain needs to produce more melatonin. In this way, getting more sunlight in the mornings promotes more efficient melatonin production in the evenings.

Turn Off Your Electronic Devices

Most people don’t realize the harm they’re doing when they use their smartphone or tablet just before bed. The blue light that these screens give off disrupts the circadian rhythm, preventing the brain from producing sufficient levels of melatonin. Doctors recommend shutting off all electronic devices at least one hour before your bedtime to give the brain enough time to adjust. This will ensure the hormone will be properly released as you near your bedtime.

Eat Melatonin-Rich Foods

There are certain foods that promote the production of melatonin, so you should consider adding these foods to your diet to ensure you’ll sleep better. Some melatonin-rich foods include asparagus, corn, cucumbers, olives, nuts and seeds. Barley and rolled oats are also helpful in promoting melatonin production.

Sleep on Your Back

This position is a popular yoga pose that’s commonly called the corpse pose, because it helps the body reach a deeper state of relaxation. As you lay on your back and breathe deeply, the brain will begin releasing a higher concentration of melatonin. This is why many people find it easier to fall asleep in this position.

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.

FDA Approves New Fish Oil Drug to Protect Against Heart Disease

Dec 30 by Ewcopywriting

Because heart disease is such a common cause of death, claiming a life every 37 seconds, finding more effective treatments is a primary concern in the medical community. New research has led to the discovery that the omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil may serve as an effective supplemental treatment for reducing the risks of developing cardiovascular disease by lowering the levels of triglycerides, or fat cells, in the blood. As a result of this research, a new fish oil drug which works by keeping triglyceride levels in check was recently approved by the FDA as an adjunct treatment for heart disease. In approving the new fish oil drug, the FDA specified that it is especially effective in adults with elevated triglycerides, or levels reaching more than 150 milligrams per deciliter.

FDA Approves Fish Oil Drug to Help Reduce Heart Disease Risk

The new fish oil drug, called Vascepa, contains a potent omega-3 fatty acid called eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). While this compound is naturally found in fish oil, the FDA advises that for maximum effectiveness it should only be prescribed to patients with exceptionally high triglyceride levels and that it should be used along with other treatments designed to lower the risk of a cardiovascular event. Additionally, it is cautioned that patients keep a close eye on their cholesterol levels while taking Vascepa.

Although the exact mechanism by which the drug works to lower triglyceride levels is unknown, in-depth research has concluded that it is effective. When taken as a part of an overall treatment plan, the fish oil-based drug lowers the amount of triglycerides in the blood, which reduces the risk of fat cell build-up. As more fat cells populate the blood supply, the arteries stiffen and become narrower, inhibiting the flow of blood. As a result, the risk of a heart attack or stroke is increased. By keeping the triglycerides low, Vascepa reduces the risks that this chain of events will occur.

In a recent clinical trial, researchers selected a group of 8,179 adults, aged 45 or older. Each subject exhibited previous heart, cardiovascular or metabolic problems. The subjects chosen for the trial also had additional risks for cardiovascular disease. Those subjects given the drug were found to exhibit a lower risk of suffering from a cardiovascular event than those who did not take the drug. While cardiovascular problems were reduced by 33 percent for those who took the drug, it was also found that people with a history of atrial fibrillation were at a greater risk of suffering from those events. Also, it was noted that those who suffer from fish or shellfish allergies should take the drug only under the close supervision of their doctors.

The Health Benefits of Omega-3 Fatty Acids

The heart isn’t the only organ that benefits from a regular intake of omega-3 fatty acids. In fact,omega-3’s have such a strong effect on the brain and nervous system that they can be used to impact the symptoms of multiple sclerosis. In other studies, a low-fat diet that relies on oily fish has been shown to be effective in lowering the risks of developing colon cancer and prostate cancer.

Consuming more omega-3-rich foods can also reverse the onset of post-partum depression, according to a separate study. The researchers involved in that project recommend eating fish rich in omega-3 oils at least twice per week. Additionally, the proteins and minerals found in fish can be beneficial to our health.

There are a number of cognitive and emotional health benefits that can come from an increased intake of omega-3 fatty acids. A study involving children found that consuming more fish per week improved behavioral problems associated with ADHD. In a separate research project, it was found that memory recall was improved in young adults, although the researchers could not verify that the omega-3 exposure would help prevent cognitive decline in later years. Regular consumption of omega-3-rich foods may also reduce the risks of developing Alzheimer’s disease, lower the frequency of epileptic seizures, prevent age-related vision loss and may reduce the risk of psychosis.

What Are the Best Sources of Omega-3 Fatty Acids?

If you’re not a big fish eater, getting omega-3 fatty acids through vitamin supplements is a convenient alternative. While taking a supplement in addition to eating a healthy supply of fish didn’t seem to increase the benefits to cardiovascular health, cancer risks and other medical conditions, choosing one or the other did provide those benefits. In either case, adding more omega-3 to your diet won’t completely eliminate these health risks, but it will reduce them.

Other than taking a fish oil supplement or eating more oily fish, there are other natural ways to get more omega-3’s. The compound is also found in flax, hempseed, perilla oil, chia seeds and spirulina. Although dark, leafy green vegetables, including fresh basil, also have omega-3 fatty acids, the content is lower than it is in fresh wild-caught oily fish. To obtain the highest concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids, eat more sardines, herring, anchovies, trout, mackerel and salmon. To gain the maximum health benefits, two to three servings per week are recommended.

While eating more seafood is beneficial, the type of seafood you eat must be taken into account. Larger fish, such as king mackerel, shark, tilefish or swordfish, will have larger concentrations of mercury, so children and pregnant women should be especially wary of eating them. To obtain a good supply of healthy fish oil without increasing mercury exposure, stick with canned light tuna, catfish, pollock and salmon.

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.

Work-Family Conflict is Detrimental to Women’s Health

Oct 25 by Ewcopywriting

One of the biggest problems most working adults face is finding enough time for both their careers and their families. Trying to maintain the right balance can be stressful in itself, particularly because American workers are spending more time on the job than those of past generations. Today’s workforce is spending 8 percent longer on the job than past generations and as much as 20 percent of the workforce puts in 49 or more hours per week on a regular basis. The stress that work-family conflict creates can have a negative impact on women’s health, but there are natural ways to combat this type of burnout.

What is Burnout Syndrome?

Spending so much time at work does have an effect on the psyche and it’s a condition that has been the subject of research for several generations. As far back as the 1970s, Herbert Freudenberger used the word “burnout” to describe adults who experienced the specific type of depression caused by overwork. While the condition is common, psychologists still haven’t found a concrete method for diagnosing it. Overall, burnout is defined by feelings of exhaustion, a loss of energy and motivation and an inability to effectively cope with workplace challenges.

Burnout is often difficult to diagnose, as in many cases it may be the culmination of other emotional or physical disorders. For example, since some of the symptoms are also symptoms of depression and anxiety, an individual with burnout may really be suffering from an undiagnosed mental illness. Alternatively, a physical illness may also create the stress and conditions associated with burnout.

How Does Work-Family Conflict Affect Women?

Looking at 27 studies, a 2015 research project found that work-related stress was closely related to cardiovascular disease. A newer study looked specifically at how work-family conflict affected cardiovascular health in women. The researchers used a standard scoring system for determining cardiovascular health to determine how their subjects’ concern for achieving a work/life balance affected their heart health. The scoring system looked at seven different factors, including diet, physical activity and blood pressure.

The study consisted of a sampling of 11,000 subjects between the ages of 35 and 74. It looked at subjects from Brazil’s six major states, who came from a broad range of career fields and educational backgrounds. While there were men included in the study, the number of female participants was a little higher. The participants in the study completed surveys with questions about how their work lives affected their personal lives and vice versa.

When the cardiovascular scoring and work/life questionnaires were reviewed, it was found that women experienced a greater level of work interference with their personal lives. Men reportedly had more time for recreation and family time than the women in the study. Men and women appeared equal in terms of how much their families and personal lives interfered with their work time.

Looking at the cardiovascular evaluations, the researchers found that women with more work interference in their personal lives also had lower scores relating to cardiovascular health. The researchers believe one explanation for the relationship between work and personal life conflict and poor heart health may have to do with a desire in women to fulfill traditional domestic gender roles in addition to pursuing careers outside the home.

Even with the increased participation of men in maintaining the household, some women may still be trying to shoulder this burden solely on their own shoulders. As a result, women are more stressed about their roles in and out of the home. The resulting spike in stress levels can cause the inflammation that contributes to cardiovascular health risks.

Natural Ways to Combat Stress and Burnout Syndrome

Take a Daily Supplement

Cutting edge high-quality supplements like Tryptochron, contain the amino acids 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) and l-tryptophan. These compounds are essential in creating the hormone serotonin and, as such, can help to naturally boost mood without causing the adverse side effects caused by prescription antidepressants. Since burnout shares symptoms with depression and anxiety, this type of supplement can be useful in helping the body deal with stress and reduce symptoms of burnout.

Get Together With Friends

Burnout pushes people to seek solitude, which can only aggravate depressive and anxious feelings. While it may take some effort, seeking out your friends and spending more time with them can help reduce the stressful work/life feelings you’re experiencing. In addition to finding joy in your friends’ companionship, you’ll also be forcing yourself to create a better balance in your life.

Seek Out Help

While workplace burnout may cause you to want to spend as little time with your co-workers as possible, asking for their help may be just what you need. Sharing that you’re experiencing burnout and stress gives your co-workers or managers the opportunity to direct you to a support group, counseling service or some other type of professional help. Often, counseling is offered as a part of a benefits package, but employees may not be aware that it’s an option.

Take Time Off

One of the best ways you can overcome burnout and work-family conflict while also reconnecting with your family is to take a few days off. You might even benefit from taking a Friday off to create a long weekend without missing too much work. You can spend the time relaxing at home, or you can take your family on a small road trip. By the time you return to work, you’ll be feeling refreshed and better able to tackle any challenges that come your way.

New Insights Reveal How Chili Pepper Compound Capsaicin Relieves Pain

Oct 09 by Ewcopywriting

Chili peppers are used to create spicy dishes throughout the world, but research has found that this pepper also provides a vast array of health benefits. In fact, it’s the compound in the chili pepper responsible for creating that spicy, burning feeling that provides those benefits. This compound is called capsaicin and it has been the focus of several scientific studies in recent years. Now, new findings reveal that capsaicin relieves pain, adding to the myriad of health benefits that this component of chili peppers provides.

New Research Finds Capsaicin Relieves Pain

A recent study sought to uncover how capsaicin relieves pain, particularly since this compound has become a common ingredient in many natural pain relievers. Researchers at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School found that capsaicin causes the nerves in the body to send out signals that block pain receptors. Since this process also works to calm the nerves, study author Tibor Rohacs believes capsaicin can also be used as an effective analgesic. It was found that these calming and pain-relieving effects were highly effective and very long-lasting, suggesting that capsaicin supplements and medications may be especially powerful in terms of treating pain and other conditions.

The laboratory research was just the first step in evaluating capsaicin’s effect as a pain reliever. The team hopes to move forward with human research subjects to confirm the compound’s pain relieving benefits. As future research validates the compound’s effectiveness, capsaicin may soon offer a natural alternative to addictive pain killers.

Capsaicin May Also Benefit Cellular Health and Obesity

Pain relief is just the latest benefit attributed to chili pepper consumption. Previously, researchers found evidence that capsaicin may also have a positive impact on the development of certain types of cancer, including lung cancer. This is a significant finding due to the rising number of instances of lung cancer each year. For this year, the American Cancer Society predicts 228,150 people will be diagnosed with lung cancer and 142,670 of those people will die from the condition.

Lung cancer is typically fatal as a result of the cancer metastasizing, or spreading to other parts of the body. However, recent findings suggest capsaicin may help prevent lung cancer from metastasizing. In testing, capsaicin was shown to help block the spread of lung cancer in rodents. In a separate study, the same effect was observed in cultured human cells.

During the testing on the human cells, it was observed that introducing the chili pepper compound into lung cancer cells stopped them from invading healthy cells. Similarly, rodents with lung cancer were administered doses of capsaicin and, as a result, the mice had lower rates of metastasis than mice who had not been administered capsaicin. The researchers found that the process was arrested because capsaicin blocked the activation of the Src protein, which is responsible for managing the longevity and mobility of cancer cells. The scientists conducting the study are hopeful that this research will lead the way toward developing medications that will help prevent the spread of lung cancer.

In another study, it was found that capsaicin can also have a positive effect on obesity, which is another growing epidemic. Working out of the School of Pharmacy at the University of Wyoming, Dr. Baskaran Thyagarajan tested metabocin on mice. Metabocin is a new drug that’s engineered to release controlled doses of capsaicin over a 24-hour period. The mice used in the study ate high-fat foods. The health of the mice was evaluated by testing their blood pressure, heart rates, liver function and kidney health.

Over an eight-month period, the researchers noticed that the metabolic health of the mice improved. Most notably, they exhibited lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, lower blood sugar levels, improved insulin responses and reduced symptoms of fatty liver disease. Additionally, the team found that the mice taking capsaicin for the eight months also exhibited weight loss without suffering harmful side effects.

Can Capsaicin Help Us Live Longer?

Finally, a study on how capsaicin affects longevity found that people who regularly consumed chili peppers were likely to live up to 18 years longer. The University of Vermont study evaluated the effects of consuming chili peppers on 16,000 subjects. They found that the food reduced premature mortality in subjects from all causes as well as from specific causes such as colorectal cancer.

The subjects in the study were selected from the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey III, which was conducted between 1988 and 1994. As a part of the food consumption aspect of the survey, subjects were asked to record the frequency of their chili pepper consumption. Subjects chosen for the study were asked to participate in a follow-up survey 18.9 years later and the researchers noted that 4,946 had died within the intervening years.

Once the data had been reviewed and evaluated, the research team found that the subjects who consumed chili peppers had a 13 percent lower risk of an early death from all causes than those who did not regularly consume chili peppers. In particular, the researchers noted that eating chili peppers appeared to reduce the risks of developing fatal cardiovascular diseases, such as strokes and heart attacks.

This study was observational, so it’s not possible to confirm why capsaicin has this effect on longevity. However, the researchers believe it’s related to the effects that capsaicin has on the release of transient receptor potential (TRP) channels. Capsaicin activates the production of TRP vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1), which is known to promote weight loss and lower the risks of obesity and other metabolic conditions. By fighting fat cells, TRPV1 helps reduce the chances of developing diabetes, lung diseases, heart diseases and blood flow problems.

The study suggests that adding chili peppers, or incorporating capsaicin into the diet in other ways, may help us live healthier lives and live longer. Looking at the ways that capsaicin affects our health overall may lead to changes in how we view diet and nutrition. As more studies delve more deeply into the health benefits of capsaicin, chili peppers may become a staple of a healthy diet in the future.