Health News

Diabetes Research Update: Meal Timing Affects Blood Sugar and Diabetes Risk

Type 2 diabetes is on the rise, affecting over 30 million Americans — over 10 percent of the population — each year. Despite recommendations regarding what to eat and other lifestyle changes, science has been unable to slow the proliferation of this “modern-day” disease. Now, new findings reveal that meal timing affects blood sugar. This crucial information may lead to a more effective manner of controlling glucose levels for diabetics.

What is Type 2 Diabetes?

Before you can understand how meal timing affects blood glucose levels, it’s important to understand how type 2 diabetes affects the body. Essentially, the body uses sugar (glucose) for energy by pushing that sugar from the bloodstream into the cells. Once within the cells, glucose can be used to power a number of functions throughout the body. In order to get the glucose into those cells, the body relies on a hormone called insulin, which transports the glucose. Higher levels of sugar in the bloodstream means that a higher level of insulin must be produced to effectively usher that sugar into the cells for use as energy.

When there are consistently high levels of sugar in the blood, the body’s insulin production goes into overdrive. If this becomes a prolonged situation, the body will eventually build up a tolerance to insulin. This will either result in the body’s inability to create enough insulin to process the high glucose levels, or the insulin that is produced may not be powerful enough to move the sugar into the cells. Eventually, chronic higher-than-normal blood glucose levels result in type 2 diabetes.

The most common symptoms of type 2 diabetes include:

Increased Thirst and Urination

This can be a difficult symptom to recognize, because it can seem like part of a logical and normal cycle. It begins with increased thirst and, as you consume more water, you’ll naturally have to urinate more. You’ll likely wake up several times throughout the night to drink more water or urinate.

Frequent Hunger

You may also notice that you’re hungry more often. This is because the sugar in your blood supply isn’t being processed by your cells, which means those cells are starving for energy. As a result, your cravings for food will become stronger and more frequent.

Unexplained Weight Loss

Since the sugar in your blood can’t be processed by your cells, they will have to use previously stored fat for energy. This often results in weight loss, which is not the result of healthier eating and increased physical activity.

Bouts of Fatigue

As previously mentioned, the body’s inability to process sugar leaves cells with few alternatives for creating energy. This means you’ll tire out more easily and you’ll feel fatigued more often.

Blurred Vision

Cells in need of energy will draw sustenance from all over the body, including taking the moisture from around the eyes. As a result, your eyes will become dry and inflamed. This usually leads to vision that is temporarily more blurred.

Inhibited Immune System

Due to slower blood flow throughout the body, and vitamin deficiencies that are common among diabetics, the immune system isn’t as strong as it should be. As a result, it can take longer for wounds to heal and there is also an increased risk of contracting illnesses or infections.

Research Discovers Meal Timing Affects Blood Sugar

While the importance of eating healthy plant-based foods remains an important factor in controlling blood sugar levels, researchers have found that eating within a specific nine-hour time frame also has a noteworthy impact on blood sugar levels. In a previous research project, mice were fed a high-fat diet, but were only delivered their meals between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on a daily basis. The improved glucose levels observed in the mice inspired researchers who hoped to confirm the findings with further studies. Specifically, teams from Australia’s University of Adelaide and California’s Salk Institute for Biological Studies hoped to reproduce the findings in human subjects.

This most recent study involved 15 men between the ages of 30 and 70 who were at risk of developing type 2 diabetes and who were also overweight, with a waist circumference of 102 centimeters or more. Over a one-week period, the men were restricted to a similar eating schedule as in the previous animal study. Some participants took all of their meals between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., while others were able to eat their meals between noon and 9:00 p.m. In either case, all participants had to adhere to the nine-hour time frame established in the earlier study.

By the end of the trial, men in both groups exhibited better blood sugar management. The men also experienced weight loss as a result of the altered eating schedule. The research authors noted that because the men had been asked to eat whatever foods they would normally consume, the results were not produced by healthier eating choices.

More Benefits of Adhering to a Strict Meal Schedule

Now that we know meal timing affects blood sugar, we’re also becoming aware that adhering to a strict schedule also provides other benefits. Over time, your body’s internal clock, or circadian rhythm, will adjust to your eating schedule. This means you won’t feel the need to snack as often. You’ll feel hungry as your normal meal time approaches, but you’ll get fewer cravings at other times during the day.

Additionally, the way meal times interact with the circadian rhythm can affect your ability to manage your weight. This is why people who eat later in the evening, especially after the sun has set, are more likely to put on extra pounds. Limiting your eating to daylight hours can help you maintain your weight, and may even help you lose weight.

Eating during daylight hours can also help your body make more efficient use of the vitamins, nutrients and protein in your diet. Since your digestive system and gut microbiome are more active during these hours, they can more efficiently extract healthy nutrients. Those nutrients may help keep the skin smooth, or help organs throughout the body function better. In the end, when you eat may be just as important to your health as the types of foods you consume.

Common Food Additive Linked to Diabetes, Weight Gain

May 06 by Ewcopywriting

Type 2 diabetes is a growing problem, especially for people living in the United States and those who follow a typical Western diet. As a result of the vast amounts of refined sugar, processed foods and unhealthy fats consumed, millions of people have become overweight or clinically obese. And unfortunately, poor food choices may not be the only culprit: A new study has revealed that a common food additive linked to diabetes, raising concern that our food preservatives may be doing more harm than good.

New Study Finds Specific Food Additive Linked to Diabetes

It is now well-known that obesity raises the risk of developing diabetes. Now, new research has found that a specific food additive may be further compounding this risk. This additive is an anti-mold compound that our bodies also produce naturally, a fact which allows it to thrive in the gut microbiome. When this compound exists in its natural state, it is called propionate. When manufactured for foods, it is referred to as E282, and it’s most commonly found in baked goods. According to WHO (World Health Organization) and several other global health agencies, propionate can be found in a large portion of processed foods. It’s commonly added to desserts that rely on eggs and other dairy products, as well as cereals, sausage casings, sports drinks and cheeses.

The latest research on propionate was based on a previous 1912 study, which found heightened glucose levels in dogs who were administered large doses of propionate. The new study, which was conducted at Tel-Aviv University, used mice instead of dogs, but the findings were similar: The blood glucose levels of the mice were much higher after having received doses of propionate. By boosting the levels of two specific hormones (glucagon and FABP4), propionate prompted the liver to produce excessive amounts of glucose. In response, greater levels of insulin flooded the bloodstream. Higher insulin levels can ultimately lead the body to develop insulin resistance, which is a defining characteristic of type 2 diabetes.

The researchers found the same results upon testing the hypothesis on human subjects. Those subjects given high doses of propionate experienced a spike in blood glucose levels, while those subjects assigned a regular healthy diet didn’t experience those same changes. Additionally, the researchers found that withholding the propionate from the test subjects helped blood sugar levels return to normal. This suggests the effects of the additive are reversible by avoiding future exposure.

The Dangers of Chemical Additives

Today, it’s a widely accepted practice for food manufacturers to add chemicals to our foods. Additives are compounds included in processed foods to create the colors, textures and flavors that make foods more palatable, while preservatives are chemicals that help keep foods fresh and safe to eat. Organizations like the Food and Drug Administration are tasked with ensuring these additives and preservatives are safe, but they can only base their testing on currently available research findings. As a result, some preservatives and additives are deemed safe and added to foods, although future testing reveals that they are actually harmful to human health.

Dangerous Food Additives

Food dyes. Certain food dyes have been found to increase hyperactivity in children. Specifically, parents should avoid yellow 5 and 6, red 3 and 40, blue 1 and 2, green 3 and orange B.
Partially hydrogenated vegetable oil. The trans-fats in this common cooking oil increases the risks of high cholesterol and heart disease.
Saccharin. While this artificial sweetener helps diabetics control blood sugar levels, it has also been linked to increased risks of developing cancer.
Potassium bromate. Even though this additive has been identified as a cancer-causing agent, it can still be found in baked goods in the U.S. and Japan.
Monosodium glutamate (MSG). For those with greater sensitivity, MSG can cause nausea and vomiting, as well as severe headaches. It has also been linked to cardiac-related deaths.
High fructose corn syrup (HFCS). This commonly used substance has been shown to raise the risks of obesity.

Preservatives to Avoid

Sodium benzoate. This compound, which is used to prevent the growth of fungi and bacteria, has actually been found to cause cancer.
Sodium nitrite/nitrate. This meat-preserving compound is another carcinogen to be avoided.
Olestra (a.k.a. olean). This is a compound used in manufacturing fat-free potato chips. It has been found to cause stomach cramps and other digestive problems.
Sulfites. Sulfites are commonly found in wines and fruits, where they are used to prevent fermentation and other types of bacterial growth. These compounds can cause allergic reactions that are fatal in many cases.
BHA and BHT. These compounds help stave off food decay. They may also be carcinogens, so they should be avoided whenever possible.

Natural Ways to Keep Your Blood Sugar in Check

The new findings that the propionate food additive linked to diabetes is inspiring many people to alter their diets. In particular, there’s renewed interest in keeping blood sugar levels under control. By employing these suggestions, you can work to maintain healthy blood sugar levels, which can help prevent the excessive production of insulin.

Eat Foods Based on Their Glycemic Index Ranking

The glycemic index ranks foods based upon the effects they have on blood sugar levels. Foods that have a lower impact on blood glucose include most vegetables, legumes and stone fruits.

Eat Protein-Rich Snacks

Healthy snacks that are rich in protein will help you boost your energy levels between meals. This will also help you avoid unhealthy snacking.

Start With a Satisfying Breakfast

By eating a first meal that consists of protein and healthy fats, you’ll give your body the nutrients it needs to maintain consistent energy levels for longer. In turn, this will help your body burn up more glucose throughout your day.

Consume More Fenugreek

Fenugreek is a spice that can be commonly found in Middle Eastern and Asian dishes. It’s recommended because it helps the body manage blood sugar levels more efficiently.

Add a Serving of Bilberry Fruit

Bilberries, also known as European blueberries, are very effective in helping the body keep blood sugar levels in balance. Additionally, they can help prevent the damage to blood vessels that often results from higher blood sugar levels.

A healthier lifestyle, including dietary changes and increased physical activity, can help you keep your blood glucose under control. For more tips about maintaining healthy blood sugar levels naturally, or to undergo a test for type 2 diabetes, consult your doctor. Taking on a healthier lifestyle will benefit you physically, mentally, and emotionally.

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.

Why the Human Body Needs Animal Fat (and When to Take a Supplement)

Apr 29 by Ewcopywriting

A lot has been written recently about the benefits of a plant-based diet. Although there are indisputable benefits to a primarily vegetarian diet, there is equally compelling evidence that animal fat in moderate amounts is actually necessary for good health. According to several new studies, your body needs animal fat to perform many of its essential functions.

Is Animal Fat Really the Bad Guy?

In a world where obesity and associated diseases are becoming serious public health hazards, there is a great deal of advice being offered when it comes to weight loss and general health. Cutting back on meats — or cutting them out altogether — is one commonly repeated suggestion. However, new research suggests that this may not be the best advice.

Several studies have found that vegetarians have better health than people who eat a standard Western diet. They have a lower risk of heart disease, diabetes and several of the diseases that are becoming prevalent and deadly in the modern world. However, these benefits may be due to other lifestyle differences — not just the fact that they do not consume animal products. Eating a wide variety of plant foods is important for health, but there may also be positive health effects for people who choose an omnivorous diet. In short, although there are many health benefits to eating plenty of vegetables, there are also benefits to eating meat products in moderation.

Why the Human Body Needs Animal Fat

The human body evolved to require an omnivore diet. This means getting plenty of plant-based foods, but also eating meat, fish and other animal products in moderation. Our brains require a constant input of calories as well as a wide range of fatty acids, such as EPA, DHA and ARA. Some of these fatty acids can be found in plant foods, but others cannot. People who completely eschew animal products go without EPA, DHA and ARA, all of which are found only in animal sources.

These fatty acids are essential for a variety of health functions. Our brains are made primarily of fat — more specifically, animal fat. DHA helps to form the myelin that insulates our neurons, while EPA is a fatty acid that plays an important role in reducing inflammation. Neither of these is available from plant sources. While our bodies can synthesize these fats to some extent from fatty acids found in plant foods, they cannot do so in the amount needed for optimal brain function. We need to eat essential fatty acids in order to have our brains function as they were intended.

Older studies suggest that animal foods are bad for our health, especially since they provide saturated fats and other unwanted biochemicals. However, we now know that these lipids are not as bad as we once believed them to be. In fact, saturated fats may be an essential part of the human diet, which traditionally has been omnivorous.

Finding the Right Balance

Although it is important to eat a wide range of plant-based foods, eating meat and other animal products may be just as important to human health. We need certain nutrients that only animal foods can provide. Although vegetarian diets can provide similar oils, the ones that come from animals and seafood are far different and play a very different role in our bodies. Omega-3 acids derived from plant sources have almost none of the essential fatty acids that we need for brain function, while animal and marine sources are full of them. We may ultimately be able to survive without DHA and EPA, but we will do so at the expense of our neurological health.

Is it possible to be a healthy omnivore? New research suggests that this is not just possible, but ideal. You indeed can get the omega-3 fatty acids that you need from an omnivorous diet. It also is possible to get these fatty acids in a way that is humane and environmentally sound. Although this balance can be a challenge, it nonetheless is possible — and likely was performed by most of our early ancestors.

Getting the Nutrition You Need for Whole-Body Health

Although nutritional recommendations often seem to be conflicting, there are several ideas that are salient. If you want to eat the best possible diet for long-term health, consider the following tips:

Eat a wide range of plant foods, including both fruits and vegetables, on a daily basis.
Eat meats and seafood several times a week.
Choose whole foods and less processed foods wherever possible.
Eat a wide variety, to ensure that you get variety in nutrients.
Consider taking a high-quality supplement that provides EPA and DHA where necessary.

Whether you are a vegetarian or an omnivore, there is a good chance that you are not getting the right balance of fatty acids. There are several supplements that can help you to get the animal-based fatty acids that you need for optimal brain function.

Although nutrition can be complicated in modern times, it is still possible to get the wide range of vitamins and fatty acids that you need. Ultimately, getting good nutrition is an essential part of living a healthy lifestyle and enjoying all of the benefits of optimal whole body health.

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.