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Do Chili Peppers Help the Heart?

People who eat lots of chili peppers tend to eat less salt. Whether it is due to salt reduction or capsaicin consumption, their blood pressure benefits.

Pepperheads may be doing their hearts a favor when they indulge their taste buds. Research from China suggests that those who eat meals with lots of chili peppers often go lighter on the salt (Hypertension, online Oct. 31, 2017). The researchers found that that those who love chili peppers still eat some salt in their food, just not quite as much as those eating blander foods.

Chili Peppers and Blood Pressure:

Blood pressure readings differed between those who often enjoy capsaicin, the hot stuff in chili peppers, and those who avoid it. Pepper lovers had systolic blood pressure that was 8 points lower, on average, along with diastolic blood pressure that was 5 points lower than that in people who don’t like spice. The research did not determine whether the benefit was solely from reduced salt intake, or whether capsaicin might have an independent effect on blood pressure.

Other research suggests that pepper lovers may live longer (PLOS One, Jan. 9, 2017). We don’t know if this is due to the beneficial effects of chili peppers on blood pressure, but it might help.

Learn More:

If you’d like more information on the benefits of capsaicin and ways to incorporate peppers into your diet, you may be interested in our book, Spice Up Your Health: How Everyday Kitchen Herbs & Spices Can Lengthen & Strengthen You Life.

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About the Author
Terry Graedon, PhD, is a medical anthropologist and co-host of The People’s Pharmacy radio show, co-author of The People’s Pharmacy syndicated newspaper columns and numerous books, and co-founder of The People’s Pharmacy website. Terry taught in the Duke University School of Nursing and was an adjunct assistant professor in the Department of Anthropology. She is a Fellow of the Society of Applied Anthropology. Terry is one of the country's leading authorities on the science behind folk remedies..
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