Capsaicinoids, the compounds that make jalapenos hot, may actually be good for your heart.
In a Chinese study on hamsters, it was found that hamsters eating a diet high in cholesterol and capsaicin instead of just a high cholesterol diet had lower bad cholesterol.
They even decreased plaque in their arteries!
If that’s the same in people that means spicy foods could actually prevent a heart attack….though throwing a few jalapeno slices on your custom-made, triple decker big mac will probably only upset your stomach.
They are currently working on how to have this information directly benefit people.
A researcher said:
“[├óΓé¼┬ª] we certainly do not recommend that people start consuming chilies to an excess. They may be a nice supplement, however, for people who find the hot flavor pleasant.”
Spicy foods may even improve metabolism!
In a different study they were shown to lower insulin and triglyceride levels after spicier meals.
So next time you drown your fried eggs in Frank’s RedHot, enjoy the burn… you may be helping your heart.
