Paprika is a milder spice made from dried chilies and does not usually pack the fiery heat of other chili powders, although the exact spiciness will depend on the peppers used. Capsaicin is an essential component found in chili peppers. Research has focused on capsaicin and its health benefits, including those related to the heart.
Capsaicin
Natives of South and Central America have used chili peppers for centuries as a spice in food and as medication. The capsaicin found in chili peppers is responsible for providing the vegetable with the famous fiery burn. Capsaicin has been purported to provide pain relief, fight inflammation, lower blood glucose levels, increase metabolism and boost immunity. Capsaicin is also believed to have a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system. The essential ingredient is present in paprika, making paprika a healthy spice.
Cholesterol
Research published in 2009 in the "British Journal of Nutrition" investigated the effects of dietary capsanthin, an ingredient in paprika on lipid metabolism. Test rats were fed a diet that contained paprika in different forms, and cholesterol levels were compared to control rats. The research found that dietary capsanthin raised good cholesterol. Another study published in "Lipids" found that rats fed capsaicin and curcumin experienced lowered cholesterol levels. However, more research is needed to determine if paprika in particular can help to alter cholesterol levels.
Blood Pressure
A study published in "Cell Metabolism" in 2010 found that capsaicin causes blood vessels to relax. The research on rats conducted by Zhiming Zhu from Third Military Medical University in Chongqing, China, discovered that capsaicin activated a particular receptor in the lining of the blood vessels. When this receptor is activated, the body produces more nitrous oxide, which helps protect against inflammation. Researchers have also used epidemiological analysis to confirm the study's findings. In regions where spicy food is popular, hypertension is much less common.
Other Heart Benefits
Paprika and other spices containing capsaicin have been studied for their role in reducing inflammation. Although capsaicin is normally used to treat arthritis pain and joint inflammation, the anti-inflammatory properties can also assist in heart disease by reducing the production of substance P, a transmitter responsible for swelling. Some studies have suggested that capsaicin can help increase metabolism and help people lose weight. Unlike other dietary supplements, though, capsaicin does not raise the heart rate. Obesity, without any other risks, increases the chance of heart disease.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Cayenne; Steven D. Ehrlich; November 2008
- "British Journal of Nutrition"; Dietary Capsanthin, the Main Carotenoid in Paprika (Capsicum Annuum), Alters Plasma High-Density Lipoprotein-Cholesterol Levels and Hepatic Gene Expression in Rats; K. Aizawa, et al.; December 2009
- "Lipids"; Hypolipidemic and Antioxidant Effects of Dietary Curcumin and Capsaicin in Induced Hypercholesterolemic Rats; H. Manjunatha, et al.; December 2007
- Science Daily; Chili Peppers May Come with Blood Pressure Benefits; August 2010
- Oprah; Dr. Perricone's No. 7 Superfood: Hot Peppers; July 2005
- American Heart Association; Obesity Information; May 2011
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