A popular spice might just be the secret ingredient for lowering cholesterol and potentially warding off cancer, recent studies suggest. This fruit is brimming with a compound that's been linked to numerous health advantages.

Research indicates that chilli peppers could be instrumental in maintaining a healthy heart, among other benefits, thanks to capsaicin, the compound that gives chillies their fiery kick.

Capsaicin is not only responsible for the heat in chillies but also boasts cholesterol-lowering properties and may even contribute to reducing the risk of cancer and arthritis. A study published in the Frontiers in Nutrition journal in 2022 shed light on how capsaicin impacts cholesterol levels.

In this study, researchers reviewed nine controlled trials involving 461 patients with metabolic syndrome—a cluster of conditions that increase the risk of type 2 diabetes and heart or blood vessel issues.

The findings revealed that capsaicin intake "significantly" lowered total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (also known as "bad" cholesterol).

The authors of the study concluded: "Capsaicin (CAP) supplementation is a promising approach to decreasing total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in patients with metabolic syndrome. However, short-term (less than 12 weeks) use of CAP in women may also reduce triglycerides [a type of fat found in the blood] levels."

Heart disease

Other studies have pointed towards chillies and capsaicin as potential allies in the fight against heart disease. A study featured in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology in 2019 found that frequent consumption of chilli peppers might be linked to a reduced risk of dying from heart disease.

This research delved into the diets and health histories of over 22,000 individuals residing in the south of Italy, monitoring them for an average span of just above eight years.

The findings were quite striking, showing that people who indulged in chilli peppers more than four times per week had about a one-third lower chance of dying from heart disease compared to those who didn't partake in the hot and spicy fare. Remarkably, this advantage seemed to exist regardless of whether the participants followed a Mediterranean-style diet or a diet considered less beneficial for health.

The researchers reported: "In a large adult Mediterranean population, regular consumption of chilli pepper is associated with a lower risk of total and cardiovascular disease (CVD) death independent of CVD risk factors or adherence to a Mediterranean diet. Known biomarkers of CVD risk only marginally mediate the association of chilli pepper intake with mortality."

Adding to the body of evidence, separate research published in the Angiology journal in 2021 consolidated data from four distinct studies focusing on the consumption of spicy food – specifically chilli peppers, chilli sauce, or chilli oil – and its relationship with cardiovascular disease.

The combined research, which encompassed 564,748 participants over an average span of 9.7 years, revealed a fascinating link between the consumption of spicy food and health benefits.

The study authors discovered that those who regularly indulge in spicy foods have a lower risk of death from all causes, as well as from cardiovascular diseases.

They stated: "The pooled data suggested that compared with people who did not regularly consume spicy food, regular consumers of spicy food experienced a 12% lower risk of all-cause mortality."

Additionally, they found that eating spicy food was significantly associated with a reduced risk of dying from heart diseases, but this was not the case for cerebrovascular conditions.

They concluded: "In conclusion, available epidemiological studies suggest that the consumption of spicy chilli food is associated with reduced risk of all-cause as well as heart disease-related mortality. Further studies in different populations are needed to confirm this association."

Cancer

Another piece of research published in the Molecules journal in 2022 highlighted that capsaicin, the fiery component of chillies, might be instrumental in preventing obesity. The study also noted capsaicin's anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.

The researchers remarked: "Capsaicinoids act against high cholesterol levels and obesity, show anticancer effects, and are used to treat arthritis pain."