Home » Blog » Consumption of Chili Pepper: An Ally for the Heart and Brain. Says the Veronesi Foundation

CONSUMPTION OF CHILI PEPPER: AN ALLY FOR THE HEART AND BRAIN. SAYS THE VERONESI FOUNDATION

published on 03/08/2024 The Benefits of Chili Pepper for Cardiovascular Health
Regular consumption of chili pepper has been associated with a reduced risk of death from cardiovascular causes. This was confirmed by a study supported by the Veronesi Foundation, which highlighted the numerous benefits of this spicy ingredient for heart and brain health.

Weight Loss and Heart Health
Chili pepper is not only a pleasure for the palate but also a valuable ally for cardiovascular health and weight loss. Studies conducted in China and the United States have already highlighted these benefits, and recent Italian research has confirmed that even in a Mediterranean diet, chili pepper plays a significant preventive role.

The Moli-sani Study
Published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, the Moli-sani study monitored the health of nearly 23,000 adults for over eight years. Coordinated by Licia Iacoviello of the IRCCS Neuromed of Pozzilli, with the collaboration of experts like Maria Benedetta Donati and former Veronesi Foundation fellows Maria Laura Bonaccio and Simona Costanzo, the study demonstrated that consuming chili pepper four or more times a week reduces the risk of death, particularly from heart attack and stroke.

Properties of Chili Pepper
The researchers observed that the benefits of chili pepper are independent of the overall quality of the diet. This suggests that chili pepper can be beneficial for health regardless of general dietary habits. Among the multiple benefits of chili pepper are:
  • Antibacterial and vasodilatory action
  • Control of cholesterol and blood pressure
  • Positive effect on metabolism, useful in weight-loss diets
Chili pepper is rich in antioxidants such as vitamin C, carotenoids, and polyphenols, but the main credit goes to capsaicin, the molecule responsible for its spiciness.

What Remains to Be Discovered?
The study highlighted greater benefits compared to other research, likely due to the overall quality of the Italian diet. However, it did not provide precise indications on the doses of chili pepper to be consumed. It is still advisable to use chili pepper instead of salt to control consumption and keep blood pressure in check.

Integrating chili pepper into the diet can bring numerous benefits for cardiovascular and general health. However, it is important to do so with caution and awareness, taking into account one's health conditions and dietary preferences.