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EATING SPICY FOODS TO REDUCE SALT INTAKE AND LOWER BLOOD PRESSURE
published on 27/07/2024An interesting way to reduce salt intake is to incorporate spicy or seasoned foods into your diet. Fans of spicy flavors tend to consume less salt and, as a result, maintain lower blood pressure, which decreases the risk of cardiovascular diseases like heart attacks and strokes. This finding comes from a study conducted by the Third Military Medical University of Chongqing, China, published in the journal Hypertension.
The research involved 606 Chinese adults, examining their preferences for salty and spicy tastes. The results showed that those who enjoyed spicy foods had significantly lower blood pressure compared to those who preferred less spicy foods: their systolic pressure was on average eight millimeters of mercury lower, while their diastolic pressure was five millimeters of mercury lower. Additionally, these individuals consumed less salt compared to participants who did not like spicy foods.
Using brain imaging techniques, the researchers examined the activity of two brain regions, the insula and the orbitofrontal cortex, both involved in the perception of salty taste. It was found that the areas activated by the consumption of salt and spices like chili peppers overlapped, with spicy foods further enhancing brain stimulation. This might explain why lovers of spicy foods are more sensitive to the taste of salt, allowing them to use less in their diets.
Zhiming Zhu, the lead author of the study, suggests that adding spices during cooking can help prepare flavorful dishes without the need for much salt. However, the researchers caution that these findings, based on a Chinese population, need to be replicated in further studies to be considered universally applicable.
