Capsaicin Health Benefits
Capsaicin, the compound that gives hot peppers their heat, is composed of a number of different compounds. Capsaicin is known to have many health benefits including pain relief, digestion improvement, and inflammation reduction.
Capsaicin, which is also an antioxidant, can protect the cells against damage caused by free radicals, or unstable molecules, that can damage DNA and lead to cancer.
Anti-Tumor Compounds in Peppers
Researchers have discovered several anti-tumor substances in hot peppers. These include capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin. These compounds inhibit cancer cell growth and induce apoptosis or programmed cellular death in different types of cancerous cells.
In one study, capsaicin was found to slow prostate cancer cell growth by blocking certain pathways. Capsaicin was found to induce apoptosis among pancreatic cancer cell lines in another study. Dihydrocapsaicin was also shown to inhibit breast cancer cell growth.
The findings indicate that hot peppers could be a potential cancer-fighting foods.
Can peppers cause cancer?
Although hot peppers may have health benefits, there are concerns that they could cause cancer.
In one study, capsaicin was administered to mice in a diet that caused duodenal tumours. A Mexican epidemiological study found that chili pepper consumers were more likely to develop gastric cancer.
Capsaicin consumption in excess can cause colonic mucosa irritation, which may lead to histopathological changes and biochemical reactions, such as erosion of the gastric mucosa or hepatic necrosis.
Uncertain effects and mixed results
Peppers are a food that fights cancer, but the evidence is mixed.
While some studies suggest that pepper consumption may increase cancer risk, other studies found no difference between those who regularly consume peppers and those who don’t.
Peppers can cause cancer. More research is required to understand this.
Follow your doctor’s advice and follow the treatment plan if you are living with cancer. This will ensure you get the best care. The use of peppers is not intended to replace medical care.
