Diet has a very important role to play in the overall health and fitness of an individual. The chemistry between diet and overall health has been extensively studied and investigated. Majority of the research has been focused on micronutrients and macronutrients and their role in the overall health of an individual. Among the various spices that have been used to prepare different types of foods, the use of pepper has been quite extensive. This spice is widely used for coloring and flavoring of food. It is also well known that peppers have properties which actually aid in keeping an individual healthy. [1]
It is an ancient belief that spices help in maintaining hormonal balance in the body and prevent many medical conditions that are caused due to imbalance in various hormones. Chilli peppers are also known to play a part in lipid catabolism and prevent hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, diabetes, and other cardiovascular illnesses. Studies also suggest that many spices have plenty of antioxidants and antiinflammatory effects which prevent many medical conditions. [1]
However, a latest study done in China identified an interesting connection between chili pepper consumption and an increased risk of dementia in susceptible individuals. The study suggests that people who consume chili peppers in excess are at risk for significant cognitive decline in the long term. Whether this is actually the case has been explained in the article below. [1]
Can Spicy Food Increase The Risk For Dementia?
Studies suggest that one of the spiciest peppers called Caroline Reaper is believed to be linked to some potentially serious medical conditions, including significant brain damage. As an example an individual in the United States ate this spice as a part of a bet ended up with an excruciating headache that had to be treated in the emergency department. In most studies, eating chili peppers have been associated with various health benefits as stated above. The capsaicin present in peppers which makes them spicy is believed to be related to the health of an individual. [2]
There have been various studies conducted on the health benefits of chili peppers but very little data is available on the likelihood of the pepper causing cognitive decline. Thus, the latest study done on the Chinese population showing cognitive decline with use of chili peppers comes as a bit of a surprise causing researchers to look more into the properties of spices. The study mentions that eating chili peppers consistently over a period of time hastens the process of cognitive decline and increases the risk of dementia in susceptible individuals. [2]
The study involved 4500 participants with an average age of 55 years. The physician leading the team mentions that all the studies done thus far on spices have suggested the health benefits including the decreased risk for hypertension and diabetes. However, the current study showed that consistent use of peppers in people above the age of 50 had adverse effects on the health. The study showed that people who ate more than 50 g of chili pepper everyday were twice at risk for developing dementia than the normal population. [2]
The intake included both dry and fresh chili peppers. The study did not include black pepper and so its effects are not known yet. It was also noted during the study that people who had adverse effects of chili peppers mostly belonged to people who had low income and had low body mass index. The physical activity of such individuals was also questionable when compared to individuals who ate less spices. [2]
People with an average body mass index tend to be excessively sensitive to capsaicin than people who are overweight and this is the reason why such individuals are more prone to cognitive decline as a result of eating excessive spices. The study also found that people who ate excess chili were younger than people who ate less chili and moreover studies have not yet identified a connection between chili consumption and the body mass index of an individual. [2]
This raises the possibility that the elderly population tended to eat less chili compared to younger counterparts due to other chronic illnesses. The study concluded that there was a significant difference in the educational levels of people who ate more chili than people who did not. [2]
Thus it is possible that education levels of an individual may contribute to the connection between chili peppers and cognitive function of an individual. This is the reason why researchers aim at conducting further trials to identify the link between education, intake of chili, and the effect that chili has on the cognitive function of an individual. [2]
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