Spicy Food Strengthens Connections Between Brain Cells
Red peppers contain a compound known as apigenin, which has been shown to strengthen connections between brain cells. Other research has shown that apigenin, a flavonoid, may also be a a powerful agent in preserving key brain functions such as memory and learning. This, in turn, may provide protection against disorders such as Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, and some mental disorders such as schizophrenia.
Spicy Food Actually Makes You Live Longer
A massive study of half a million Chinese people, conducted by researchers at Harvard, suggests that spicy food may help you live longer. Specifically, people who eat chilli peppers a few times a week lower their risk of death by 14% in any given period compared with those who stick to blander foods. Why? It’s thought that capsaicin, a compound found in peppers, has a beneficial effect on metabolism and directly reduces your risk of developing a range of ailments, including cancer. Featured photo credit: Angie Garrett via flickr.com
