Chilli peppers could be next diet formula

摘要

Capsaicin, the chief ingredient in chilli peppers, could provide the answer to the global problem of obesity and related health concerns. A study by University of Wyoming researchers shows capsaicin acts as chief "agonist" (initiator of a response) of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) channel protein and suppresses high-fat-diet-induced obesity. This suggests dietary capsaicin may help prevent and manage obesity and other related health complications such as Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular diseases, although carefully-controlled clinical trials supporting the findings need to be undertaken.