Shi Z, El-Obeid T, Riley M, Li M, Page A, Liu J. High Chili
Intake and Cognitive Function among 4582 Adults: An Open Cohort Study
over 15 Years. Nutrients. 2019 May 27;11(5).
Abstract
We aimed to examine the association between chili intake and
cognitive function in Chinese adults. This is a longitudinal study of 4852
adults (age 63.4 ± 7.7) attending the China Health and Nutrition Survey during
1991 and 2006. Cognitive function was assessed in 1997, 2000, 2004 and 2006. In
total, 3302 completed cognitive screening tests in at least two surveys. Chili
intake was assessed by a 3-day food record during home visits in each survey
between 1991 and 2006. Multivariable mixed linear regression and logistic
regression were used. Chili intake was inversely related to cognitive function.
In fully adjusted models, including sociodemographic and lifestyle factors, compared
with non-consumers, those whose cumulative average chili intake above 50 g/day
had the regression coefficients (and 95% CI) for global cognitive function of
-1.13 (-1.71-0.54). Compared with non-consumers, those with chili consumption
above 50 g/day had the odds ratio (and 95% CI) of 2.12(1.63-2.77),
1.56(1.23-1.97) for self-reported poor memory and self-reported memory decline,
respectively. The positive association between chili intake and cognitive
decline was stronger among those with low BMI than those with high BMI. The
longitudinal data indicate that higher chili intake is positively associated
with cognitive decline in Chinese adults in both genders.
On the other hand...
ReplyDeleteThe hot pepper, typical of the Mediterranean diet, is already known for its therapeutic virtues of various kinds. Now a research conducted by the Department of Epidemiology and Prevention of the IRCCS Neuromed of Pozzilli , in collaboration with the Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine of the Istituto Superiore di Sanità , of the University of Insubria of Varese and of the Mediterranean Cardiocentro of Naples, published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology (JACC) , shows how people used to consume it regularly have a mortality risk for every cause reduced by 23% compared to those who do not.
The study examined 22,811 citizens of Molise participating in the Moli-sani study . By following their state of health for an average period of about eight years, and comparing it with their eating habits, the researchers were able to show that in people who regularly consume chilli (four times a week or more), the risk of dying of a heart attack it is reduced by 40% and cerebrovascular mortality is more than halved. This regardless of the type of power supply followed.
The Moli-sani study is the first to explore the properties of this spicy spice in relation to the risk of death in a European and Mediterranean population like that of Molise.
"The chili pepper - comments Licia Iacoviello , director of the Department of Epidemiology and Prevention of the IRCCS Neuromed and Professor of Hygiene and Public Health at Insubria -, is a fundamental component of our food culture. Over the centuries it has been given properties of all kinds, most often based on anecdotes or customs. It is important now that the research deals with it in a concrete way, with rigor and scientific evidence. As already observed in China and the United States, the various plants of the capsicum species, although consumed in different ways throughout the world, can exert a protective action towards our health ".
New research will now have to be started to understand the biochemical modalities through which the chili pepper and other foods characterized by capsaicin act.
Reference
Chili Pepper Consumption and Mortality in Italian Adults. Marialaura Bonaccio et al. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, Volume 74, Issue 25, 24 December 2019, Pages 3139-3149, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacc.2019.09.068.