Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the Western world, and high cholesterol (elevated levels of LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol)), is the leading cause. High levels of LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) circulating in the blood can turn into plaque, leading to clogged arteries.
This occurs when LDL cholesterol circulating in the blood turns into plaque. The body also requires HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol), which carries LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) to the liver for removal from the body. However, when LDL cholesterol levels are high, HDL levels are low, resulting in a buildup of LDL cholesterol in the body and therefore the risk of blocked arteries.
Weight gain is also a global epidemic, and combined with high blood cholesterol levels, you are a time bomb waiting to go off, at risk of serious and deadly disease.
For centuries, the humble chili has been used as a health tonic in many countries, in addition to its common use in foods throughout the world. However, it is only now that Capsicum, also known as red pepper or chili pepper, is coming to light for its health benefits. It is a great solution to reduce cholesterol, as well as being very beneficial for losing weight.
Until very recently we couldn’t take this superfood in supplement form, due to it aggravating the digestive tract. However, due to a recent technological release, we can now take a concentrated form of this amazing weight loss food in tablet form.
So how can chili lower my cholesterol and my weight at the same time?
Capsicum, when taken in high doses, works by greatly speeding up metabolism and burning fat before it can be absorbed by the body and stored as fat. It also helps suppress your appetite, making you much less likely to overeat, snack, or binge throughout the day. Calories taken in during a meal and not used immediately are converted to triglycerides and transported to fat cells for storage. Capsaicin prevents fat from being absorbed, increasing metabolic rate, which means fat is better mobilized throughout the body. The higher your metabolic rate, the more fat you will lose.
Chili also increases blood circulation, so more oxygen and nutrients are transported through the body at a faster and more efficient rate. This promotes a healthier body and ensures consistent weight loss.
Capsicum contains vitamin C and vitamin A, which contain beta-carotenoids, which are powerful antioxidants. These antioxidants remove free radicals and other toxins from our bodies and cleanse metabolic pathways, helping our bodies to function more efficiently. The supply of nutrients to the tissues is also increased. If free radicals are left unchecked in the body, a buildup of harmful chemicals and toxins can occur, drastically increasing our chances of serious illness and disease. The antioxidants in Capsicum scavenge free radicals that can also increase cholesterol levels, which can also cause heart disease.
The bell pepper also contains vitamin B6 and folic acid. Vitamin B reduces high homocysteine, which has been shown to cause damage to blood vessels and is associated with a much higher risk of heart attack and stroke. It also converts homocysteine into other molecules which is beneficial for lowering cholesterol levels.
Capsaicin, the compound in chili peppers that is responsible for its heat, also helps lower bad cholesterol and triglyceride levels (the chemical form in which most fat is found in food and in the body). When capsaicin is ingested, the typical rise in cholesterol levels in the liver and blood serum is significantly reduced.
Capsicum has also been found to help regulate blood pressure, encourage better blood circulation, and reduce common respiratory diseases such as asthma, the common cold, sinusitis, and bronchitis, as it also dilates the airways in the lungs.
