"A plate of spaghetti aglio, olio e peperoncino is a real cure-all." These were the words of Umberto Veronesi, a leading physician in the field of prevention. Today, several studies confirm this, including the recent research presented by the American Heart Association which, in November 2020, examined 4,729 studies containing all the health and dietary data of more than 570,000 people living in the United States, Italy, China and Iran.

This analysis found that chilli pepper eaters, compared to people who never or rarely eat it, had a 26 per cent lower probability of dying from cardiovascular disease, a 23 per cent lower probability of dying from cancer, and a 25 per cent lower probability of dying from other causes.

Chilli pepper: the many benefits discovered by science

This is not the first study to highlight the positive effects chilli pepper can have on health. Thanks to the presence of capsaicin, the molecule responsible for its spiciness, and the mix of antioxidant substances it contains — such as vitamin C, carotenoids and polyphenols — this fruit is considered an effective anti-inflammatory, an excellent anti-tumour agent and also a good regulator of blood glucose.

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According to Bo Xu, a cardiologist at the Cleveland Clinic's heart, vascular & thoracic institute, and author of the study, the research results demonstrate — and confirm — that diet in general affects health, but that further tests are needed on the positive effects of chilli pepper. "To confirm these preliminary findings, more evidence is needed from randomised controlled studies," Xu states, adding that further analyses will also be needed to identify which other compounds in this berry, besides capsaicin, are responsible for the positive health effects.

Antibacterial, vasodilatory and metabolism-boosting

Several already published studies show how chilli pepper exerts an antibacterial and vasodilatory action. But that is not all. This fruit may also help keep cholesterol and blood pressure levels under control. In addition, it appears to be an excellent ally in weight-loss diets: according to a 2017 study published in the International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition, chilli pepper was found to have a positive effect on metabolism.

Spice is good for you, but in moderation

Like any other spice, care must be taken with chilli pepper too, and it should not be overused at the table. Although, as we have seen, the benefits are many, there are certain cases in which it is best to avoid it altogether. For instance, all people who suffer from gastro-oesophageal reflux, irritable bowel syndrome, haemorrhoidal syndrome, gastric ulcer and inflammatory bowel diseases should omit chilli pepper from their diet. In addition to these conditions, obviously those with allergies and, in general, children should also avoid it — the latter because they still have a delicate digestive system. Finally, consumption is not recommended for pregnant women.