Chili peppers might hold the secret to reversing the classic heart disease risk of hypertension (high blood pressure), which is often linked to PCOS.
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Capsaicin, the active ingredient in chili peppers, not only turns up the heat but also causes blood vessels to relax and lower blood pressure, according to a study in the August issue of Cell Metabolism.
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Chinese researchers gave capsaicin to rats with hypertension and noticed that it opened up the animals’ constricted vessels. Capsaicin activates a pathway in the lining of blood vessels called the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1), which raises the production of a gas called nitric oxide. The gas, in turn, helps guard blood vessels against heart-damaging inflammation and other cardiovascular problems.
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The researchers couldn’t say how much capsaicin or how many chili peppers would be needed on a daily basis to keep blood pressure down and they called for further study.
But it might be a good idea to add chili peppers to your diet.
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Women with PCOS and high blood pressure who can’t stomach extremely spicy foods might not be out of luck. A milder, sweet pepper from Japan, which contains a related chemical called capsinoid, also seems to have a comparable impact on hypertension.
Next Steps
- Take the PCOS Quiz!  Get your score and assess your hormone health risks.
- Join our Facebook Sisterhood Group Pose your questions to this group of like-minded women. Get the answers to your questions and the support you need.
- Checkout the Hormone Reset. Guided Practices to eliminate anxiety, lose weight and boost energy.
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