Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Hot on Facebook
Man Tries to Order Priciest Starbucks Drink Ever Total cost: $23.60 »

Chili Peppers Could Help Heart Attack Victims

Capsaicin found to reduce cell damage in mice

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Sep 22, 2009 9:22 AM CDT

(Newser) – Capsaicin, the chemical that makes chili peppers so spicy, could turn out to be the newest—and oddest—heart drug, the Wall Street Journal reports. Scientists applied the chemical to the abdominal skin of mice then induced heart attacks; their hearts suffered 85% less cell damage than the mice treated with a placebo, possibly because capsaicin activates nerves linked to the spinal cord, which then trigger survival-oriented nerves in the heart muscle.

The chemical that makes chili peppers hot could also help during a heart attack.
The chemical that makes chili peppers hot could also help during a heart attack.   (Shutterstock)
The chemical that makes chili peppers hot could also help during a heart attack.
The chemical that makes chili peppers hot could also help during a heart attack.   (Shutterstock)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 11 comments
muleskinner
Sep 23, 2009 12:51 PM CDT
Deming are better
Timinator2K
Sep 23, 2009 6:16 AM CDT
Capzasin, use that stuff and you better darn well wear gloves to apply it as if you get this on your fingers and then touch near your eyes or other sensitive areas, you will live to regret it...NASTY HOT SH*T!
Unaffiliated
Sep 22, 2009 6:19 AM CDT
You've been beaten to market. http://www.amazon.com/gp/produ...

More Newser Stories

Patron at Heart Attack Grill Gets ... a Heart Attack

Woman Eats Only Pizza for 31 Years

Why Do More Men Get Heart Disease? Blame Dad

Fried Food Doesn't Cause Heart Attacks

Heart Patients Told Sex Is Safe—but Not Affairs


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne