Some people love spicy foods but they may not know the hidden health benefits of eating “hot food”. New research suggests that eating spicy foods may provide some heart-health benefits from capsaicinoids, the compounds that give chili peppers from jalapeños to habañeros their kick.

Scientists from the Chinese University of Hong Kong studied capsaicinoids, capsaicin and its chemical relatives. The results of the study show that animals fed with capsaicinoids had lower levels of cholesterol in their blood, particularly LDL or “bad” cholesterol. The findings give scientists a better idea of just how spicy foods might work to improve heart health in humans.

Scientists have been intensively searching capsaicin’s potential health benefits in recent years. The compound is currently used as an effective remedy for pain associated with arthritis, neuropathy and psoriasis. Spicy foods may even improve metabolism as a 2011 study found that foods flavored with spices like turmeric, paprika, cinnamon, rosemary, oregano and garlic powder lowered insulin and triglyceride levels after a meal in overweight but healthy male volunteers.

In addition, cayenne peppers have been used medicinally for many years and companies make supplements supporting two very important health concerns: weight control and metabolism regulation. The potent hot fruit cayenne may also improve gastrointestinal tract, including stomach aches, gas and cramping pains, and has been used to improve circulation. Some researchers believe cayenne pepper supplements may help decreasing appetite and it can be taken on a regular basis without burning the stomach.

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