iVillage

Add 12 (or More) Years to Your Life! New Ways to Protect Against Heart Disease

Stop heart disease in its tracks with these simple strategies (11 Photos)

Brenda Kearns on May 29, 2012 at 1:43PM

chime in now

Single View
View All

1 of 11

Add 12 (or More) Years to Your Life! New Ways to Protect Against Heart Disease

H. Eastwood/Lifesize/Getty Images

Spice Up Your Meals

Jalapenos, habaneros, cayenne pepper, hot sauce -- these mouthwatering flavor-boosters can do a whole lot more than just jazz up your chili and nachos. According to University of Cincinnati researchers, capsaicin -- what gives these spices their fiery flavor -- is a powerful anti-inflammatory compound that prevents the formation of dangerous blood clots in the arteries. In follow-up studies, research found that capsaicin also broke down blood fats before they could be converted into artery-clogging cholesterol. Plus, it relaxed arteries, cutting the risk of damaging blood pressure surges in half.

The study-proven dose: All you need is 1/4 teaspoon of the dried spices, 1 teaspoon of a hot sauce or 1 tablespoon of fresh or pickled hot peppers daily.

Filed Under:

Comments See all

How do you keep your heart healthy?