HOT NEWS Spicy curry key to healthy heart

London: Think of a healthy meal — and a spicy curry might be the last thing that springs to your mind. But, a new study has now claimed that the hot dish could be the key to a healthy heart. 

    Researchers have found that a compound in hot peppers, used to spice up curry, lowers the total cholesterol levels and benefit blood vessels — in fact, the secret lies in the "hot" part of the chilli, the capsaicin, which they say helps ward off heart disease. 

    The spicy ingredient is something of a health wonder. It has been found to help shrink prostate and pancreatic tumours, works well as a painkiller and helps treat asthma, colds and flu. It has been used for weight loss. 

    And, now the researchers at Chinese University of Hong Kong say they have found that capsaicin and a close chemical relative aid heart health in two ways, the 'Daily Express' newspaper reported. 

    First, they lower cholesterol by reducing its build-up in the body and increasing its breakdown and excretion. Secondly, they also block action of a gene that makes arteries contract and restrict blood flow. PTI