How spicy foods can kill cancers

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

Scientists have discovered the key to the ability of spicy foods to kill cancer cells.

They found capsaicin, an ingredient of jalapeno peppers, triggers cancer cell death by attacking mitochondria - the cells' energy-generating boiler rooms.

The research raises the possibility that other cancer drugs could be developed to target mitochondria.

The Nottingham University study features in Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications.

The study showed that the family of molecules to which capsaicin belongs, the vanilloids, bind to proteins in the cancer cell mitochondria to trigger apoptosis, or cell death, without harming surrounding healthy cells.

[...]

Lead researcher Dr Timothy Bates said: "As these compounds attack the very heart of the tumour cells, we believe that we have in effect discovered a fundamental 'Achilles heel' for all cancers.

[...]

"This is an innate selective vulnerability of cancer cells."

[...]

The fact that capsaicin and other vanilloids are already commonly found in the diet proves they are safe to eat.

This could make development of a drug containing them a much quicker and cheaper process.

[...]

However, Josephine Querido, cancer information officer at Cancer Research UK, said: "This research does not suggest that eating vast quantities of chilli pepper will help prevent or treat cancer.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/6244715.stm

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

Well, if spicy foods keep one safe, then I don't have a thing to worry about. Hell, I put Jalapeno peppers into my salads.

[Savanphil 3]

Yay, for peppers .....we put them in everything.

Edited January 10, 2007 by Savanphil

[Ban Hammer 13,677]

Well, if spicy foods keep one safe, then I don't have a thing to worry about. Hell, I put Jalapeno peppers into my salads.

same here. jalapena and pepperoni pizza rocks too

[one...two...tree 2,762]

That sounds promising. I'm wondering what other peppers contain this capsaicin?

[almaty 19]

i like them too....haberno sauce !!

[Ta Ta 1]

That may explain why poeple certain countries have almost no cancer.......where

are my hot peppers..bring 'em on !

[Savanphil 3]

i like them too....haberno sauce !!

Now that's hotttttt!!!!

I decided to play around with Habanero's one time, and don't you know....that the capsaicin was in my pores so even after I washed my hands....it burned the heck outta my eyes....

valuable lesson

never touch eyes after handling peppers

Edited January 10, 2007 by Savanphil

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

i like them too....haberno sauce !!

Now that's hotttttt!!!!

I decided to play around with Habanero's one time, and don't you know....that the capsaicin was in pores so even after I washed my hands....it burned the heck outta my eyes....

valuable lesson

never touch eyes after handling peppers

hey at least your eyes wont get cancer

[Savanphil 3]

B)

[one...two...tree 2,762]

I'm wondering about things like the red peppers used to make the chili paste in Korean Kimchi, or green curry, wasabi?

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

steven, wondering what? rub some wasabi on your eyeballs, let us know how the cancer treatment feels.

[Savanphil 3]

steven, wondering what? rub some wasabi on your eyeballs, let us know how the cancer treatment feels.

Yikes!!!

[Caladan 19]

That sounds promising. I'm wondering what other peppers contain this capsaicin?

I think any member of the Capiscum (I'm totally botching the spelling) family contains capsaicin, including bell peppers and chiles. Probably not wasabi, since it's not a pepper.

I make a great chili. However. If you chop four habaneros. Do not touch your face, unless you enjoy having allergic reactions to them.

[Elphie 0]

Awesome. I eat spicy foods all the time & I looove jalapenos.