More chillies? Think twice! Spicy diets linked to dementia, memory loss: Study

New Delhi, July 23 (IANS): Think twice before adding that extra kick of chilli sauce or chopped jalapeño to your meal as researchers have found that a spicy diet could be linked to dementia.

According to the research involving 4,582 Chinese adults aged over 55, evidence of faster cognitive decline was found in those who consistently ate more than 50 grams of chilli per day. Memory decline was even more significant if the chilli lovers were slim.

The study, published in the journal Nutrients, showed that those who consumed in excess of 50 grams of chilli a day had almost double the risk of memory decline and poor cognition.

"Chili consumption was found to be beneficial for body weight and blood pressure in our previous studies. However, in this study, we found adverse effects on cognition among older adults," said the lead author of the study, Zumin Shi from Qatar University.

Chilli intake included both fresh and dried chilli peppers but not sweet capsicum or black pepper.

According to the researchers, capsaicin is the active component in chilli, which reportedly speeds up metabolism, fat loss and inhibits vascular disorders but this is the first longitudinal study to investigate the association between chilli intake and cognitive function.

Those who ate a lot of chilli had a lower income and body mass index (BMI) and were more physically active compared to non-consumers.

People of normal body weight may be more sensitive to chilli intake than overweight people, hence the impact on memory and weight, said the researchers. 

"Chili consumption has been linked previously to weight and blood pressure control. Capsaicin is the active ingredient which helps in energy expenditure and fat oxidation 

However, a new Chinese study says long term consumption of Chili more than 50 grams per day may have a significant impact on the memory," Sahil Kohli, Consultant -- Neurology, Narayana Superspeciality Hospital in Gurugram, told IANS.

"So if you like chillies keep their quantity less than 50 grams per day till the time further studies are conducted to validate the new research," he added.