It almost sounds too good to be true - a chemical that can kill cancer cells with little or no harmful side effects - and even more so if you love spicy food.

Researchers in the United Kingdom have found that capsaicin, which is found in hot peppers, can cause cancer cells to self-destruct. The common compound found in the foods that make you sweat attacks the bad cells without harming any of the good surrounding tissues.

The findings were published in the journal of Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications.

Scientists at the University of Nottingham in England and in Wales tested the capsaicin on human lung cancer cells with positive results and also tried the compound on pancreatic cancer cells, considered one of the toughest forms of cancer to beat, and had similar success.

This research correlates with low cancer rates in nations such as India and Mexico where chillies are a dietary staple.

In China, specifically in Sichuan cuisine, the use of hot peppers has long been thought to help ward off ailments caused by a damp climate.

The UK scientists' findings could have an incredible affect on cancer care because capsaicin is a readily available substance already approved for use in several medications and using it to fight the disease would be relatively cheap.

"The ingredient has been studied many years for health benefits including cancer," local registered dietician Julie Daniluk explains.

Patrick Chetty doesn't need much convincing of hot peppers' health properties. He eats them every day and even bottles his own hot sauce.

"You don't get a cold, you're never sick, you never complain about anything," he said.

City News