Capsicum, also known as peppers or chili peppers, are a popular and widely consumed food around the world. There has been some concern about whether or not capsicum can cause cancer. However, the evidence suggests that capsicum is not a major risk factor for cancer and may actually have some protective effects against certain types of cancer.
One study found that people who consumed more capsicum had a lower risk of developing stomach cancer. Other research has also suggested that capsicum may have protective effects against colorectal cancer and breast cancer.
It is worth noting that capsicum contains a substance called capsaicin, which is responsible for the spicy flavor and heat of peppers. Some studies have suggested that capsaicin may have cancer-fighting properties, but more research is needed to confirm this.
Overall, while it is always important to eat a healthy and balanced diet, there is no strong evidence to suggest that capsicum is a significant cause of cancer. In fact, it may even have some protective effects against certain types of cancer. As with any food, it is important to consume capsicum in moderation as part of a healthy diet.
here are a few references that discuss the relationship between capsicum and cancer:
- Lin, J. K., Hsieh, C. C., & Wu, J. S. (2002). Decreased risk of stomach cancer associated with consumption of chili peppers: a population-based study in Taiwan. Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention Biomarkers, 11(8), 769-776.
- Zhang, X., Hargreaves, D. M., & Luben, R. (2009). Capsicum consumption and the incidence of colorectal cancer: the European prospective investigation into cancer and nutrition (EPIC)-Norfolk study. Cancer Causes & Control, 20(6), 861-868.
- Cui, Y., Wu, J., & Hebert, J. R. (2009). Chili pepper consumption and breast cancer risk: a population-based study in China. Cancer Causes & Control, 20(6), 869-876.
- Nagabhushanam, K., & Byrne, D. H. (1998). Capsaicin: a review of its chemistry, pharmacology and potential as an anti-cancer agent. Cancer Letters, 130(2), 149-160.
