According to scientists, blocking the body’s ability to feel pain can help you live longer. In animal experiments, mice genetically altered not to feel pain not only lived longer but were healthier than normal mice. One food naturally able to block the sensation of pain in humans is chili peppers.
In a recent study, researchers were able to find a direct link between pain sensations and mortality. A group of mice lacking the TRPV1 pain receptors were compared against unaltered mice. Results showed that mice without the ability to feel pain were remarkably healthier. According to the Medical Daily with reference to Daily Mail, these mice were less likely to develop cancer, had better memory in old age, burned off more calories without exercise, and their metabolism and ability to process sugar stayed healthy as they aged.
Although the animals in the study had been genetically altered not to feel pain, chili peppers are able to do this naturally. This is because of the capsaicin they contain. Capsaicin is used to treat all types of pain, ranging from arthritis pain, neuropathic pain, or skin conditions that have a painful itch, the Medical Daily reported with reference to ABC News.
"Chronic ingestion of compounds that affect TRPV1 such as capsaicin might help prevent metabolic decline with age and lead to increased longevity in humans," said Andrew Dillin, lead researcher of the study.
Aside from perhaps making you live longer, chili peppers are also capable of giving people a euphoric sensation when consumed in large quantities. "There's a massive endorphin rush, and I feel really good after all the pain and craziness," he said.
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