Last Updated on June 28, 2023 by Neelam Singh
Quick take
A social media post claims that eating green chillies daily can help avoid lung cancer. We fact checked and found the claim to be Mostly False.
The Claim
A video posted on Instagram page fitbodyfacts, says eating green chillies daily can help avoid lung cancer if you are a smoker. The video has gathered over 221 likes.
Fact check
What is lung cancer?
Lung cancer is the second most common cancer and the leading cause of mortality worldwide for both men and women. It poses a significant health problem in many countries, and its incidence rate is rapidly increasing. The primary cause of lung cancer is smoking, as tobacco smoke contains more than 60 known carcinogens. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), such as benzo(a)pyrene (B(a)P), are among the carcinogens found in tobacco smoke and play a significant role in the development of lung cancer.
What are the factors affecting lung cancer?
- Smoking tobacco: Tobacco smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer. Quitting smoking or never starting in the first place can significantly reduce the risk of developing lung cancer.
- Secondhand smoke: Avoiding exposure to secondhand smoke, which is emitted by smokers, can help lower the risk of lung cancer.
- Radon exposure: Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can seep into homes. Testing for radon levels and taking necessary measures to reduce exposure can minimize the risk of lung cancer .
- Asbestos exposure: Minimizing exposure to asbestos, commonly found in certain occupations or older buildings, is crucial for lowering the risk of lung cancer.
- Exposure to other cancer-causing substances: Limiting exposure to substances known to be carcinogenic, such as radioactive ores, arsenic, or diesel fumes, can help reduce the risk.
- Air pollution: Taking steps to minimize exposure to outdoor air pollution, such as avoiding heavily polluted areas or using appropriate air filtration systems, can be beneficial.
- Family history of lung cancer: While family history cannot be changed, individuals with a family history of lung cancer can still focus on modifying other risk factors within their control to lower their overall risk.
Can regular consumption of green chillies help in reducing the risk of developing lung cancer?
There is a thin possibility. Capsaicin, a compound found in chilli peppers, has been found to have anticancer effects in lung cancer cells. It works by inhibiting cell growth and blocking the cancer cells pathway, which is involved in cancer progression. The mechanism by which capsaicin inhibits cancer involves targeting mitochondria and inhibiting mitochondrial respiration. This leads to an increase in oxygen levels inside the cells, ultimately resulting in the degradation of lung cancer cells. These findings suggest that capsaicin might be a promising candidate for mitochondria-targeted therapy in lung cancer treatment.
But Capsaicin, the main active component in green chillies, has been a subject of controversy regarding its safety and potential effects on cancer. Some studies suggest capsaicin can act as both a carcinogen and a cancer preventive agent, but conflicting epidemiological data and research findings contribute to the debate. Capsaicin is known for its ability to desensitize neurons, which has been utilized in pain relief creams. However, long-term application of capsaicin has been found to increase skin carcinogenesis in mice when combined with a tumor promoter. This suggests caution should be exercised when using capsaicin-containing topical applications alongside tumor promoters such as sunlight.
According to Dr Sarthak Moharir, Chief Radiation Oncologist Apollo Cancer Centre, Bilaspur, “The only natural remedy to prevent lung cancer is to stop smoking which is one of the modifiable risk factors of lung cancer. No other ‘natural remedy’ shows a preventive role in lung malignancies.”
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