Impact of Sex in the Effect of Dietary Capsaicin on Cardiovascular Health
Trial Parameters
Brief Summary
The investigators long-term goal is to better understand novel interventions to promote cardiovascular health in humans. The goal of the proposed research is to investigate whether there is sex-specificity in the effects of dietary capsaicin on mechanisms regulating nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability, its effect on key markers of cardiovascular (CV) health, including BP, macro- and microvascular function, and arterial stiffness. This knowledge will provide critical insight into the effects of dietary capsaicin on CV health and will guide future trials.
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * relatively healthy (other than elevated blood pressure) non-smoking men and women over the age of 18 from the local community Exclusion Criteria: * Women who are without a period (not due to a birth control method, intrauterine device or menopause), are pregnant, attempting to conceive, or are breastfeeding will be excluded. * uncontrolled hypertension * Anyone with severe illness or compromised or suppressed immune system (e.g. taking immune suppressants, chronic viral infection or treatment). * Any participants with excessive sensitivity to spicy foods or fiber (psyllium husk) will be excluded * Participants with food allergies will be excluded * Participants who have difficulty swallowing or swallowing pills may be excluded. * Participants who suffer from heartburn, hiatal hernia, gastritis, or peptic ulcer disease may be excluded.