6. Stops the Growth of Cancer Cells
Although there is not yet a cure for cancer, there are a number of substances that can prevent tumors and slow the growth of cancer cells. The American Chemical Society found that a substance in ginger known as 6-gingerol as well as capsaicin from chili peppers binds on receptor sites where tumor cells usually grow.
Once these substances bind to these sites, they can inhibit the reproduction of malignant cells. In a study using mice who were likely to develop lung cancer, only half of those who were expected to develop tumors had them when they were given 6-gingerol.
Those that were given a combination of 6-gingerol and capsaicin together had an even lower incidence of tumors, around 20 percent. In addition to eating a high-fiber diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, consuming spicy food that contains ginger and peppers could reduce your risk of developing lung, ovarian, pancreatic, and prostate cancer.