

One study showed that supplementing with 1 gram of curcumin for a month reduced triglyceride levels, but there was no change in cholesterol or fat levels in the body. Studies have also shown that inflammatory responses, high triglycerides and high cholesterol all increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Curcumin supplementation is believed to help reduce the associated risk.
The Scoville Scale was developed in 1912 by Wilbur Scoville, a pharmacist from the United States. To determine the SHU, an exact weight of hot pepper is dissolved in alcohol to extract the capsaicinoids components. These components are then diluted in a solution of sugar water and decreasing concentrations are given to a panel of trained tasters until a majority can no longer detect them in a diluted form. The heat level is then rated based on this dilution in multiples of 100 SHU. This system was initially purely organoleptic but nowadays is measured using HPLC (high-performance liquid chromatography) to prevent any deviation from sensory fatigue or the chosen panel´s resistance.