Edible nicotine sources ‘can help prevent Parkinson’s’

Eating peppers and other sources of dietary nicotine could help to protect against the onset of Parkinson's disease later in life.

A team from the University of Washington in Seattle has conducted research revealing that Solanaceae – a flowering plant family with some species producing foods that are edible sources of nicotine – can offer a protective effect against the neurodegenerative condition.

Peppers were shown to offer the most pronounced benefits in terms of reducing the risk of Parkinson's, while other foods such as tomatoes also offer advantages.

This is the first study to investigate the link between dietary nicotine and the likelihood of being affected by this condition.

Dr Susan Searles Nielsen of the University of Washington in Seattle said: "Similar to the many studies that indicate tobacco use might reduce risk of Parkinson's, our findings also suggest a protective effect from nicotine – or perhaps a similar but less toxic chemical – in peppers and tobacco."

It is estimated that around one in 500 people are affected by Parkinson's disease in the UK, according to NHS data.