Loddiswell's South Devon Chilli Farm could expect a bumper period after a US study revealed that capsaicin may help prevent prostate cancer.

Capsaicin, the ingredient which gives chillies their heat, drives prostate cancer cells to commit suicide, according to the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center report.

Their tests showed that capsaicin triggered 80 per cent of cancer cells growing in mice to follow the molecular pathways leading to cell death or apoptosis.

Prostate cancer tumors treated with capsaicin were also about one-fifth the size of tumors in non-treated mice.

Lead researcher Dr Soren Lehmann said: "Capsaicin had a profound anti-proliferative effect on human prostate cancer cells in culture.

"It also dramatically slowed the development of prostate tumors formed by those human cell lines grown in mouse models."

Previous research has also linked the humble chilli with a reduced risk of rheumatoid arthritis.

Lifelong chilli fans Jason Nickels and Steve Waters ditched their 9-to-5 jobs to set up the chilli farm back in early 2003.

Jason and Steve, who both used to work as computer software engineers, now grow more than 80 different varieties of chilli at their Loddiswell farm.

They sell their specialty chillies through a number of local farmers' markets and shops as well as through the internet where orders come from across the country.

Popular varieties include the Orange Habanero, Portuguese Piri Piri, Antillais Caribbean, Aji Amarillo, Hungarian Hot Wax and the Pimientos de Padrón.

In 2005, the South Devon Chilli Farm made it to the finals of the coveted HSBC Business Start-Up Stars Awards.

For more information about the farm telephone Jason and Steve on 01548 550782 or email them at enquiries@southdevonchillifarm.co.uk.