Spicy Food: Longer Life? Study Findings

If you're not typically a fan of spicy foods, you might want to reconsider. Besides adding intense flavor to dishes, red chili peppers, according to research, could also add a few years to your life.

Research from the American Heart Association suggests that people who consume chili peppers may live longer than those who don't.

Red chili peppers possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and blood sugar-regulating properties. Some studies have even indicated that these peppers could be beneficial in protecting against certain types of cancer. All of these health benefits are linked to capsaicin, a compound present in the pepper responsible for its distinct spicy flavor.

To better understand this phenomenon, researchers analyzed data from 4,729 studies involving over 570,000 participants, focusing on the outcomes of chili pepper consumers. Their findings revealed that individuals who ate chili peppers experienced a 26% decrease in the risk of dying from cardiovascular disease, a 23% reduction in the risk of dying from cancer, and an overall 25% lower risk of death from any cause.

"We were surprised to find that in these previously published studies, regular consumption of chili pepper was associated with an overall risk-reduction of all-cause, CVD, and cancer mortality," stated Bo Xu, M.D., the study's lead author and a cardiologist. "It highlights that dietary factors may play an important role in overall health."

While the associations are promising, Xu explains that researchers aren't entirely sure why chili peppers are connected to lower mortality rates. They're also uncertain about the ideal quantity of chili peppers, frequency of consumption, and specific varieties that could yield these benefits.

"Therefore, it is impossible to definitively claim that eating more chili pepper can extend life and reduce deaths, particularly from cardiovascular factors or cancer," he adds. Further research is required to solidify these findings and unravel the underlying mechanisms.

Including chili peppers in your diet, such as in soups, pastas, salads, and chili, could be a simple way to gain potential benefits for longevity, as they are generally safe for consumption (considering your spice tolerance).