Student Article
Can Eating Chili Peppers Help You Live Longer?
Compound (noun): A thing that is composed of two or more separate elements; a mixture.
Inflammation (noun): Swelling or irritation in the body, often caused by illness.
People who enjoy spicy food may have more than just fiery taste buds — they might also have a better chance at living longer. A new study shows that people who regularly eat chili peppers are less likely to die from heart disease, cancer, or any cause at all.
The secret ingredient: capsaicin
Chili peppers get their heat from a substance called capsaicin. This compound has been found to reduce inflammation, fight harmful substances in the body, help control blood sugar, and possibly even fight cancer.
What the study found about chili eaters
Researchers at Cleveland Clinic looked at data from over 570,000 people from four major studies in the U.S., Italy, China, and Iran. They discovered that those who often ate chili peppers had a 26% lower risk of death from heart disease, 23% lower risk of cancer death, and 25% lower risk of dying from any cause.
What we still don’t know (yet)
However, doctors say we still don’t fully understand why chili peppers help. The exact types and amounts of peppers used in the studies varied. So while these early results are exciting, more research is needed to learn how chili peppers affect the body and what the safest, most helpful amounts are.
So, should you eat more spice?
In the meantime, adding a little spice to your meals might be a fun and possibly healthy choice!
© Jason Goodyer / Our Media
Compound (noun): A thing that is composed of two or more separate elements; a mixture.
Inflammation (noun): Swelling or irritation in the body, often caused by illness.