How Eating Spicy Food Can Reduce Your Risk of Death By 40%
TESS PATRICK
There are two kinds of people in this world; you either love spicy food, or you don’t. Sure, there are different degrees of heat and some spice lovers just enjoy a subtle kick, whereas others are hell-bent on making themselves sweat, but regardless of your preference, emerging research is proving a case for chili peppers. This is exactly how eating spicy food can reduce your risk of death by as much as 40%.
According to a study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, people who consume red chili at least four times per week reduce their risk of dying from a heart attack by up to 40%. Further to that, their risk of cerebrovascular deaths such as a stroke were reduced by half. It sounds almost too good to be true - so let’s break it down a little further.
Often when looking at studies, particularly those concerned with heart disease, we need to look at factors outside the test subject - that is the chili intake. We know that cardiovascular causes are one of the Western world’s leading causes of death, and much of that is lifestyle-related, so could there be some correlation between eating chili peppers often and leading a healthy, heart-promoting life?
Well, the researchers already thought of that point. These longevity-promoting benefits occur regardless of what the other aspects of a person’s eating regime looks like.
So why is it that our daily dose of spice can extend the length of our life? Conclusions made by the study’s authors put it down to a compound found in chilis. Capsaicin, the compound that makes red chili spicy, can boost the metabolism as it slightly raises the body temperature, meaning it burns more calories. In this way, it helps with obesity and can combat cardiovascular problems. They have also been shown to reduce cholesterol and triglycerides, and help keep cells from sticking together and forming blood clots, which is crucial in stroke prevention too.
While this incredible evidence is presented from just one study, it’s a clear indication that not only is further research needed in this area, but it might show why cultures with a high spice intake leady longer, healthier lives.
So to make sure to get your daily dose of chili, here are four must-try recipes for inspiration!
1. Fermented Pineapple & Chili Sambal
2. Sweet Chili Cashew Dip With Sweet Potato Chips
3. Food Matters Vegetarian Chili
4. Zesty, Roast Pumpkin & Chili-Garlic Spinach Pasta
Are you a chili-lover or are you going to have to make a commitment to try it? Either way, we would love to know what you think!
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Tess has brought together her background in journalism and communications and her passion for nutrition to add to the Food Matters team. Her time is spent dreaming up new articles, researching the latest in nutrition news, and engaging with you, our readers. When she’s not cooking up a storm in the kitchen, you’ll find her trying to catch a wave, catching up on her nutrition and naturopathy studies, or hanging out with her cat, Salem.