Eating spicy to live longer?

A recent study reveals an unexpected link between chili pepper consumption and mortality from cancer or cardiovascular disease.

In the course of research, many scientists work to prepare the ideal dish. The one that allows you to live as long as possible and in good health. According to preliminary research, presented at the scientific sessions of the American Heart Association in 2020, those who consume red chili peppers live longer than others. They also have a reduced risk of dying from cardiovascular disease or cancer.

In the past, other studies have shown that the consumption of chili peppers has an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer and blood sugar-regulating effect thanks to capsaicin, which gives the pepper its characteristic spice. To analyze the effects of chili on mortality, the researchers looked at 4,729 studies from five leading global health databases. They compared the health data of more than 570,000 people in the United States, Italy, China and Iran between those who ate chili and those who rarely or never ate it.

A reduction in tumors

Then, the researchers found that those who ate chili peppers had a 26% relative reduction in cardiovascular mortality, a 23% relative reduction in cancer mortality, and a 25% relative reduction in all-cause mortality. “We were surprised to find that in these previously published studies, regular pepper consumption was associated with an overall reduction in the risk of all-cause death, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Emphasize that dietary factors can play an important role in overall health“Said senior author Bo Xu, MD, a cardiologist at the Cleveland Clinic’s Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute (Ohio). However, he adds a nuance by specifying that the amount and type of chili consumed varied between studies, which has made it difficult to draw conclusions about the frequency and quantity associated with the benefits.

“The exact reasons and mechanisms that could explain our results, however, are currently unknown. Therefore, it is not possible to definitively state that eating more chili peppers can prolong life and reduce deaths, especially from cardiovascular factors or cancer.“Explains the scientist. More research, especially evidence from randomized controlled trials, is needed to confirm these preliminary results.

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