Eating Spicy Food Lets You Live Longer

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Get ready to spice up your life, as a new study published in The BMJ says that the consumption of chili peppers may contribute to a longer, healthier life, according to TIME.

Study author Lu Qi, associate professor at the Harvard School of Public Health, said: "We know something about the beneficial effects of spicy foods basically from animal studies and very small-sized human studies."

The study found that spicy foods contain active ingredients such as capsaicin found in chili peppers. This active component may lower inflammation, improve metabolism and have a positive effect on gut bacteria and weight.

Additionally, the study, which was conducted on 500,000 adults in China between 2004 and 2008, found that those who consumed spicy food once or twice a week had a 10% reduced risk of death, while those who ate spicy food three to seven days a week had 14% reduced risk of death.

Celebrity trainer Gunnar Petersen told Men's Health: "Chilis stimulate the metabolism, act as a natural blood thinner, and help release endorphins." He added that it's one of the best ways to add flavor to your meals, as it is low in fat and calories, but is high in beta-carotene that transforms into vitamin A in the blood and helps fight infections.

Moreover, Men's Health reports that a Cancer Research study involving chili peppers reveal that hot peppers contain anti-prostate-cancer properties.

Last year, TIME reported that there are several health benefits to consuming spicy foods, including a reduced risk for tumors due to capsaicin, which activate cell receptors in the intestinal lining. It creates a reaction that helps reduce the risk of developing tumors, according to a study published in The Journal of Clinical Investigation. Additionally, capsaicin is also used as an analgesic that deactivates over-reactive receptors that may spur tumor growth.

A research done at the University of California, Los Angeles, Center for Human Nutrition also showed that peppers may induce the body to burn more calories. The research studied men and women who were taking pills with pepper components over the span of a month, and results showed that those who consumed the pills burned more fat than their counterparts who took placebo.

Dr. Susan Biali, a Vancouver general practitioner with a degree in dietetics, told Best Health Mag: "Chilies add wonderful flavor and kick to foods... [It's] a guilt-free way to make food more flavourful, interesting and exciting."

If you're cautious about consuming chili peppers for fear of stomach problems, Toronto gastroenterologist Dr. Khursheed Jeejeebhoy said: "There is no evidence they have to do that. Spices in moderation are to be enjoyed, and there is no evidence that spicy food is bad for you."