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"Are you someone who shies away from foods that pack a little extra heat, or do you prefer spicy? Turns out, if you’re the type to choose the mild salsa, you might want to rethink that strategy. According to a new study out of the University of Vermont, chili pepper benefits might help you actually live longer. (1)
The Peppers-Death Risk Study Details
Though spices and hot peppers have been used in foods for thousands of years, only one study before this one, a 2015 study out of China, examined the connection between spicy foods and longevity in humans. That one provided compelling evidence that peppers reduced death from all causes, including cancer, respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
Because we have pretty different eating habits and different types of foods — including peppers — here in the U.S., the study’s authors decided to test the association between peppers and health right here in America. Would the results hold up?
Scientists used data from the National Health and Nutritional Examination Study, or NHANES, to analyze the eating habits of more than 16,000 Americans. It turns out that respondents who’d eaten at least one hot red chili pepper a month reduced their risk of death by 13 percent, from 33.6 percent to 21.6 percent.
Interestingly, the study participants who consumed hot chili peppers were more likely to be younger, male and to smoke cigarettes and drink alcohol than those who didn’t consume red chili peppers.
Though the study couldn’t pinpoint exactly what it is about hot red chili peppers that reduces the risk of death, the authors think it’s likely that capsaicin, one of the main components in the peppers, might play a role. Capsaicin is an antimicrobial that “may alter the gut microbiota and influence various metabolic diseases.” In fact, the authors go on to say that peppers could help improve microbiome health, noting “many spices possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects and could serve to prevent and mitigate various chronic disease.” Gut health and inflammation strike again.
Why You Should Be Eating (Red) Hot Chili Peppers: The Benefits of Spicy Foods
Aside from helping you lead a longer life, spicy foods have other benefits. Here’s why you should be adding them to your menu:
They can speed up your metabolism. Is cayenne really a weight-loss pepper? One study out of Purdue University wanted to see if adding cayenne pepper to food would suppress appetites and help people burn more calories. They selected 25 people, half of whom enjoyed spicy food and half who didn’t, to one of three random groups: food with no cayenne, food with a preferred amount of cayenne pepper and food with a standard serve of cayenne pepper, about half a teaspoon. (2)
Both groups who consumed cayenne pepper burned more calories after eating than the no-pepper group. For those who normally avoid spicy food, adding cayenne had extra benefits: these people felt less hungry and reduced cravings for salty, fatty foods. That makes sense, since hot peppers are considered natural appetite suppressants.
They improve heart health. Your ticker will thank you for consuming foods with a kick. That’s because the capsaicin found in spicy foods actually lowers cholesterol levels by reducing cholesterol accumulation in the body. It’s also an anti-inflammatory food, helping to reduce the risk of heart problems, along with a variety of other diseases. (3)
The Peppers-Death Risk Study Details
Though spices and hot peppers have been used in foods for thousands of years, only one study before this one, a 2015 study out of China, examined the connection between spicy foods and longevity in humans. That one provided compelling evidence that peppers reduced death from all causes, including cancer, respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
Because we have pretty different eating habits and different types of foods — including peppers — here in the U.S., the study’s authors decided to test the association between peppers and health right here in America. Would the results hold up?
Scientists used data from the National Health and Nutritional Examination Study, or NHANES, to analyze the eating habits of more than 16,000 Americans. It turns out that respondents who’d eaten at least one hot red chili pepper a month reduced their risk of death by 13 percent, from 33.6 percent to 21.6 percent.
Interestingly, the study participants who consumed hot chili peppers were more likely to be younger, male and to smoke cigarettes and drink alcohol than those who didn’t consume red chili peppers.
Though the study couldn’t pinpoint exactly what it is about hot red chili peppers that reduces the risk of death, the authors think it’s likely that capsaicin, one of the main components in the peppers, might play a role. Capsaicin is an antimicrobial that “may alter the gut microbiota and influence various metabolic diseases.” In fact, the authors go on to say that peppers could help improve microbiome health, noting “many spices possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects and could serve to prevent and mitigate various chronic disease.” Gut health and inflammation strike again.
Why You Should Be Eating (Red) Hot Chili Peppers: The Benefits of Spicy Foods
Aside from helping you lead a longer life, spicy foods have other benefits. Here’s why you should be adding them to your menu:
They can speed up your metabolism. Is cayenne really a weight-loss pepper? One study out of Purdue University wanted to see if adding cayenne pepper to food would suppress appetites and help people burn more calories. They selected 25 people, half of whom enjoyed spicy food and half who didn’t, to one of three random groups: food with no cayenne, food with a preferred amount of cayenne pepper and food with a standard serve of cayenne pepper, about half a teaspoon. (2)
Both groups who consumed cayenne pepper burned more calories after eating than the no-pepper group. For those who normally avoid spicy food, adding cayenne had extra benefits: these people felt less hungry and reduced cravings for salty, fatty foods. That makes sense, since hot peppers are considered natural appetite suppressants.
They improve heart health. Your ticker will thank you for consuming foods with a kick. That’s because the capsaicin found in spicy foods actually lowers cholesterol levels by reducing cholesterol accumulation in the body. It’s also an anti-inflammatory food, helping to reduce the risk of heart problems, along with a variety of other diseases. (3)
"Are you someone who shies away from foods that pack a little extra heat, or do you prefer spicy? Turns out, if you’re the type to choose the mild salsa, you might want to rethink that strategy. According to a new study out of the University of Vermont, chili pepper benefits might help you actually live longer. (1)
The Peppers-Death Risk Study Details
Though spices and hot peppers have been used in foods for thousands of years, only one study before this one, a 2015 study out of China, examined the connection between spicy foods and longevity in humans. That one provided compelling evidence that peppers reduced death from all causes, including cancer, respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
Because we have pretty different eating habits and different types of foods — including peppers — here in the U.S., the study’s authors decided to test the association between peppers and health right here in America. Would the results hold up?
Scientists used data from the National Health and Nutritional Examination Study, or NHANES, to analyze the eating habits of more than 16,000 Americans. It turns out that respondents who’d eaten at least one hot red chili pepper a month reduced their risk of death by 13 percent, from 33.6 percent to 21.6 percent.
Interestingly, the study participants who consumed hot chili peppers were more likely to be younger, male and to smoke cigarettes and drink alcohol than those who didn’t consume red chili peppers.
Though the study couldn’t pinpoint exactly what it is about hot red chili peppers that reduces the risk of death, the authors think it’s likely that capsaicin, one of the main components in the peppers, might play a role. Capsaicin is an antimicrobial that “may alter the gut microbiota and influence various metabolic diseases.” In fact, the authors go on to say that peppers could help improve microbiome health, noting “many spices possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects and could serve to prevent and mitigate various chronic disease.” Gut health and inflammation strike again.
Why You Should Be Eating (Red) Hot Chili Peppers: The Benefits of Spicy Foods
Aside from helping you lead a longer life, spicy foods have other benefits. Here’s why you should be adding them to your menu:
They can speed up your metabolism. Is cayenne really a weight-loss pepper? One study out of Purdue University wanted to see if adding cayenne pepper to food would suppress appetites and help people burn more calories. They selected 25 people, half of whom enjoyed spicy food and half who didn’t, to one of three random groups: food with no cayenne, food with a preferred amount of cayenne pepper and food with a standard serve of cayenne pepper, about half a teaspoon. (2)
Both groups who consumed cayenne pepper burned more calories after eating than the no-pepper group. For those who normally avoid spicy food, adding cayenne had extra benefits: these people felt less hungry and reduced cravings for salty, fatty foods. That makes sense, since hot peppers are considered natural appetite suppressants.
They improve heart health. Your ticker will thank you for consuming foods with a kick. That’s because the capsaicin found in spicy foods actually lowers cholesterol levels by reducing cholesterol accumulation in the body. It’s also an anti-inflammatory food, helping to reduce the risk of heart problems, along with a variety of other diseases. (3)
The Peppers-Death Risk Study Details
Though spices and hot peppers have been used in foods for thousands of years, only one study before this one, a 2015 study out of China, examined the connection between spicy foods and longevity in humans. That one provided compelling evidence that peppers reduced death from all causes, including cancer, respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
Because we have pretty different eating habits and different types of foods — including peppers — here in the U.S., the study’s authors decided to test the association between peppers and health right here in America. Would the results hold up?
Scientists used data from the National Health and Nutritional Examination Study, or NHANES, to analyze the eating habits of more than 16,000 Americans. It turns out that respondents who’d eaten at least one hot red chili pepper a month reduced their risk of death by 13 percent, from 33.6 percent to 21.6 percent.
Interestingly, the study participants who consumed hot chili peppers were more likely to be younger, male and to smoke cigarettes and drink alcohol than those who didn’t consume red chili peppers.
Though the study couldn’t pinpoint exactly what it is about hot red chili peppers that reduces the risk of death, the authors think it’s likely that capsaicin, one of the main components in the peppers, might play a role. Capsaicin is an antimicrobial that “may alter the gut microbiota and influence various metabolic diseases.” In fact, the authors go on to say that peppers could help improve microbiome health, noting “many spices possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects and could serve to prevent and mitigate various chronic disease.” Gut health and inflammation strike again.
Why You Should Be Eating (Red) Hot Chili Peppers: The Benefits of Spicy Foods
Aside from helping you lead a longer life, spicy foods have other benefits. Here’s why you should be adding them to your menu:
They can speed up your metabolism. Is cayenne really a weight-loss pepper? One study out of Purdue University wanted to see if adding cayenne pepper to food would suppress appetites and help people burn more calories. They selected 25 people, half of whom enjoyed spicy food and half who didn’t, to one of three random groups: food with no cayenne, food with a preferred amount of cayenne pepper and food with a standard serve of cayenne pepper, about half a teaspoon. (2)
Both groups who consumed cayenne pepper burned more calories after eating than the no-pepper group. For those who normally avoid spicy food, adding cayenne had extra benefits: these people felt less hungry and reduced cravings for salty, fatty foods. That makes sense, since hot peppers are considered natural appetite suppressants.
They improve heart health. Your ticker will thank you for consuming foods with a kick. That’s because the capsaicin found in spicy foods actually lowers cholesterol levels by reducing cholesterol accumulation in the body. It’s also an anti-inflammatory food, helping to reduce the risk of heart problems, along with a variety of other diseases. (3)
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