New Study Reveals Foods Linked To Longer Life Expectancy

A study conducted by Harvard School of Public Health researchers indicates that eating spicy foods could help improve longevity. Their findings, which were published in the British Medical Journal in 2005, state that people who consume spicy foods daily have a 14% lower risk of death. This is in comparison to people who consumed spicy foods only once a week.

China Population

The researchers analyzed the diet and health information of nearly 500,000 people living in China from 2004 to 2008, then followed them up a couple of years later. Since the study was observational in nature, it did not show if spicy foods help people live longer. It revealed, however, that people who consumed spicy food regularly were less likely to have died within the study period compared to those who consumed less spicy food.

Dr. Lu Qi, the author of the study, stated that evidence from many other studies indicate the bioactive ingredients found in spicy foods like capsaicin reduces bad cholesterol. It also minimizes triglycerides and helps in improving inflammation.

Foods that contain dried and fresh chili peppers have shown the most potential. A study that was published in PLoS ONE, a medical journal, also linked the spice with a 13% lower risk of death.

The Study

Using information made available by the National Health and Examination Survey, the University of Vermont scientists analyzed the diet patterns of more than 16,000 American adults. The scientists asked the question of how often did these adults eat or consume red hot chili peppers. They noted that those who reported eating any hot peppers during the previous months had lower mortality rates, after making adjustments for other factors, for 18 years.

Among the benefits of capsaicin is weight loss. There is evidence that indicates it promotes weight loss by moderating appetite and increasing the body’s ability to burn fat. Studies also reveal ten grams of red chili pepper can considerably boost fat burning in both males and females.

Researchers also found that capsaicin can minimize your calorie intake. The study, which involved 24 participants, showed that those who regularly consume chili found they were able to reduce their calorie intake.