The discussion around longevity and diet typically centres on carbohydrates versus protein. But there's a new food type to consider in the pursuit of a long-life: a new study has linked spicy foods with good health and old age.
Researchers from the University of Vermont College of Medicine analysed the data of 16,179 participants, looking specifically at the frequency of hot red chilli pepper consumption and their health outcomes 23 years later.
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Consumption of hot red chilli peppers, they found, was associated with a 13 per cent reduction in premature death.
"In this large prospective study, we observed an inverse relationship between hot red chilli pepper consumption and all-cause mortality, after adjusting for potential confounders," the authors said.
Although they acknowledged it was an observational investigation so "causality can only be suggested, not confirmed", the authors had some insight into the possible reason for their findings.
Pungent spices, like chilli peppers, increase fat metabolism, which could protect against high cholesterol, obesity, high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes, the authors explain.
Additionally, the anti-microbial activity of spices "may alter the gut microbiota and influence various metabolic diseases".
And although spices have been used for centuries to treat illness, the understanding about the antioxidants they possess and anti-inflammatory effects they are believed to have are only recent.
Accredited practising dietitian Melanie McGrice says it is promising research, but too early to claim causation.
"We really need to look at the whole body of evidence," says McGrice, owner of Nutrition Plus. "However there has been a variety of studies from epidemiological studies to controlled animal studies on chillis and the results tend to show a positive association.
"The only people who don't benefit from spicy foods are those with ulcers. There's certainly no miracle foods, but I feel that the evidence shows adequate benefit for increasing our chilli intake."
You can, however, have too much of a good thing.
Last year a man burned a hole in his esophagus after a ghost-chilli-eating competition, while there have been reports of death by chilli overdose.