What's life without a little spice? Or maybe a bit more?
If you thought spicy food was something best avoided, think again. New research published in The BMJ has proven that consumption of spicy foods can lead to a longer life. Conducted from 2004-2013, the study included close to a half-million people in China.
Participants who consumed spicy food — particularly chili peppers — had a reduced overall risk of death. The analysis of this dietary data showed chili peppers had additional benefits, including the prevention of diseases like cancer, ischemic heart disease and diabetes. The wonder component is called capsaicin, an all-natural panacea for many modern-day illnesses.
The study was a joint collaboration between Harvard's T. H. Chan School of Public Health and the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. Self-reported questionnaires were used to analyze the spicy food consumption of 487,375 people between the ages of 30 and 70 from 10 regions across China. Their spicy food consumption was pitted against their lifestyle choices and their alcohol intake, as well as red meat and vegetable consumption.
This data was closely matched to see the connections between cancer, heart disease, stroke and mortality rates. The results showed people who ate spicy foods one to two days per week had a 10 percent lower mortality risk.
The key spice elements here are the chili peppers — the hotter the better. They have been a part of human diet for centuries, more in some cultures than others. But the shrinking world and increasing diversity in our daily lives has melted these cultural barriers. We are more experimental with our cuisine now than we were even 30 years ago.
Exploring spicy foods can be quite an adventure. Now we know that along with the fun there can be immense benefits, too. For quite some time now, nutrition experts have been stressing the benefits of chili peppers. This latest research shows they have many health benefits and also go a long way to increase the span of human life.
Another reason why chili peppers have become so popular is their exceptional ability to enhance the weight-loss effort. Earlier studies have shown how capsaicin can activate the metabolic rate, burn fat faster and boost energy levels.
You will notice how hot and sweaty you feel after a spicy meal. This is because the capsaicin activates the pain receptors in the mouth, which in turn spike the brain to increase the heart rate. Endorphins kick in and tell the body to sweat the hot ingredient out.
This entire process spikes up the core body temperature, making it work like a furnace to burn all extra fat and calories. Regular intake helps one lose weight quite successfully.
Along with capsaicin, peppers also contain vitamins C, A, K, B6 and potassium, all of which are known for their innate biological benefits. Also, hotter the pepper, the more amount of capsaicin present in it. That means higher chances of a diet-induced thermogenesis and better health.
An activated metabolism has other health benefits besides weight loss. There is a much lower risk of obesity-related diseases like diabetes. Improved inflammation, containment of gut bacteria, improved lipid profiles and reduced body adiposity lead to prevention of chronic heart disorders, respiratory system diseases and even cancer for many.
Detractors to the study have pointed out that though it is a massive amount of research, it is still a controlled study. It has taken into account one predominant race and its reactions to the spicy foods. Our genetic makeup has a big role to play in our reaction to food, as does the cultural background.
Heavy spices can be irritants for body systems that are not used to them. But no one can deny the innate goodness of chili peppers. If they are taken in mild to moderate amounts and balanced well with other foods, anyone can benefit from them.
