Chili Substances Spicy food increases relative life expectancy

The consumption of spicy red chillies can lead to a longer life
Spicy food causes health problems for some people, such as diarrhea and heartburn. But the views on the effects of spicy food are far apart. There are also many people who consider spicy meals extremely healthy. Researchers have now found that consuming spicy food can increase your life expectancy.

The researchers from Larner College of Medicine at the University of Vermony found in an investigation that eating spicy food can lead to a longer life. The physicians published the results of their study in the journal "PLOS one".

In the consumption of chillies, the views are usually far apart. Some people just find chilies hot and unpleasant, others love the taste and swear by the positive health effects. Physicians noted that chilies actually seem to increase human life expectancy. (Image: gitusik / fotolia.com)

Regular consumption of red chillies reduces overall mortality over the study period
Doctors and physicians have long been looking for ways to increase human life expectancy. But could the solution really be in simple spicy red chillies? The experts claim to have found out in their study that consumption of red chillies is associated with a reduction in overall mortality within the study period of about 13 percent.

Chinese study also examined the effect of red chillies on mortality
This reduction in mortality is mainly due to the reduction in deaths due to heart disease or heart attack, explain the authors. So far, there was only one similar study in China that examined the effects of red chilli consumption on our health and its association with mortality. This investigation was already published in 2015.

Study examines the data of more than 16,000 Americans
For their current study, the researchers examined the health and nutrition data of more than 16,000 Americans over a 23-year period. It was found that the consumption of red chili peppers increases life expectancy, say the experts. The study found that the regular chili consumers were mostly young, male, white Americans with Mexican roots. These were mostly married, often smoker, drank alcohol and consumed a lot of vegetables and meat, explain the researchers. Such consumers had a lower value in their so-called HDL cholesterol, lower incomes and lower education compared to non-chili consuming participants, the researchers add.

Capsaicin could be involved in reduced mortality
The exact explanation of why chilies delay mortality remains unclear. The researchers believe that everything is related to the capsaicin contained. This is the most important component of chili peppers. Capsaicin affects the so-called Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) channels in the body. Several of these channels convey a variety of sensations. These include, for example, sensations of pain, heat or cold and various types of taste, pressure and visual stimuli.

Garlic, chili and wasabi activate the so-called TRP channels
Some TRP channels seem to behave like microscopic thermometers. So they can be used to feel hot or cold. The channels are activated by molecules contained in spices such as garlic, chili and wasabi.

Capsaicin can prevent obesity and modulate coronary blood flow
Study authors Mustafa Chopan and Benjamin Littenberg of the University of Vermony explain that capsaicin in chili plays an important role in cellular and molecular mechanisms that prevent obesity and modulate coronary blood flow.

Further research is needed
Capsaicin also has antimicrobial properties and these can indirectly affect the host itself by altering the so-called human gut flora, the researchers explain. More research is needed on the effects of spicy food. Additional clinical trials must be carried out before red chillies and spicy food can be included in recommendations and dietary guidelines, the researchers concluded. (As)