Not everyone enjoys spicy food and taste often depends on where you grew up. Some cultures build their cuisine around chili peppers while others avoid heat altogether. But research shows that regardless of preference of spicy food may offer real health benefits along with a few risks worth knowing.
Studies link regular consumption of chili peppers to lower risks of obesity, heart disease and diabetes. A major 2020 research review found that people who ate spicy peppers frequently were 25 percent less likely to die prematurely than those who rarely did.
Experts credit this to capsaicin of the compound responsible for the burning sensation of which activates nerve receptors known as TRPV1 triggering adrenaline release that helps burn fat and regulate blood sugar.
Harvard researchers have found similar results. People who eat spicy food nearly every day show a 14 percent lower risk of death compared to those who eat it less than once a week, with lower rates of death from cancer, heart disease and respiratory illness.
However, experts note these population studies cannot prove capsaicin alone causes the effect of since spicy-food eaters often have other healthy habits too.
Spicy food may also help with weight management. Some studies suggest capsaicin activates brown fat tissue which burns extra calories and may reduce appetite by increasing feelings of fullness though the appetite-suppressing effect is inconsistent across research.
Not all findings are positive. Recent studies have also flagged that frequent consumption of very spicy foods may irritate the esophagus in some people by raising concerns about a possible cancer risk tied to chronic exposure.
Doctors emphasize that spice tolerance varies by person, often due to genetics and those with digestive conditions like IBS should be cautious.
For those who don't enjoy heat with a similar anti-inflammatory of plant-based diet can offer comparable benefits without the burn.
