Eat chili peppers more than four times a week if you enjoy them
People eating chili more than four times weekly had about 23% lower mortality and about one-third lower cardiovascular mortality than those rarely eating it.
What it takes
No extra money or time.
What you may gain
An Italian cohort of about 22,800 people, median follow-up 8.2 years, recorded 1,236 deaths. More than 4 chili servings weekly versus rare intake was associated with 23% lower all-cause mortality (risk ratio 0.77, 95% CI 0.66–0.90) and 34% lower cardiovascular mortality (0.66, 0.50–0.86).
Context & considerations
This observational study took place within a Mediterranean dietary culture; chili eaters may have followed traditional eating patterns more generally. Chili may aggravate reflux, hemorrhoids or irritable bowel symptoms. Do not force yourself to eat it.
Research & references
Bonaccio M, Di Castelnuovo A, Costanzo S, et al. (2019). Chili Pepper Consumption and Mortality in Italian Adults. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 74(25), 3139-3149. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacc.2019.09.068