Some people shy away from spicy foods, while others savor them. If you can’t take the heat, you may want to prime your taste buds. A recent study suggests regularly eating spicy foods—in particular, chili peppers—may lengthen your life.

The spiciness of life

In BMJ, researchers set out to see if eating spicy foods every day might be linked to greater longevity. They first surveyed nearly 500,000 adults about their eating habits. Study participants answered questions about their diet, including how often they ate spicy foods and what kinds.

With the survey results in hand, the researchers then followed the health of study participants over an average of 7 years. Their analysis revealed that adults who ate spicy foods almost every day were 14% less likely to die during the study period. Foods with a fiery kick seemed to work against diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and respiratory problems. Fresh chili peppers supplied the biggest lifespan boost.

The power of peppers

Chili peppers were first cultivated in Central and South America. But the fruit is now found worldwide. Peppers of all kinds of heat are a staple in countries as far away as India and China.

Because of their spice, though, chili peppers may not make everyone’s superfood list. Yet they have some serious nutritional power. These fruits are filled with vitamins A and C. They also contain a phytochemical called capsaicin. Phytochemicals are substances made by plants.

Capsaicin gives peppers their spiciness. And it may do much more. Past research suggests it may improve heart health. In animal studies, it’s been shown to lower blood sugar, blood pressure, and triglyceride levels. It may also help with weight loss by suppressing appetite. Contrary to popular thought, capsaicin may aid with digestion, too. It may prevent and even heal ulcers. What’s more, skin patches with capsaicin are sometimes used to ease pain.