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| - Last Updated on November 22, 2024 by Dr Priyamvada
Quick Take
A social media post claims that eating spicy food increases your lifespan. We did a thorough fact check to term this claim as mostly false.
The Claim
According to an Instagram post, “Based on research, people who eat spicy food have a 14% higher chance to live than those who don’t.”
Fact Check
Is the 14% longevity boost backed by science?
Yes, but the 14% figure is not an absolute or universally applicable statistic.
The claim comes from a 2015 study, which looked at data from over 487,000 Chinese adults (199,293 men and 288,082 women) over seven years. The study suggested that people who ate spicy food 3-7 times a week had a 14% lower risk of dying compared to those who rarely ate spicy food. However, it’s important to note that this only shows a link, not a direct cause-and-effect. Other factors, like diet, exercise, and socioeconomic status, may also play a role in this connection.
The study also found that the link was stronger in people who did not drink alcohol. This suggests that avoiding alcohol might be more important for longevity than simply eating spicy food.
Another study from the US also found that eating hot red chilli peppers was linked to a 12% lower risk of dying over 19 years. This effect was most noticeable for overall mortality, but not for deaths from heart disease or blood vessel problems. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings.
Both the Chinese and US studies suggest that eating spicy foods, like chilli peppers, might lower the risk of death. But the effect is small, and these studies only show a connection, not cause-and-effect. More research is needed to confirm these findings.
What makes spicy food potentially beneficial?
Spicy food may offer some health benefits, but it’s not a standalone solution for longer lifespan.
Capsaicin, the active compound in green chillies, has been studied for its potential health benefits. Some of these include:
- Weight management: Capsaicin has thermogenic properties, which may slightly boost metabolism and help in fat burning. However, its impact on long-term weight loss is minimal without accompanying lifestyle changes.
- Reduced inflammation: Capsaicin may help combat inflammation, linked to chronic illnesses like heart disease. However, the evidence is still inconclusive, and more research is needed to confirm its anti-inflammatory effects.
- Improved heart health: Some studies suggest that capsaicin may help lower cholesterol levels and regulate blood pressure, contributing to cardiovascular health. Still, the evidence is modest, and more studies are needed to establish its long-term benefits.
In addition to these benefits, there have been claims suggesting that green chillies can cure heart attacks and reduce the risk of lung cancer. However, these benefits are not proven.
Can eating too much spicy food be harmful?
Yes, overconsumption of spicy foods can cause issues for some people.
While moderate consumption can be part of a healthy diet, excessive intake may lead to:
- Digestive problems: Conditions like acid reflux, gastritis, or stomach ulcers can worsen with too much spicy food. For some people, even mild spiciness can cause discomfort.
- Burning sensation: Capsaicin can irritate mucous membranes, causing discomfort in the mouth or digestive tract. This is temporary for most people, but those with oral ulcers or sensitivity may experience prolonged discomfort.
- May increase body temperature: Consuming too many chillies can create a warm sensation in your body. While this isn’t harmful and doesn’t lead to a fever, some people may experience it more strongly than others.
- May elevate blood pressure: Spicy foods in excess may increase blood pressure. So if you’re on blood pressure medication, it’s best to consult your doctor before including spicy food in your diet.
- Nutritional imbalances: Relying too heavily on spicy food might lead to neglecting other essential nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, and fibre, that are critical for overall well-being.
As with all foods, balance and moderation are key.
We reached out to Shruti K Bhardwaj, Chief Clinical Nutritionist at Zydus Hospital, Ahmedabad, for her expert opinion on the harmful effects of excessive spicy foods. She says, “Yes, eating too much spicy food can be harmful for some people. While moderate amounts of spices like chillies can offer health benefits, consuming them in excess may cause stomach irritation, acid reflux, or digestive issues. It’s important to listen to your body and enjoy spicy foods in moderation.”
Should you start eating spicy food to live longer?
Not necessarily, especially if you’re not used to it.
Longevity is influenced by many factors, including genetics, physical activity, mental health, and a balanced diet. While incorporating spicy foods into your meals can offer some health benefits, they are just one piece of the puzzle. Other dietary habits, such as consuming fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, are just as—if not more—important for overall health and longevity.
If you enjoy spicy food and tolerate it well, there’s no harm in incorporating it into your diet. However, if spicy food causes you discomfort or is not part of your usual cuisine, there’s no need to force yourself to eat it for the sake of perceived health benefits.
Dr Swati Dave, PhD in Food and Nutrition, clarifies, “While some research suggests that chillies and peppers may have health benefits, they are just one component of a balanced diet. Simply eating more spicy foods won’t guarantee better health or a longer life.”
She adds, “Spicy and oily foods are common, but they affect people differently. Some people can handle them better than others. It’s a good idea to eat spicy foods in moderation and avoid them at dinner. If spicy foods cause problems, it’s best to stop eating them. Ingredients like ginger, garlic, jalapeños, and chilies can be helpful if used in the right amount, but very spicy foods can harm people who are sensitive.”
THIP Media Take
The claim that eating spicy food can increase your lifespan is overly simplistic and somewhat misleading. While some research suggests potential health benefits associated with moderate spicy food consumption, these benefits are not enough on their own to significantly extend lifespan.
Ultimately, a balanced, varied diet combined with healthy lifestyle choices like regular physical activity, stress management, and adequate sleep are the key factors influencing longevity.
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