Health: Consuming chili peppers can reduce your risk of premature death by a quarter, according to a study

According to one study, the risk of premature death – including from cancer or cardiovascular disease – is reduced by around a quarter for those who eat chili peppers.

Researchers from the United States found that the anti-inflammatory properties of capsaicin – the compound that gives bell peppers their fiery taste – can have far-reaching health benefits.

This includes fighting tumors as well as inflammation and helping the body control its blood sugar levels.

The "remarkable" results came after the team analyzed the health and nutritional data of more than 570,000 people around the world.

However, the researchers noted that more study will be needed to determine which varieties of chilli offer protection and how often to consume them.

"Regular consumption of chili pepper has been linked to overall risk reduction from all causes, cardiovascular disease and cancer mortality," said study director and cardiologist Bo Xu of the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio.

In their study, the researchers pooled data from four previous health studies conducted in China, Iran, Italy, and the United States.

Dr. Xu added that "Dietary factors can play important roles in overall health."

The team believes that capsaicin – an antioxidant – can help fight inflammation and tumors, as well as help control blood sugar levels, thus protecting against diabetes and obesity.

"I think the results are really remarkable," said Penny Kris-Etherton, nutritionist of the American Heart Association and Pennsylvania State University.

"There were associations with several different diseases and endpoints," she added.

"The authors found that chili pepper consumption was all causes of mortality, cardiovascular mortality, and cancer mortality."

Experiments in mice have shown that capsaicin strengthens the "good" gut bacteria that defend themselves against weight gain by burning fat.

With that in mind, the fiery compound could potentially be used as the basis for an anti-obesity pill.

Previous studies have also shown that consuming chili reduces the risk of a variety of diseases – including cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.

"The exact reasons and mechanisms that could explain our results are currently unknown," said Dr. Xu.

“Hence, it is impossible to conclusively say that consuming more chilli pepper can extend and shorten life dDiseases, particularly those due to cardiovascular factors or cancer. "

Dr. Xu noted that the studies reviewed by the team contained limited health data about their subjects and could have included other factors that influenced the results.

In addition, the amount of chilli peppers consumed – along with the individual varieties consumed – varied between participants in the various studies, making it difficult to determine exactly what the optimal diet of the fruit might be.

"More research, particularly evidence from randomized controlled trials, is needed to confirm these preliminary results," warned Dr. Xu.

Researchers from the United States found that the anti-inflammatory properties of capsaicin – the compound that gives bell peppers (pictured) their fiery taste – can have far-reaching health benefits

Chili peppers evolved capsaicin – which induces a pain response – to protect themselves from consumption by mammals, including us humans.

Meanwhile, the birds needed to distribute the pepper seeds lack the oral receptors to feel the burning of the fruit. So you don't feel the same fiery reaction.

A 2017 study of more than 16,000 Americans conducted for nearly two decades found that those who ate lots of chili were 13 percent less likely to die prematurely.

Last year, a study of 22,000 Italians found that those who ate chili peppers every other day were 23 percent less likely to die young. In particular, the risk of being killed by a stroke or heart attack decreased by 61 percent and 40 percent, respectively.

The "fairly remarkable" results came after the team analyzed health and nutritional data on more than 570,000 people around the world. However, the researchers noted that more studies will be needed to determine which varieties of chilli offer protection

According to Cancer Research UK, adopting a healthier diet could help prevent around one in twenty types of cancer.

The organization has recommended a diet high in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, fresh chicken, fish, and legumes, and low in processed and red meat, fatty and sugary foods, carbonated beverages, and alcohol.

The British Heart Foundation also recommends eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and fish to keep your weight down and keep cholesterol and blood pressure healthy.

Chili peppers are a staple of cuisines around the world – including Indian, Chinese, Thai, Mexican, and Italian – and are eaten by a quarter of the world's population every day.

The researchers presented their preliminary results to a virtual meeting of the American Heart Association.