Research reveals a surprising link between eating spicy food and longevity.

Eating spicy food helps prevent cancer and promotes longevity.

According to a study published in the International Journal of Epidemiology, eating spicy food may reduce the risk of three types of cancer: esophageal, stomach, and colorectal. This research was conducted by scientists from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and Brigham and Women’s Hospital (USA), involving over half a million Chinese participants over a 10-year period.

The researchers categorized participants based on their frequency of eating spicy food: never, occasionally (once a month), 1-2 days per week, 3-5 days per week, or daily. They found that those who ate spicy food regularly had lower cancer rates compared to those who did not consume spicy food.

The reason is believed to be that chili peppers contain capsaicin, a compound in the vanilloid group, which has the ability to kill cancer cells by directly attacking the mitochondria (the cell’s energy-producing organelle) — the energy source that sustains cells. This finding comes from another study conducted by Dr. Timothy Bates and his colleagues at the University of Nottingham (UK). They tested capsaicin on lung and pancreatic cancer cells in the laboratory and obtained results described as “remarkable” and “very significant”.

Dr. Bates stated: “Capsaicin could be an effective and safe weapon against cancer, as it specifically targets cancer cells without harming healthy cells. Additionally, capsaicin causes minimal side effects for patients”.

In addition to fighting cancer, eating spicy food offers many other health and longevity benefits. This is the conclusion of a study by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and Brigham and Women’s Hospital (USA). After an average follow-up of 7.2 years, researchers recorded 11,820 deaths among men and 8,404 deaths among women. Based on their analysis, people who regularly consumed spicy foods had a 14% higher chance of living longer compared to those who did not eat spicy foods, according to Natural News.

Previous studies have also shown that capsaicin and other compounds in chili peppers have anti-obesity, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. They help lower cholesterol, protect cardiovascular health, improve blood circulation, relieve pain, soothe psoriasis, and boost the immune system.

Groups of People Who Should Be Cautious When Eating Spicy Food

Consuming chili peppers can provide many health benefits, but not everyone should use this spice. Certain groups of people are more likely to be negatively affected by the highly stimulating properties of chili peppers.

Pregnant and postpartum women: Eating spicy food can cause dehydration in mothers, affecting digestive functions. If breastfeeding, spicy food can alter the taste of breast milk, impacting the baby’s health. Additionally, consuming spicy food may worsen constipation in mothers.

People with kidney disease: Eating spicy food can overburden the kidneys, leading to a decline in their function. Since the kidneys play a crucial role in detoxifying the body, it is important to protect them by limiting spicy food consumption.

People with hypertension, heart disease, brain conditions, lung disease, hyperthyroidism, vascular disease, or chronic bronchitis: Eating spicy food can increase blood circulation and make the heart beat faster. Prolonged consumption may lead to heart failure, posing a life-threatening risk.

People with dermatitis or acne: Eating spicy food can raise the body’s temperature, causing skin irritation and worsening acne.

Post-surgery or with wounds: Eating spicy food can cause infections, inflammation, and irritation in the wound. It is advisable to avoid spicy and hot foods like chili peppers during the recovery period.

People with cholecystitis or gallstones: Eating spicy food can stimulate gastric secretion, causing the gallbladder to contract. This may lead to cholecystitis, hepatitis, and pancreatitis.

People with hemorrhoids: Eating spicy food can cause hemorrhoids to swell, become painful, and harder to treat.

Phuong Thuy (according to Tri Thuc Tre)