Can Spicy Foods Reduce the Risk of Death from Cancer and Other Causes and Extend Life?

Many studies have examined the relationship between food and diseases to date. What these studies have established is that some substances in the products we consume protect us, while others leave us vulnerable to diseases. In today's article, we will discuss one such study investigating the effects of spicy foods on our health. According to a study recently published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ), regular, moderate consumption of spicy foods may reduce the risk of death from many diseases, particularly cancer.

Spices have been indispensable in our kitchens almost since the beginning of human history. In addition to flavoring our food, they are used in preserving foods, dyeing fabrics and even cosmetics. Nowadays, spicy foods are also attracting attention for their health benefits. Many studies have shown that spicy foods play a protective role against obesity and diabetes by reducing appetite. As we discussed in a previous article, capsaicin, a substance in chili peppers, has also been found to potentially protect against colorectal cancer. Benefits for the digestive system, possible benefits against cancer types and antibacterial effects are other properties being investigated. These studies were based on general spicy food habits rather than daily consumption. The study we will describe is the first to demonstrate the relationship between daily consumption of spicy foods and the risk of death.

The study conducted in China, where spice consumption is very high, used information from approximately half a million people in 10 different locations in China. Participants were asked how often they consumed spicy food each week; those consuming it more than 3 times weekly were additionally asked which types of spices they used. The study reported fewer deaths from cancer, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases among those eating spicy foods 3-7 days a week compared with those eating them less than once a week. Fresh products were also reported to be more effective than dried ones.

In conclusion, although these findings are welcome news for spice lovers, it is too early to recommend spicy foods for your health. Indeed, because the study is observational, it is not sufficiently strong. We should therefore maintain regular eating habits in this respect too and consume spicy foods without excess.