Regular chili pepper consumption is associated with a 26% lower relative risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) death, based on an in-depth analysis of nutrition and mortality data from four large international studies. Compared to those who rarely or never eat chili peppers, consumers experienced a 25% reduction in all-cause mortality and a 23% decrease in cancer deaths.
Prior research highlights capsaicin—the compound responsible for chili peppers' signature heat—as having anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-cancer, and blood sugar-regulating properties. To evaluate chili peppers' impact on overall mortality and CVD, our team reviewed 4,729 studies across five premier databases: Ovid, Cochrane, Medline, Embase, and Scopus. The final analysis drew from four robust cohort studies tracking health outcomes and chili consumption.
Health and nutrition data from over 570,000 participants across the United States, Italy, China, and Iran enabled direct comparisons between chili eaters and non-consumers. Key findings include:
"We were surprised to find that in these previously published studies, regular chili pepper consumption was associated with an overall reduction in all-cause risk, CVD and cancer mortality. It highlights that dietary factors can play an important role in overall health," said senior author Bo Xu, MD, a cardiologist at Cleveland Clinic's Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute in Cleveland, Ohio. "However, the exact reasons and mechanisms that could explain our findings are currently unknown. Therefore, it is impossible to say definitively that eating more chili peppers can extend life and reduce deaths, especially from cardiovascular factors or cancer. More research, especially evidence from randomized controlled trials, is needed to confirm these preliminary findings."
Dr. Xu noted several limitations in this research. The reviewed studies offered limited individual health data and confounding factors. Variability in chili types, amounts, and frequency across studies also complicates precise recommendations. The team continues analyzing the data, with a full paper forthcoming.
