People who regularly eat spicy food not only extend their life span but are less likely to suffer from serious diseases such as cancer, heart and respiratory diseases, according to scientists.
"Our analysis indicates a link between the consumption of spicy food and the length of life, as well as reduced mortality," states the study by a group of international researchers, published in the British Medical Journal.
A long-term observation of the habits of around 500.000 Chinese aged 30 to 79 showed that people who ate spicy and hot food almost every day lived longer and suffered less from fatal diseases.
"Our results support previous research that indicated the potential protective effect of food seasoning on human health," researchers from the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and the Universities of Oxford and Harvard point out.
They assume that the main role is played by capsaicin, an active substance found in hot peppers that has an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect that helps fight obesity and cancer.
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