Health Nutrition & Diet Eating Chili Peppers May Help You Live Longer—and 8 More Health Perks of This Spicy Superfood Love a good, fiery chili pepper? Nutritionists explain all the reasons they love you back. By Christina Manian, RDN Updated on May 26, 2023 Medically reviewed by Kristy Del Coro, MS, RDN, LDN Medically reviewed by Kristy Del Coro, MS, RDN, LDN Instagram Website Kristy Del Coro is a registered dietitian nutritionist, RDN, and professionally trained chef with more than 10 years of experience in the field of culinary nutrition. Her strong background in nutrition science, sustainable food systems, and culinary education makes her exceptionally qualified to write about food that is good for us and the planet—while not sacrificing flavor. Learn More Fact checked by Isaac Winter Fact checked by Isaac Winter Isaac Winter is a fact-checker and writer for Real Simple, ensuring the accuracy of content published by rigorously researching content before publication and periodically when content needs to be updated. Highlights: Helped establish a food pantry in West Garfield Park as an AmeriCorps employee at Above and Beyond Family Recovery Center. Interviewed Heartland Alliance employees for oral history project conducted by the Lake Forest College History Department. Editorial Head of Lake Forest College's literary magazine, Tusitala, for two years. Our Fact-Checking Process Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos Photo: Mirrorimage-NL/Getty Images For some people, spicy food is a way of life, with every culinary experience aimed at finding the most delicious, fiery foods. Most cultural cuisines offer at least one dish or condiment that will make a bead of sweat drop from your forehead with every bite, many of them thanks to the use of spicy chili peppers—whether it’s North African harissa, Mexican salsa, or Korean gochujang. We know that it's delicious, but is spicy food good for you? Without giving too much away, if you didn’t love spicy food before, this might inspire you to give it another try (with a large glass of milk on the side to cool down!). Here’s exactly what makes spicy food—especially chili peppers—so good for your immune system, metabolism, and more. What Is a Hot Chili Pepper? The world of hot peppers is wide, with some dedicating their lives to learning about the estimated 50,000 varieties of peppers in existence across the globe. The history of hot peppers dates back at least 9,000 years ago, to the region of Bolivia, and use quickly spread throughout Central and South America, thanks to the birds who ate their spicy seeds (poor things). Soon, chili peppers took hold within these cultures as a central component to the dishes they’re known for today. 5 Spices You're Probably Not Using But Should Be, According to Professional Chefs What Makes a Chili Pepper So Spicy (and Healthy)? Without any knowledge of what a hot pepper is, you may walk into the grocery store thinking you’re picking up a long, mini green bell pepper—and end up crying into your pasta full of jalapenos later that evening. The plant compound capsaicin is what gives hot peppers, or chili peppers, their spice. This antioxidant compound attaches to receptors that send signals of spice and heat to the brain. Capsaicin is most concentrated in the seeds of a chili pepper, which is why many people remove them when looking to moderate the heat in their recipes. Whether it be a jalapeño, habañero, serrano, or Thai chile, the spiciness of a hot pepper is based on a measurement system called the Scoville scale. A bell pepper measures in at zero on this scale, whereas a Carolina Reaper comes in at a whopping 2.3 million Scoville Heat Units (SHUs). Now that is some serious spice. When applied topically (as an ingredient in a product), capsaicin can soothe pain. Did you know one of the active ingredients in the Icy Hot is capsaicin? That's right, this compound works topically to relieve pain from arthritis, diabetic neuropathy, psoriasis, or other nerve pain. It also works for pain not related to these conditions, like muscle soreness. The caveat: Don’t rub a cut, raw chili pepper onto your skin! That will probably just cause you more pain (anyone who’s chopped a jalapeño then rubbed their eyes knows this all too well). Instead, choose a product containing capsaicin as an ingredient for soothing pain relief. Top Health Benefits of Hot Chili Peppers While there are so many kinds of hot peppers available, most varieties offer similar health benefits, due in large part to the capsaicin and other nutrients they all typically contain. Here are some of the most impressive health benefits of spicy foods, starring fiery-hot chili peppers. 01 of 09 Their plant compounds fight free radicals and inflammation. Since we already have capsaicin on the brain, let’s start with highlighting all the other incredible plant compounds found in hot peppers. Some of the most beneficial include carotenoids, like lutein, capsanthin, and zeaxanthin, and a variety of flavonoids, like quercetin and luteolin. These compounds are antioxidants, meaning they’re effective at preventing and reducing inflammation throughout the body, as well as harmful bacteria and disease-causing free radical molecules. 02 of 09 Chili peppers support a healthy immune system. Chili peppers are known for being excellent sources of both vitamin A and vitamin C. Vitamin A is also an immune-boosting antioxidant and well-known for helping to protect and maintain eye health. Vitamin C offers the same antioxidant and immune-boosting benefits while also helping the absorb iron and promote glowing skin. 03 of 09 They help maintain and improve the gut microbiome. “Capsaicin positively influences the gut microbiome, which impacts nearly every system of the body,” says Brianna Wieser, RDN at MOBE. “Plus, this compound has been known to be supportive of optimal digestion.” Research shows that capsaicin can also inhibit acid production while increasing alkaline and mucus secretions, helping to prevent and treat stomach ulcers. Further, a 2022 review found that capsaicin works through multiple pathways to treat and prevent many kinds of gastrointestinal disorders. 04 of 09 Chili peppers really can help clear those sinuses. Spicy foods often have a reputation for making our noses drip, and that can actually work in our favor. One review found that intranasal capsaicin treatment helped clear up idiopathic (or cause-unknown), non-allergic rhinitis, which is classically characterized by sneezing, congestion, and post-nasal drip. And a second review reiterated these findings. So chilis really can clear up your sinuses! 05 of 09 They can boost metabolism and metabolic health. Hot peppers work on supporting a healthy metabolism in a few different ways. First, the heat-producing effect of this spicy ingredient helps to boost metabolism. Further, studies show that the activation of TRPV1 by capsaicin stimulates brown fat cells, increasing our metabolic rate. Research also shows that pathways mediated by capsaicin in the body can help improve insulin sensitivity, an important aspect in metabolic syndrome and similar disorders, including diabetes. 6 Healthy Foods That Boost Metabolism 06 of 09 Chili peppers' capsaicin has proven anti-cancer properties. Research shows time and time again that cancer cells don’t stand a chance against capsaicin. One review published in Anticancer Research found that this compound targets multiple cancer pathways, from preventing cancer cell growth and survival to springing tumor-suppressing genes into action. Capsaicin also activates what’s known as the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) channel, or capsaicin receptor. A review published in Frontiers in Oncology found that the activation of TRPV1 beneficially impacted the inflammatory and immune responses involved in cancer treatment. A further study found capsaicin to even inhibit growth of certain prostate cancer cells. 07 of 09 They may help keep heart disease at bay. With the consumption of capsaicin-rich foods comes heart healthy benefits, too. A Nutrients review found that when we eat capsaicin, and activate the TRPV1 channel, a mechanism protecting the function of our organs involving cardiovascular disease is activated. Another review, completed in 2021, found that chili pepper consumption was associated with lower risk of death from heart disease (and cancer). TRPV1 also helps to regulate blood pressure, a key factor in heart disease. 7 Heart-Healthy Foods to Eat on Repeat 08 of 09 Chili peppers help protect and promote brain health. Capsaicin also helps to address health concerns surrounding our brains. One Molecules review found capsaicin to be effective in slowing impairment and neurodegeneration in both Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease while also proving to be beneficial in treating dysphagia (or trouble swallowing) following a stroke. This magical compound, in spray form, has also been found to alleviate headache and migraine symptoms, interestingly enough. 09 of 09 They've been linked to longevity. As if all the health benefits above weren’t good enough, hot peppers trump themselves by addressing the ultimate health aspiration: living longer (and feeling good while doing it). Researchers have found that eating spicy foods containing hot peppers lowers our risk of all-cause mortality. One meta-analysis found a 25 percent reduction in death from any cause with the regular consumption of chili peppers. Another found the same results. Chili Pepper Tips and Safety If you weren’t a spicy food lover before, you may well be ready to give hot-pepper-filled foods another try. Before jumping in head first, there are a few things to consider. “It's important to know that some individuals may not tolerate spicy foods, or experience digestive discomfort, when they consume them,” Wieser explains. If you struggle with indigestion or heartburn, eating very spicy foods near bedtime (a.k.a at dinner) can make it worse and disrupt your sleep. So keep the fiery foods to lunchtime, if you love them. Beyond digestive concerns, it’s also vital to be super mindful when chopping and handling hot peppers, especially the further up the Scoville scale you venture. These ultra-spicy pepper varieties can literally burn your skin and eyes if you’re not careful! How to Eat More Hot Chili Peppers There are so many delicious ways to enjoy hot peppers. One super easy way is to invest in a hot sauce you love and, thankfully, there are so many brands to choose from. Cholula, Tabasco, Disco Sauce, Frank’s Red Hot, Tapatío—the list goes on and on. Check the sodium content of the hot sauce you’re after, since it can be high if you’re not careful. Otherwise, you can add red pepper flakes (dried, crushed chili peppers), or chili peppers themselves directly to tons of delicious dishes including stir fries, soups, stews, sauces, dips, pastas, and egg dishes. Here are some favorite recipes with a spicy kick. Chili Pepper Recipes Pasta With Shrimp and Spicy Butter Get the Recipe Greg DuPree A zesty seafood pasta dish with a kick, thanks to gochujang (a Korean fermented red chili paste), paprika (made from smoked, dried chilis), and crushed red chili pepper flakes. Cheesy Chile Dip Get the Recipe Victor Protasio Five different peppers—sweet, jalapeño, poblano, and red Anaheim chili (red jalapeño)—pack a hot punch in this ooey-gooey, game-day-worthy dip. Slow Cooker Birria Bowls Get the Recipe Antonis Achilleos A bowl of this hearty and spicy Mexican stew is exactly the pick-me-up you need mid-week. Elote Jalapeño Poppers Get the Recipe Victor Protasio Mexican street corn, meet jalapeño poppers—the ultimate spicy app for a hungry crowd. Spicy Ground Beef Get the Recipe Marcus Nilsson Healthy doses of chili powder and crushed red pepper take boring old ground beef to the next level. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! 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