Does Regularly Consuming Spicy Food Make Your Heart Healthier?

Sambal (Photo: Freepik/Freepik)

JAKARTA - For some people, food without chili peppers feels bland. Some love chili sauce, while others can't live without the fiery sensation of cayenne pepper in every bite. The good news is, a love of spicy food is linked to heart and brain health.

A large study in Sichuan Province, China, examined 54,859 adults. The surprising results: those who consumed spicy food almost daily were less likely to experience ischemic heart disease and ischemic stroke.

Researchers found that consuming chili peppers 6–7 times a week reduced the risk of heart and brain disorders compared to people who rarely ate spicy food.

"These findings reinforce research in Europe that chili peppers can indeed provide protection for the heart. Interestingly, these benefits persist even when a person's diet is not always healthy," said Marialaura Bonaccio, a researcher from IRCCS Neuromed Italy, as quoted by Earth on Saturday, September 13, 2025.

What makes chili peppers beneficial is capsaicin, the substance that gives them their hot taste. It turns out that capsaicin works in the body by stimulating the production of nitric oxide, a substance that helps relax blood vessels.

More flexible blood vessels allow blood to flow smoothly and reduce the workload on the heart. In the long term, this can reduce the risk of high blood pressure and arterial damage.

"Consuming chili peppers at a moderate level of spiciness is sufficient to provide a protective effect on cardiovascular health," said researchers in China.

Previous research in China from 2004–2013 found that people who frequently ate spicy food had a 14 percent lower risk of death compared to those who rarely ate spicy food.

Similar results were also seen in Italy. People who ate chili peppers more than four times a week had a lower risk of death from heart disease. This was true for both those who followed a Mediterranean diet and those who did not.

"The effects of chili peppers were consistent across groups, even in those who did not follow a healthy diet," said Bonaccio.

It's important to remember that chili peppers are not a cure. Nor can they cure heart disease. However, data from various studies suggests that regularly eating spicy food can support heart and brain health.

The key is consistency and reasonable portions. There's no need to aim for extreme levels of spiciness, as research has found the greatest benefits from mild to moderate spiciness.

However, for those with stomach problems, ulcers, or acid reflux, it's best to adjust your diet to suit your specific needs. If you experience any symptoms, consult a doctor.