News: Study Finds Spicy Food to Have Health Benefits

According to a recent study, eating spicy food may help you to live longer as well as lower the risk of heart disease, cancer and respiratory disease.  So how often do you need to spice up your meals in order to see any change?  Eating the hot stuff once or twice a week results in a 10% reduction of overall risk of death, and eating spicy foods up to seven times a week reduces your risk by up to 14%. 

For the study, 485,000 participants were charted from 2004 – 2008 in a large Chinese health study.  Researchers found that participants who ate hot food- mainly chili peppers- once or twice a week (compared with participants who ate hot food less than once a week) were able to lower their overall risk of death by 10%.  Results were found after adjusting for family medical history, age, education, diabetes, smoking as well as other variables.   

What better way to celebrate than with a spicy recipe?

Spicy Harissa Yogurt Sauce

1 C Yogurt

2 Tbsp. Harissa

2 Cloves Garlic, mashed

2 C Fresh mint, minced

To Taste Kosher salt & Fresh ground black pepper

Whisk to combine and season to taste.