Study: Spicy food may help you live longer

Adding a little spice to your life could make it last longer.

A Harvard study tracked people who ate spicy foods at least three to five times per week and compared their health to those who ate them less than once a week.

The findings suggest that those who regularly eat spicy foods can reduce the chance of heading to an early grave by about 14%. And if you aren't too happy about hotness — researchers say those who ate a spicy meal just once or twice a week were still 10% less likely to die during the study period.

Researchers say spicy foods reduce overall death risk from cancer and other diseases because they are high in potent antioxidants that protect against aggressive diseases.

And on another health note — they're good for burning more than just those taste buds. Some of the active components found in foods like chili peppers may help in lowering inflammation and increase your metabolism.

Other heart health studies have shown that cultures that easy the most spicy food have much lower incidences of heart attacks and strokes. A little spice can be nice — but just remember to go at your own pace.

See examples of delicious spicy meals to work into your diet: