Spice up your life, literally. Eating hot peppers could lead to a better heart health

(KYMA, KSWT, KECY)- A new study suggests eating chili peppers regularly cuts the risk of death from heart disease and stroke.

CNN reports the study was conducted among 23,000 people, some who ate chili and some who didn't.

After monitoring their health for eight years, researchers found that the risk of dying from a heart attack was 40% lower among those who ate chili peppers at least four times a week.

Although the research was conducted in Italy, it is now being observed in China and in the United States.

However, Duane Mellow, a registered dietician and senior teaching fellow at Aston Medical School in the UK said the research is interesting but does not show a causal link between chili consumption and health benefits.

According to CNN, Mellor said the positive effect of chili consumption observed in the study could be attributed to how the peppers are used in an overall diet.

"It is plausible people who use chilies, as the data suggests also used more herbs and spices, and as such likely to be eating more fresh foods including vegetables," he said.