* the opinions expressed are those of the author and not Nutrition Ink. Are spicy foods making us live longer? Research shows that consuming spicy foods is associated with reduced risk of mortality. A study was done with both men and women aged 30- 79 years old. Participants who consumed spicy foods 6-7 times a week had a 14% reduction of mortality. So, what is the ingredient in spicy foods that suggest this evidence? The chili pepper contains an ingredient called capsaicin