Healthy eating feels like it changes faster than TikTok trends. One week it’s avocado toast, the next week it’s mushroom coffee, and then suddenly everyone is chugging celery juice. But here’s a headline that actually sticks: spicy food may help protect your heart and brain.

That’s right—science is officially giving you permission to drown your tacos in hot sauce.

The Spicy Scoop

A massive study from Sichuan Province, China (we’re talking over 54,000 adults) found that people who ate spicy food almost every day were less likely to have heart disease or strokes. The more often they ate it, the bigger the benefit.

And if you’ve been eating spicy food since your younger days? Even better. (Translation: those late-night jalapeño nachos may have been doing more than fueling your bad decisions.)

Why It’s Hot News 🔥

Chili peppers contain capsaicin, that fiery compound that makes your mouth burn, your forehead sweat, and your taste buds scream for mercy. Turns out, it may also:

• Boost circulation

• Lower inflammation

• Help metabolism do its thing

Basically, hot sauce might be the multitasking wellness hack you didn’t know you needed.

Should You Spice Things Up?

No one’s saying you have to eat ghost peppers like they’re popcorn. Even moderate spice—think salsas, chili flakes, your favorite buffalo sauce—seems to help.

So yes, go ahead and swap that ketchup for Tabasco. Doctor’s orders (sort of).

👉 Need more excuses? Check out 7 Legit Health Benefits of Slathering Your Food with Hot Sauce