A new study performed in the USA has discovered that those of us who eat chilli peppers could be about a quarter less likely to die prematurely from things like cancer and cardiovascular diseases.
The researchers discovered that the capsaicin in the spicy peppers - which is the anti-inflammatory ingredient that gives chilli its kick - could have a load of other health benefits.
Basically, it's good to like spicy food, which is a relief.
However, it's too early to tell exactly which particular varieties of chilli are going to help us out, and how much of them we should be eating.
That will require further study, but this early report is good news for those of us who love a bit of heat in our food.
The leader of the study and a cardiologist at The Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, Bo Xu, said: "Regular consumption of chilli pepper was associated with an overall risk-reduction of all cause, cardiovascular disease and cancer mortality."
To get this study done, the scientists collated data from four other health studies performed around the world in Iran, China, Italy and the USA.
The findings show that dietary factors may play 'an important role in overall health', said Dr Xu.
The scientists reckon the capsaicin found in the peppers - as well as possessing antioxidant properties - could help stop inflammation, as well as protecting against blood-glucose levels getting too high.
That would be good news, as it would help combat obesity and diabetes, to start with.
Penny Kris-Etherton, a nutritionist from Pennsylvania State University and the American Heart Association, added: "I think the findings are really quite remarkable, actually.
"There were associations with multiple different diseases and endpoints.
"The authors found benefits of chilli pepper consumption on all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality and cancer mortality."
However, the scientists are keen not to get ahead of themselves, and admit that more needs to be learned before they can definitively prove the powers of chilli.
Dr Xu added: "The exact reasons and mechanisms that might explain our findings, though, are currently unknown.
"Therefore, it is impossible to conclusively say eating more chilli pepper can prolong life and reduce deaths, especially from cardiovascular factors or cancer.
"More research, especially evidence from randomised controlled studies, is needed to confirm these preliminary findings."
Well, although we can't conclusively say anything yet, this will be heartening news for people who love spicy food.
Stick that extra fresh chilli in, next time you're cooking.
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