Researchers say eating chili peppers can also help you live longer by reducing the risk of heart disease and cancer.

The study finds consuming chili peppers cuts the risk of dying from cardiovascular disease by 26 percent. The odds of dying from cancer decreased by 23 percent compared to people who don’t include peppers in their diet.

One of the key findings is that chili peppers act as a natural anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-cancer, and blood-glucose regulator. This is due to the release of a compound called capsaicin into an eater’s system. This substance gives a pepper its trademark mild to intense spicy flavor.