Researchers analyzed data from more than 16,000 Americans who were followed for an average of nearly 19 years and found that hot red red chili pepper consumption was associated with a 13 percent lower risk of death, CBS News reported. Since this was an observational study, it offers no proof of a cause and effect relationship, but does add to the growing body of evidence that spicy foods may have health benefits that can help people live longer , according to the University of Vermont researchers.