Biohacker Bryan Johnson has revealed that a $5 produce item could turn back the hands of time and ward off an early death.
The 48-year-old, who claims to be more than a decade younger biologically than his actual age, said spicy chili peppers, not pricey supplements, might hold the key to living longer.
He pointed to a 2020 study of more than 570,000 individuals in the US, Italy, China and Iran, which found that regular chili pepper eaters had a 26 percent reduction in cardiovascular mortality and a 23 percent reduction in cancer mortality compared to those who did not eat the peppers.
Overall, their risk of all-cause death was 25 percent lower.
The research from the American Heart Association didn’t conclude why chili peppers improved health but previous studies have found the food has an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer and blood-glucose regulating effect due to capsaicin, which gives chili pepper its characteristic spice.
Johnson, who spends over $2 million per year on his anti-aging regimen, did not reveal if he is a regular spicy chili pepper eater, though he added to his post on X: ‘Hot ones I’m ready for you.’
Biohacker Bryan Johnson has revealed that spicy chili peppers – not pricey supplements – might hold the key to living longer
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There are thousands of different types of chili peppers, with some estimates suggesting over 4,000 varieties.
In the 2020 study, the researchers noted that the type of chili pepper and amount consumed was variable among the studies.
The research involved a meta‑analysis of four large observational studies comparing people who consumed chili pepper vs. those who rarely or never did.
The individual studies were based on self‑reported diet and chili consumption (not controlled interventions), and the amount, type, or frequency of chili pepper use was not standardized across the studies.
This made it difficult to draw conclusions about exactly how much, how often and which type of chili pepper consumption may be associated with health benefits.
Senior author Dr Bo Xu, a cardiologist at the Cleveland Clinic’s Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute in Cleveland, Ohio, said at the time that the findings highlighted that ‘dietary factors may play an important role in overall health’.
He added: ‘The exact reasons and mechanisms that might explain our findings, though, are currently unknown.
‘Therefore, it is impossible to conclusively say that eating more chili pepper can prolong life and reduce deaths, especially from cardiovascular factors or cancer.
‘More research, especially evidence from randomized controlled studies, is needed to confirm these preliminary findings.’
Other research has suggested regularly eating chilis may protect against dementia.

Previous studies have found the food has an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer and blood-glucose regulating effect due to capsaicin, which gives chili pepper its characteristic spice (stock)
A separate 2020 study in mice by scientists in Canada found that feeding them treats made with capsaicin protected against the formation of amyloid plaques, the harmful deposits thought to be responsible for the symptoms of Alzheimer’s, including memory loss and mood swings.
Writing in the journal Translational Psychiatry, the researchers said, as well as blocking plaque formation, capsaicin appeared to dampen down inflammation in the brain, also linked to cognitive decline.
Chili peppers aren’t the first or only food Johnson promotes. He is also a big advocate of extra virgin olive oil.
He has said he consumes a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil with every meal, every day.

The 48-year-old (pictured, right, with his son) claims to be more than a decade younger biologically than his actual age
In a YouTube video the health influencer listed what the criteria is to meet the standards for extra virgin olive oil to be beneficial for health, with it needing to be cold pressed, containing polyphenols, oleic acid, third-party testing, harvest date and UV protectant.
According to Healthline, extra virgin olive oil is nutritious and contains powerful antioxidants, as well as strong anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and fight Alzheimer’s disease.
‘When you eat it causes damage in your body,’ Johnson explained.
‘I recently learned it myself, and so EVOO is protective against that damage.
‘Studies show improvements in weight management, blood pressure, blood sugar levels, cholesterol, heart health, brain health and mood.’
He claimed: ‘The scientific evidence is compelling, [and] extra virgin olive oil is in an elite category.’
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