Biohacker Bryan Johnson recently unveiled that a simple $5 produce item might just hold the secret to reversing aging and preventing premature death.

The 48-year-old, who asserts that his biological age is more than a decade younger than his chronological age, suggests that spicy chili peppers, rather than expensive supplements, could be the key to longevity.

Johnson referenced a 2020 research study involving over 570,000 participants from the US, Italy, China, and Iran. The study discovered that those who frequently consumed chili peppers experienced a 26% reduction in deaths from cardiovascular causes and a 23% reduction in cancer-related deaths compared to non-consumers.

Overall, their likelihood of dying from any cause was lowered by 25%.

The study, conducted by the American Heart Association, did not specify why chili peppers are beneficial, but earlier research suggests that capsaicin—responsible for the peppers’ spiciness—has properties that are anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, and can help regulate blood glucose levels.

While Johnson, who invests over $2 million annually in his anti-aging efforts, did not confirm if he regularly includes spicy chili peppers in his diet, he did share 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

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 image) 

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.’