A spicy palate means a spicy love life

Butter Chicken - Indian Chicken Curry Dish
Butter Chicken - Indian Chicken Curry Dish

If you prefer spicier food, there's a good chance you also lead a spicier life, according to new research.

A study into the palates and spicy food preferences of 2,000 Americans examined the correlation between taste buds and lifestyles and found heat on the plate can mean more heat in the bedroom.

In fact, those who listed their spice preference as hot have almost double the amount of sex than those who said they don't like any spice at all on their food (5.3 times per month to 3.2 times per month frolicking under the sheets.)

The new survey, conducted by OnePoll on behalf of hot sauce brand El Yucateco, asked Americans a series of questions about their personality and then split the results by how spicy they prefer their food (none, mild, medium, and hot) and found it's not just in the bedroom that spicier palates are more active.

Baked chicken wings with sesame seeds and sweet chili sauce on white wooden board.
Baked chicken wings with sesame seeds and sweet chili sauce on white wooden board.

Results showed spicy palates could arguably correlate to a sense of adventure with those marking themselves as hot on the spice range more likely to say they love roller coasters, listen to loud music, and even drive fast down a winding road. In fact, hot and spicy food lovers were 45 percent more likely to have travelled out of the country, and more likely to have also gone skydiving, gone on a rafting trip, and gone scuba diving.

Results showed people who enjoy their food to be hot were the most likely to rate their happiness level at a perfect ten than any other spicy preference, and that also goes with how happy they are in their current job. And those who liked spicier food did also show higher scores for being sociable and extroverted, with hot food enjoyers more likely to say they love meeting new people and more likely to rate themselves as a good public speaker.

Perhaps most interesting, though, is how on top of their life people who prefer hot spice tend to be, when compared to those who don't. The hot spice lovers were very goal oriented and 29 percent more likely to have a dream they're currently working towards.

Health was another factor that came into play, with hot spice lovers twice as likely to rate themselves a five out of five on having healthy habits, as well as exercising more on average. Said a spokesperson for El Yucateco: "It's no surprise to us to see the results from this poll. Our interactions with our loyal fan base indicates that they are adventurous, outgoing and live life to its fullest."

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