Hot peppers do more than spice up your food and add color to meal presentations. According to Lisa Wallig, R.D., L.D., hot peppers have been researched by a variety of universities and organizations, including the British Journal of Nutrition and the Laval University of Canada, as a food that may help increase metabolism, and following that, weight loss.
Several studies have put the spice to the test to determine if hot peppers help people lose weight by revving up metabolism. According to the Journal of Biological Chemistry, the heat in chili peppers is produced by capsaicin, which generates chemical processes within cell structures that have an affect on adenosine triphosphate (ATP) reactions involved in a process known as thermogenesis, by which the body generates heat or energy, which in turn increases not only body temperature, but also metabolism.
Habanero
Habanero chili peppers are known to be the hottest variety of peppers. In addition to making eyes water, the habanero can get the heart kicking and the body sweating, increasing release of energy in the cells. Habaneros are loaded with capsaicin, the ingredient that adds fire to any chili pepper.
Cayenne
Alternative medical experts and practitioners have suggested cayenne pepper for the treatment of obesity and other medical conditions such as diabetes, pain and osteoarthritis. In Japan, individuals who ingested about 10 grams of cayenne pepper with their meals experienced reduced appetite, according to a study performed there in the late 1990s (Yoshioka M, St-Pierre S, Drapeau V, et al. "Effects of red pepper on appetite and energy intake." British Journal of Nutrrition 1999;82:115-23).
Jalapeno
Jalapeno peppers, which contain capsaicin, are considered to be a negative calorie food, or one that helps burn fat through metabolism. They increase the heart rate, so that more energy is utilized by the body, therefore burning more fat and increasing metabolic rate. According to Fit FAQ, nearly all chili peppers are considered negative-calorie spices and can be sprinkled on foods to keep metabolism running at higher speeds up to several hours after ingestion.
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