Hot Peppers & Metabolism

Hot peppers contain capsinoids, chemicals responsible for their hot flavor. Preliminary studies indicate that hot peppers promotes weight loss. Although further research is required, one theory holds that hot peppers have a thermogenic effect, meaning consuming hot peppers elevates your metabolism by increasing heat in the body so that you burn more calories. Sticking to a moderately reduced-calorie diet and increasing physical activity promotes healthy weight loss -- and adding hot peppers may help.

Background

Hot peppers, also called chile peppers or chili peppers, include habaneros, tabasco peppers, Thai hot peppers, serrano chiles, cayenne, jalapenos, in descending order of their heat, as measured in Scoville units, a scale that rates the hot flavor of peppers. Preliminary studies show that capsaicin, a key substance in cayenne pepper, increases the body's heat production and that it may also help regulate blood sugar by affecting carbohydrate metabolism, the University of Maryland Medical Center reports.These effects may promote weight loss, although further research is needed.

Research

Capsaicin from hot peppers such as cayenne and other thermogenic aids such as caffeine and green, white and oolong tea may increase calorie burning and fat burning, note researchers from the Netherland's Maastrict University who reported their findings in the "International Journal of Obesity." The researchers suggest that these ingredients could have a significant effect on metabolic factors such as the sense of fullness, heat production to increase calorie use and fat oxidation. Studies have produced varying results.

Fat Metabolism

Healthy adults who consumed a supplement containing 2 mg capsaicinoids prior to moderate exercise had higher blood levels of free fatty acids and glycerol than a control group, researchers from the University of Memphis Cardiorespiratory/Metabolic Laboratory reported in the 2010 issue of "Lipids in Health and Disease." This increased fatty acid release following exercise may promote weight loss, although further research is needed. These results suggest that capaisinoids, an active ingredient in hot peppers, may increase lipolysis, the breakdown of body fat. Improving lipolysis could prove helpful in treating overweight and obesity.

Considerations

Hot peppers and supplements containing capsaicin or capsaicinoids can cause stomach irritation. Consult your doctor before using peppers or capsaicin.

Excessive capsaicin consumption could cause stomach pain, and kidney and liver damage, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Using cayenne or capsaicinoid supplements should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Capsaicin could increase the risk of bleeding with aspirin and blood-thinning medications.

Wash your hands thoroughly after handling hot peppers, cayenne or red pepper flakes and avoid touching your eyes or mucous membranes until you've removed all traces of the pepper from your skin.