Reducing your calories and increasing exercise is an effective strategy for boosting weight loss; however, your body eventually adapts and weight loss slows down. Adding cayenne pepper, caffeine or green tea at this time can help suppress your appetite and enhance calorie-burning, both of which stimulate weight loss. Consult your health care provider before consuming cayenne pepper, caffeine and green tea.
Cayenne Pepper and Caffeine
The combination of red pepper, also known as cayenne pepper, and caffeine may help reduce your appetite and lower calorie intake, thereby increasing weight loss. Scientists at Laval University in Canada observed that participants consuming meals with red pepper and caffeinated coffee decreased their 24-hour calorie intake compared with those ingesting the same meals without red pepper and with decaffeinated coffee. The findings were reported in the February 2001 issue of the "British Journal of Nutrition."
Cayenne Pepper and Green Tea
Cayenne pepper's appetite suppressing effects were also noted in another study published in the June 2009 issue of "Clinical Nutrition." Scientists at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark examined the impact of combining capsaicin, which is the main compound found in cayenne pepper, and green tea on appetite and calorie intake in adults. They discovered that participants consuming capsaicin and green tea for ten days increased their satiety and lowered calorie intake compared with those ingesting a placebo.
Green tea and Caffeine Mixture
Researchers at Maastricht University in the Netherlands studied the impact of a green tea and caffeine mixture on body weight in obese subjects. Participants consumed a green tea and caffeine mixture, which consisted of 270 mg of epigallocatechin gallate plus 150 mg of caffeine, or a placebo for four weeks. Scientists reported in the July 2005 issue of "Obesity Research" that those in the green tea and caffeine mixture group experienced weight loss compared with those in the placebo group. Green tea and caffeine mixture increased calorie-burning and fat breakdown.
Interactions and Side Effects
Keep in mind that cayenne pepper and green tea may interact with certain medications, including blood thinners and antibiotics, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. In addition, excess caffeine can lead to symptoms such as insomnia and irregular heartbeats. As always, consult your health care provider before taking any of them.
References
- "British Journal of Nutrition"; Combined Effects of Red Pepper and Caffeine Consumption on 24 h Energy Balance in Subjects Given Free Access to Foods; M. Yoshioka et al.; February 2001
- "Clinical Nutrition"; Effects of Capsaicin, Green Tea and CH-19 Sweet Pepper on Appetite and Energy Intake in Humans in Negative and Positive Energy Balance; H.C. Reinbach et al.; June 2009
- "Obesity Research"; Body Weight Loss and Weight Maintenance in relation to Habitual Caffeine Intake and Green Tea Supplementation; M.S. Westerterp et al.; July 2005
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Green Tea; 2011
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