Cayenne peppers are one of the hot peppers that helps to speed up the metabolism. Cooks crush and grind whole cayenne pepper, and use the ground spice as an ingredient in spicy recipes. Other hot peppers such as habanero peppers and jalapenos can speed up the metabolism as well.
Capsaicin
Cayenne peppers contain capsaicin, a chemical that makes foods spicy hot. People who eat foods infused with cayenne pepper may experience flushing, tingling or sweating as a result of the capsaicin raising the body temperature. Capsaicin can boost the body's metabolism. Spicy foods that contain cayenne peppers or other hot peppers may increase the metabolic rate of the body by about 8 percent, reports the Seattle PI.
Thermogenesis
When the body's temperature rises, enhanced thermogenesis occurs. Thermogenesis is a process whereby the cells of the body convert energy from foods that you have eaten into heat. According to MedIndia.com reporter Thilaka Ravi, citing a study published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry, "Thermogenesis can be directly induced by chilli peppers." Thermogenesis increases body temperature and metabolism.
Temporary Effect
Although capsaicin-rich spices will increase the metabolic rate of the body, it will do so only on a temporary basis. When capsaicin enters the body through spicy foods, the metabolic increase will last up to thirty minutes after consumption.
Metabolic Rates
There are two kinds of metabolic rates, basal and active. Active metabolic rate is the the total number of calories you burn in a day. Basal metabolic rate is the number of calories you need to carry out biological processes. It excludes physical activity. Cayenne pepper affects basal metabolic rate. Although cayenne pepper will temporarily and modestly speed up metabolism, exercising will speed up your active metabolic rate and may be more effective if you're trying to lose weight.
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