If you've ever tried spicy foods containing cayenne pepper or jalapenos, you probably have experienced sweating and tearing. These are due to the potent compound called capsaicin. Evidence suggests that eating spicy foods containing capsaicin can increase your metabolism and enhance fat loss.
Thermogenesis
One of the main ways capsaicin boosts your metabolism is by increasing the process known as thermogenesis, according to a study performed by researchers at the University of Aarhus in Denmark. Thermogenesis refers to turning energy, such as calories, into heat in your body. This increases both body temperature and calorie-burning. The findings were published in the June 2008 issue of the "Journal of Biological Chemistry."
Metabolic Rate
Scientists at Mahidol University in Thailand studied the effects of chili pepper on metabolic rates in Thai women. Participants received a glucose drink with or without 5 g of chili pepper. Researchers reported in the September 2003 issue of the "Journal of Medical Association of Thailand" that those in the chili pepper group experienced an increase in metabolism compared with those ingesting just glucose.
Red Pepper With Meals
Red pepper, also known as cayenne pepper, might increase your metabolism when added to a meal, according to a study in the December 1998 issue of the "British Journal of Nutrition." Researchers at Laval University in Canada placed participants into one of the following groups: high-fat meal; high-fat meal plus red pepper; high-carb meal; or high-carb meal plus red pepper. They observed that those in the red pepper groups experienced greater increases in thermogenesis and fat oxidation compared with those not receiving red pepper.
Caution
Keep in mind that the heat effects of spicy foods may cause stomach upset, diarrhea and gas, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Therefore, slowly increase your consumption of spicy foods to decrease the risk of these side effects.
References
- "Journal of Biological Chemistry"; Capsaicin Stimulates Uncoupled ATP Hydrolysis by the Sarcoplasmic Reticulum Calcium Pump; Yasser A. Mahmmoud et al.; June 2008
- "Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand"; Effect of Chili Pepper (Capsicum Frutescens) Ingestion on Plasma Glucose Response and Metabolic Rate in Thai Women; P. Chaiyata et al.; September 2003
- "British Journal of Nutrition"; Effects of Red Pepper Added to High-Fat and High-Carbohydrate Meals on Energy Metabolism and Substrate Utilization in Japanese Women; M. Yoshioka et al.; December 1998
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Cayenne; 2011
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