You may have heard that eating peppers is a simple and effective option for speeding up your metabolism, but aren't sure which ones to choose or how they work. There are a number of factors to consider, such as capsaicin, taste and growing methods. Before beginning a diet regimen with peppers, consult your health care professional.
Capsaicin
Capsaicin is the chemical in chili peppers that contributes to their flavor or spiciness. Capsaicin induces thermogenesis, or fat-burning, in your body, according to Jennifer Whitlock of "Prevention" magazine. Spices, like those in peppers, are the most concentrated forms of flavor that your tongue can distinguish. The Monell Chemical Senses Center in Philadelphia has concluded that foods with such concentrated flavors not only boost your body's natural fat-burning capabilities, but also are the most satisfying, allowing you to feel full more quickly regardless of their caloric value.
Cayenne
Cayenne is the pepper most commonly associated with metabolism. As reported by the University of Maryland Medical Center, animal and human studies show that consuming cayenne peppers may increase the body's thermogenesis for a short time while also helping to regulate blood sugar levels by affecting the breakdown of carbohydrates after a meal. If you can't take the heat, you can take cayenne capsules for similar effects.
Choose Organic
Dieters who consume foods with pollutants from pesticides experience an above-average drop in metabolic rates as they lose weight, according to "Prevention" magazine. The toxins potentially interfere with the body's natural fat-burning process. Further research by "Prevention" indicates that it is possible that some pesticides may trigger weight gain. So, to get the most fat-burning power out of peppers, choose varieties that are grown organically.
Precautions
If you are allergic to bananas, latex, kiwi, chestnuts or avocado, you may also be allergic to cayenne or cayenne capsules, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Some stomach irritation has been reported by patients taking capsaicin capsules. If you have ulcers or heartburn, consult your health care provider before engaging in the use of products containing capsaicin. Over-consumption of capsaicin even by healthy people can result in stomach pain and kidney and liver damage. If you are nursing, avoid using all forms of cayenne; it passes into breast milk.
References
- "Health and Weight-Loss Breakthroughs"; Prevention Magazine Editors; 2009
- "High-Speed Healing, Rapid-Action Remedies"; Editors of Prevention Magazine Health Books; 1991
- ScienceDaily; Hot Peppers Really Do Bring The Heat; August 2008
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Cayenne
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