Cayenne pepper is a spicy pepper originally from Central and South America. Cayenne contains an essential ingredient called capsaicin, which is responsible for the heat in the pepper. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, Native Americans have used cayenne as a spice and as medicine for thousands of years. Research suggests that capsaicin may help to burn fat and increase metabolism.
Benefits of Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne peppers have been researched for their potential medicinal benefits. The capsaicin found in cayenne acts as a pain reliever when applied directly to the skin. Capsaicin is recommended as a topical pain reliever for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, shingles, post surgical pain, peripheral neuropathy and lower back pain. Capsaicin helps to treat psoriasis, heartburn and cluster headaches. Capsaicin is also being tested for treatment of circulatory problems. Numerous studies have also looked at the link between capsaicin and possible weight loss.
Cayenne Pepper and Appetite
Research published in the "British Journal of Nutrition" in 1999 documented two small studies that specifically looked at the effect of red pepper on feeding and energy. In the first study, researchers found that adding red pepper to breakfast significantly decreased hunger and urges to eat before lunch. Also, those who ate red pepper ate less fat and protein at lunch time. The second study found that adding a red pepper appetizer to lunch significantly reduced carbohydrate intake during the rest of the lunch and in the snack served several hours later.
Cayenne Pepper and Fat
Even while eating a high-fat diet, adding cayenne pepper may help you lose weight, according to research published in the "Journal of Proteome Research." Rats were fed a high-fat diet and received capsaicin supplements. A control group of rats received saline instead of capsaicin. The researchers found that the body weight of the rats that received capsaicin decreased by 8 percent, even though they were fed the same high-fat diet. The research found that specific metabolism-related proteins were altered in the rats that were given capsaicin.
Cayenne Pepper, Appetite and Metabolism
Researchers at Purdue University also linked cayenne pepper to appetite. The research published in 2011 in the "Journal of Physiology & Behavior" looked at the effects of ½ tsp. of cayenne pepper on appetite. The diners who consumed cayenne pepper were more likely to eat less during the next meal. This was especially apparent in diners who do not normally eat spicy food; they would eat an average of 60 calories less during the next meal. Cayenne pepper also increased metabolism and caused the body to burn an additional 10 calories on its own.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Cayenne; Steven D. Ehrlich; November 2008
- "British Journal of Nutrition"; Effects of Red Pepper on Appetite and Energy Intake; Mayumi Yoshioka, et al.; March 1999
- Journal of Proteome Research"; Article Proteomic Analysis for Antiobesity Potential of Capsaicin on White Adipose Tissue in Rats Fed with a High Fat Diet; Jeong In Joo, et al.; April 2010
- "Journal of Physiology & Behavior"; The Effects of Hedonically Acceptable Red Pepper Doses on Thermogenesis and Appetite; Mary-Jon Ludy, et al.; March 2011
- NY Times; Adding Food and Subtracting Calories; Tara Parker-Pope; May 2011
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