Can Spicy Food Help With Weight Loss?

Posted on February 15, 2015 by Hemi Weingarten

Can spicy food help with weight loss? According to researchers from the University of Wyoming, the answer is yes, and it lies in the common chili pepper.

Capsaicin is the active ingredient in chilis that makes them hot. It is actually a plant protection mechanism that causes a burning sensation in the mouths of animals and humans.

In an experiment, mice were fed high-fat diets. At some point, they had capsaicin added to their diet, at about 0.01% of the food. The mice did not gain weight even though they ate and drank the same as before.

How does this work? The researchers postulate that the capsaicin causes white fat cells to turn into brown fat cells. When we exercise, the brown cells are turned into energy – fat burning. Apparently, the effect of capsaicin is similar, minus the workout.

Do you eat spicy food? Have you noticed any effects on your metabolism?