Pepper for weight loss

That headline sounds ridiculous, doesn't it? To be honest, the first time I saw it I thought it sounded daft, but red pepper is not just a very popular way to add that extra kick of flavour and colour to your favourite dishes, but it is also a highly efficient way to encourage weight loss. The science behind it can take a bit of digesting (pun intended), but it's solid science.

Red pepper (Capsicum and sometimes known as Cayenne) has enormous fat burning potential. It is used more traditionally in herbal medicine as an aid for circulation and digestion because it naturally supports the production of gastric juices, which is vital for a healthy and fully functioning metabolism.

Pepper also provides immunity against colds and flu because of its many vitamins including Vitamin C and nutrients. It also contains a source of Vitamin A with its concentration of carotenoids, antioxidants and flavonoids including beta-carotene. The Capsaicin in red pepper, the component that gives the pepper its heat possesses great cardiovascular benefits, an ability to reduce pain by helping to deplete nerve endings meaning less sensitivity and it effectively opens and drains congested nasal passages, which is why when we have a cold people often suggest a hot curry.

In regards to weight loss, it gives your metabolism a turbo charge by creating more heat within the body. After you eat very spicy, hot foods, your body temperature rises in a process known as “diet induced thermogenesis.” As your body heat increases so will your metabolism so more calories are burned off.

Studies have proven what a significant effect red pepper can have on the metabolic rate. During an experiment, 10gm of red pepper was then added to high fat and high carbohydrate meals and the spice of the pepper boosts thermogenesis which helps to burn, or oxidise the fat contained in the meal. Another study concluded that if 6 to 10 gm of red pepper was added to meals it will help to suppress hunger; this was tested on a group of men and women which showed that it did indeed suppress appetite.

The dosage in the studies were more than what most would consume but you do not necessarily have to consume that much to achieve the same results. Additional studies showed that a small 3gm of red chilli sauce and mustard sauce added to food increased the metabolic rate by up to 25%.

Red pepper is quite frequently used as an ingredient in a wide variety of weight loss supplements and works in harmony with other natural fat burners according to research. Red pepper has a very long history as a spice, it is widely available and cost effective too plus with its wide array of health benefits it is well worth being a bit brave and adding a bit of spice to your life and lose weight and enjoy the benefits that Red pepper has to offer.