Capsaicin is an active part of chili peppers. A meta-analysis by Zhang et al. in the British Journal of Nutrition showed associations between capsaicin, decreased BMI, decreased waist circumference, and weight loss.
Another meta-analysis by Whiting et al., published in the journal Appetite, highlighted associations between pre-meal capsaicinoids and lower calorie intake. After eating capsaicinoids, subjects chose lower-fat, higher-carbohydrate foods. Carbohydrates have fewer calories per gram than fats, so that switch results in caloric savings.
A study by Yang et al. in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences discusses capsaicin’s effects on inflammation and the associations between inflammation and weight. Mice whose levels of inflammation decreased lost weight.
Add chilis to your day with salsa, spicy Asian dishes, chile rellenos, Peruvian stir fry, and chili.
As always, check with your healthcare provider before changing your diet.
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