Capsaicin, a natural substance sourced from chilli peppers, is said to support weight loss.
Proponents claim that the compound can help speed up metabolism and reduce fat tissue, as well as curb overeating by taming appetite. While scientists have yet to confirm that capsaicin can serve as a weight loss aid, some early studies suggest that this spicy chemical may be of some benefit to those trying to slim down.
Key Points
Here’s a look at several findings from studies on capsaicin and weight loss:
1. Capsaicin and Hunger
Upping your capsaicin intake may ease your appetite, according to a 2009 study from the journal Clinical Nutrition. In an experiment involving 27 healthy volunteers, researchers found that consuming a combination of capsaicin and green tea led subjects to feel less hungry and take in fewer calories.
Another 2009 study (published in the European Journal of Nutrition) found that capsaicin may help decrease ghrelin (a hormone involved in promoting hunger).
2. Metabolism and Capsaicin
A number of laboratory and animal studies show that capsaicin may help rev up thermogenesis (a biological process involved in burning calories). However, there is currently a lack of studies testing capsaicin’s ability to boost metabolism in humans.
3. Capsaicin and Physical Fat
Preliminary research indicates that capsaicin may help fight the buildup of body fat. In tests on rats fed a high-fat diet, the authors of a 2010 study from the Journal of Proteome Research found that capsaicin stimulated certain proteins known to break down fat and inhibited the actions of proteins involved in producing fat.
Is Capsaicin Safe for Weight Loss?
Although capsaicin is generally considered safe when consumed in foods, capsaicin supplements may cause some side effects (such as stomach irritation and aggravation of ulcers and heartburn). In addition, capsaicin supplements may interact with certain medications (including aspirin and blood-thinning drugs).
Should You Use Capsaicin for Weight Loss?
Due to the lack of supporting research, it’s too soon to recommend capsaicin supplements for weight loss. However, increasing your capsaicin intake by eating chilli peppers or chili-pepper-based sauces may be beneficial to your overall health (partly due to the compound’s antioxidant effects). If you’re considering the use of capsaicin supplements for weight loss, make sure to consult your physician before starting any supplement regimen.
