If you’re a fan of spicy food, rejoice—your love for hot wings may be helping you lose weight. Cayenne pepper is a staple in many households, with even a tiny amount adding flavor and heat to food. “Cayenne peppers are a great addition to a healthy diet,” registered dietitian Alexis Supan, RD, tells the Cleveland Clinic. “Cayenne peppers are fantastic sources of antioxidants and other plant compounds that protect our cells and promote health.” Not only is the spice delicious and good for you, but may help with weight loss. Here’s how.
RELATED: 5 Apple Cider Vinegar Benefits.
Metabolism Booster
iStock
Cayenne pepper contains a compound called capsaicin, which can boost your body’s heat production and metabolism, encouraging fat-burning. “Capsaicin is also the active ingredient in many treatments for arthritis and muscle pain," Anna Taylor, RD, tells the Cleveland Clinic. "Some research suggests that capsaicin acts as a thermogenic chemical, which can produce heat to stimulate your metabolism and help you burn fat.”
Appetite Suppression
Shutterstock
Cayenne can help you lose weight through appetite suppression. “It seems to rev up the body’s fat-burning mechanisms,” registered dietitian/nutritionist Patricia Bridget Lane tells the Cleveland Clinic. “That can help with weight loss and weight management. There’s some research that capsaicin acts on the hypothalamus — the part of the brain that controls hunger and fullness. People who eat a diet rich in spicy foods tend to eat less food overall throughout the day.”
High In Antioxidants
Shutterstock
Cayenne is good for more than just weight loss. “Cayenne pepper is also known for its immune boosting potential: besides the anti-inflammatory effects of capsaicin, cayenne is also an excellent source of carotenoids, including beta carotene – a powerful antioxidant that can help prevent free radical damage,” according to Andrew Weil, MD. “Its high levels of vitamin A (two teaspoons of cayenne pepper provide 47 percent of the daily value for vitamin A) support immune function as well.”
RELATED: What Is Intermittent Fasting?
Versatile Ingredient
Shutterstock
Cayenne can really elevate your food and give it a kick. “Whether you’re looking to spice up a dish or help you lose weight, it’s easy to incorporate cayenne into your diet,” Taylor says. “Use it in rubs, sauces, stews and more. Sprinkle on soups, eggs, popcorn and sweet potato fries. Or try it with roasted chickpeas or chili.”
Be Sensible
Shutterstock
If you want to end up on Hot Ones, great—just keep in mind cayenne cannot replace a healthy diet and lifestyle. “The effect isn’t enough to overcome an unhealthy diet,” Supan says, “but as part of a nutritious eating plan, spicy foods may suppress appetite and help with weight loss.”
