The consumption of cayenne red pepper can help with appetite management as well as burn more calories after eating, especially for people who don’t consume the spice regularly. A study discovered that individuals who didn’t regularly eat cayenne red pepper experienced a decrease of hunger, particularly for salty, fatty, and sweet foods.[1] Other research has revealed that capsaicin, which is the ingredient which is responsible for the heat in chili peppers, is able to increase energy expenditure and reduce hunger. The quantities tested in these studies were however not realistic for the majority of individuals.
This current research measured the effects of the spice making use of quantities (half a teaspoon or 1 gram) of cayenne red pepper that are acceptable for most consumers. Other research has also looked at capsule form consumption, but this study showed that effects can be optimized by the taste of the cayenne red pepper. Ordinary cayenne red pepper that was dried and ground was used for the study. Cayenne is a chili pepper, one of the most commonly eaten spices worldwide. The majority of chili peppers, although not all, have capsaicin.
25 non overweight individuals, 12 who didn’t like spicy food and 13 who did, took part in the study of 6 weeks. The preferred pepper level for each group of individuals was determined in advance, and 0.3 grams preferred by individuals who didn’t like cayenne red pepper in comparison to 1.8 grams preferred by regular spice users. Consumption of cayenne red pepper generally increased core body temperature and burned more calories by means of natural energy expenditure.
The appetite responses differed between individuals who liked cayenne red pepper and individuals who didn’t, suggesting that when the stimulus is not familiar it has a greater effect. Once it becomes familiar to individuals, it loses its effectiveness.
The results also show that cayenne red pepper should be consumed in non-capsule form because the digestive process is maximized by the taste.
The burn in the mouth is responsible for that effect. It turns out a more robust effect is experienced if the sensory part is included because the burn contributes to a rise in body temperature, appetite control and energy expenditure.
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