Spice up your diet: Chili peppers boost metabolism and more
Weight loss is a long-term process that requires permanent changes not only in eating habits but in the entire lifestyle. However, there are safe ways to reasonably accelerate the desired effects. One option is to use a few spices from your kitchen shelf that stimulate metabolism.
Consider chili peppers, which give dishes their characteristic spicy taste due to the capsaicin content. Different types of peppers add varying levels of spiciness, measured on the Scoville scale (SHU). For example, an ordinary red bell pepper, which is not spicy, registers at 0 SHU. The spiciness of black pepper ranges from 100 to 500 SHU, while Tabasco pepper can reach around 50,000 SHU. The very hot Carolina Reaper pepper achieves a value of 1.5 million SHU.
How does chili pepper affect the body?
Spicy peppers, as well as other spices containing capsaicin derivatives or capsaicinoids, not only make dishes taste better but also stimulate thermogenesis. This effect also occurs after consuming black pepper or curcumin. As a result, things heat up — this is a natural defensive reaction of the body trying to cool itself down.
This reaction to capsaicin requires energy, meaning that you burn some calories just by eating. Regular consumption of dishes with added chili peppers can contribute to fat reduction, and some people also experience a decreased appetite. However, it's important to remember that chili pepper is not a "miracle cure" for weight loss; it merely supports the process. It's wise to maintain a healthy perspective.
Research has shown anti-cancer properties
The properties of chili peppers attract the attention not only of those on a weight-loss diet but also of doctors and scientists. In 2006, research conducted by a team from Nottingham University showed that capsaicin encourages cancer cells to self-destruct.
"As these compounds attack the very heart of the tumour cells, we believe that we have in effect discovered a fundamental 'Achilles heel' for all cancers," said Dr. Timothy Bates, a member of the research team (source: news.bbc.co.uk).
Research on the role of capsaicin in cancer prevention is ongoing, and there is still no conclusive evidence of capsaicin's anti-cancer effects. Chili pepper can play an important role in prevention, but it currently cannot cure cancer.
Excess capsaicin can be toxic
When consumed in small amounts, chili pepper can positively impact the body by boosting metabolism. However, in excess, when the body's cooling process demands too much energy, issues such as breathing difficulties may occur. Capsaicin can also irritate the stomach lining or lead to indigestion.
