(27-07-10) Spicy peppers may cause your body to burn more calories

by Ethan A. Huff, staff writer


Losing weight is just a few spicy peppers away, according to a recent report
out of the UCLA Center for Human Nutrition. Researchers there say that the
capsaicin compounds found in peppers that give them their spicy taste, actually
help to burn calories as well.

Scientists believe that the reason why capsaicin burns calories is because the
compound uses energy to raise a person's body temperature, which provides a
similar effect as the one obtained by engaging in traditional exercise
routines.

Because capsaicin is usually pretty spicy, it might be a turn-off to many
people who simply would not be able to tolerate the sensation. Fortunately,
some chili peppers produce a form of capsaicin called dihydrocapsiate, or DCT,
that is milder and more palatable.

For the study, the research team evaluated 34 different people trying to lose
weight. They gave some of the volunteers DCT pills with their meals and others
placebo pills. Upon observation, those that took the DCT pills exerted a lot
more energy than those who took the dummy pills, indicating that more calories
are being burned due to the compound's effects.

In fact, those who took the DCT burned almost twice as much energy as those
who took the placebo.

The research team is suggesting that people who are trying to lose weight
stick to just eating peppers at this point rather than going out and trying to
buy isolated DCT. Simply integrating more peppers into your meals will help to
shed some extra pounds and keep that weight off.

Another interesting fact about chili peppers is that they warm the body in the
winter and cool it off during the summer. It may seem strange for something
that produces heat to cool during the summer, but the peppers actually help to
increase perspiration which ultimately decreases body temperature.

Another benefit of capsaicin, and chili peppers in general, is its efficacy as
an anticoagulant in helping to prevent heart attacks and strokes. Chili peppers
are naturally anti-inflammatory and they help to keep blood pressure at normal
levels as well. They are also rich in bioflavanoids, which help to maintain
strong blood vessel walls.

So no matter what, you cannot go wrong with eating chili peppers. They provide
numerous health benefits that make them a worthwhile food to integrate into
your regular meals. Just be sure you can handle the heat.

Sources for this story include:

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/boo...

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