Spicy Food?

Jovialation

Is it true that spicy food is good for you when youre trying to lose weight? Ive seen it and heard it a few different times and I just gotta know if its really true. I cant even remember what the reasons were, but Im curious on thoughts.:huh:

iRun4wine

I'm not sure if it's true or not, but I've heard that the reason spicy food can help you lose weight is because something about the hotness speeds up your metabolism (like caffeine does, I guess)... maybe someone knows if this is accurate or not? :flowerforyou:

jules1984

Here is what I found:

"Weight Loss
Epidemiological data (data hatgered from population studies) indicates the consumption of capsaicin rich foods such as cayenne and other peppers is associated with a lower prevalence of obesity.
In a human study conducted at the Division of Kinesiology, in Québec, Canada, the addition of red pepper to meals significantly increased diet-induced thermogenesis (heat production) and lipid oxidation (the burning of fat for energy). In a second study, results show that the intake of red pepper decreases appetite.
In recent research there is evidence that capsaicin from cayenne and other chili peppers may inhibit the growth of fat cells by activating AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which is found in muscle and other human tissue. AMPK has been found to regulate eating behavior and energy expenditure, and AMPK activation also stimulates hepatic and skeletal muscle fatty acid oxidation."

I got that here:
http://www.elements4health.com/cayenne-pepper.html

I always read it was the capsaicin that speeds up metabolism and the feeling hot helps you burn more, or feel fuller sooner...

XFitMojoMom

I eat lots of spicy food - the problem is most foods it is prepared in/with is fatty greasy sludge. LOL...

Jovialation

awesome! Thanks for finding that
My boyfriend is a huuuuge fan of spicy food, so this is pretty conveinent LOL
I was just starting to love the spicy foods myself, so I can definitely start eating spicier foods more or adding cayenne and red pepper!

Tasty and helpful, this I like.

9726172000

The Skinny on Weight Loss With Spicy Food
A lot of people are becoming fascinated with different ways to lose weight, and one of them is weight loss with spicy food. At first, weight loss with spicy food may sound a little ridiculous. You may even think eating spicy foods won’t do any wonders for your body. However, before we take spicy foods for granted, let us take a look at their features.

Spicy culture

Spicy food has always been included in various menus of different cultures all over the world. Spices like chili powder, cayenne peppers, and curry powder never fail to add some flavor and kick to any dish. However, is there such thing as weight loss with spicy food in your diet with the help of these and other spices?

How it works

Weight loss with spicy food works simply by raising your metabolism. You do not have to resort to eat a lot of hot peppers until your mouth feels like it is burning. In fact, even a little spice can provide a significant increase in your metabolism.

The truth

Weight loss with spicy food is possible because it increases your metabolism, which helps you burn more calories. This is because the spices increase your body temperature and contributes to an increase in your heart rate, too. Remember that the increase happening in your body temperature and heart rate requires energy.

Thermogenic properties

Spices also have thermogenic properties by helping your body burn calories especially if you are eating high-fat meals. Aside from increasing your body temperature, spices also aid to the increase of your blood circulation. They are also able to stimulate the breaking down of your fat cells, which aids in weight loss.

Some things to consider

Weight loss with spicy food is possible, but you should remember a few things before becoming very convinced. One is the fact that those who eat them do not really rely completely on the food’s influence in their metabolism so they can stay slim. Second, keep in mind that there are certain spices that can provide strong flavors to any dish, which can influence the dish’s rich taste and aroma.

It’s in the flavor

Once your meals receive that strong flavor, you will have the urge to eat less just to feel satisfied. Some spicy foods that have certain spices in them are even healthier compared to foods that solely rely on sugar just to have some flavor. Chicken, shrimp, lentils, and tomatoes are some examples of foods that are usually included in several spicy dishes.

How the flavor works

It is also important to understand that spices enhance flavors of any food, which provides a satisfied feeling to your palate. That feeling will make you eat less, which makes people associate weight loss with spicy food.

Benefits of spices

When it comes to weight loss with spicy food, it is also important for you to consider the benefits that particular spices can contribute to your body. For instance, black pepper works as an antioxidant and as an antibacterial, while cayenne pepper is believed to aid in giving your immune system a boost while clearing congestion. Athletes also eat spicy foods to increase their endurance and treat osteoarthritis.

Improve digestion

Spices also improve your digestion because they increase the hydrochloric secretion of your stomach. That is the reason why your metabolic rate increases. Remember that an increase in your metabolism also increases your body’s absorption rate. The result is that the body can convert the calories into energy so they are not stored as body fat.

Fat buring benefits?

Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin, which is shown to have fat burning and appetite reducing capabilities. Some scientists say that cayenne pepper increases your body’s norepinephrine and epinephrine levels, which can cause you to feel less hungry.

Keep everything in moderation

Eating spicy foods can also contribute some negative effects on the body. One is the onset of stomach ulcers. Another is acid reflux or GERD, which is more common with obese people who are trying to lose weight with spicy food. With this in mind, it is important to take spicy foods moderately especially if you have sensitive stomach or you simply have a low tolerance for them.

Test your tolerance

Too much spices can also mess up your digestion, cause some irritation in your digestive tract, and may even impair your tastebuds, which will cause you to not be able to enjoy your food in their usual state. If you want to try spicy foods to aid you in weight loss, try eating small amounts at first to see if you can tolerate them. If you can’t, then do not force yourself.

Wecandothis

The article above is a very good one! The jury is really still out on losing weight with spicy food - however spicy food is very good for you. Included in the benefits of spicy food are:

* Cancer-fighting and cancer-prevention - A recent study shows that capsaicin can be used to fight pancreatic cancer. It slowed the growth of cancer cells and in some cases, even caused cancer cells to die off.

* Alleviate inflammation - Arthritis and psoriasis are cause by nerve damage and cause pain on joints. Capsaicin supposedly helps to ease that pain.

* Relieve chronic pain - In some cases, spicy foods containing capsaicin greatly reduced pain caused by headaches or osteoporosis.

* Heart-health - Cayenne and chili peppers can help to reduce cholesterol. Additionally statistics show that cultures that eat spicy foods (e.g. some Asian countries) frequently have a much lower rate of heart attack and stroke.

So might as well eat it. :-)

Jovialation

All that info is beyond awesome! Thanks for the help!
I have really begun loving adding spices to food...especially boxed meals. Only 2 people in the house and having a bf who hates grocery shopping means fresh meals arent as possible, so I spend a lot of time spicing up boxed meals so theyre more satisfying and, as mentioned, help me eat less.

Tonights dinner was already creole rice and spiced chicken (cayenne, paprika, season salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper). I was already exited for it and now Im even more so!