“Less cravings for fatty, salty and sugary foods” according to the researchers.
Spices are excellent health allies: nutmeg lowers blood pressure, cardamom boosts memory, turmeric relieves bloating and nausea, ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory… Another spice, which brings color and we love to incorporate into our summer dishes, is also said to have “appetite suppressant” effects, acting on appetite and cravings… In any case, this is what several scientific studies suggest.
In one of them published in the journal Physiology and Behaviorresearchers followed 25 healthy men and women (average age 23) divided into two groups: 13 daily consumers of this spice, 12 non-consumers. At the end of the study, the researchers found that daily consumption of this spice had “decreased preoccupation with food and the desire to consume fatty, salty and sugary foods“, which undoubtedly had an impact on weight management. In the review Appetiteresearchers have confirmed the effects of this spice on appetite and weight:
► Increase in body temperature and energy expenditure after meals by 50 to 100 kcal/day
► Reduction of average BMI by -0.2 in 1 to 2 years
► Reduction of abdominal fat (-1.12 cm waist circumference on average)
► Reduction in appetite and total daily energy intake
Although the mechanisms of action are not yet fully understood, researchers believe that the “appetite-suppressant” effects are probably due to the main compounds of this spice – capsaicins – which stimulate the TRPV1 receptor involved in the sensation of hunger. Also, in general, “hot” spices help to eat more slowly and therefore to reach satiety more quickly.Eating this spice is not a miracle solution for weight loss. However, there is evidence that it can play a role in weight management as part of a healthy diet and regular exercise. […] It’s just one piece of the puzzle“, the researchers are keen to point out.
The effects on appetite and weight have been observed with 1 g of red pepper (the famous hot spice) per day, the equivalent of a third of a teaspoon. The “hotter” the red pepper, the more capsaicin it contains and the more it would have effects on weight. For example, Espelette pepper contains 5 times less than Cayenne pepper and 25 times less than the Bird’s eye chili. Ready to try it?