Can Spicy Foods Boost Metabolism? What the Science Says

In optimum condition, your body is a fat burning machine. The body is run by a process called metabolism. The body uses food for fuel, which is metabolized and distributed throughout the entire body. A fast metabolism helps control weight. Spicy foods can increase your metabolism, at least for a short while, giving your body a fat burning boost.

Chili Peppers

• Chili peppers aren't just warm to the taste, but they warm up your metabolism too. Capsaicin, the heat generating compound found in chili peppers, helps burn calories. According to researchers at Laval University in Canada, capsaicin stimulates the body's stress hormones, which boost metabolism. Capsaicin can be found in jalapenos and cayenne peppers. However, the boost is only temporary. Eat dishes that contain chili peppers on a regular basis for small boosts in your metabolism.

Ginger

• Ginger is a spicy herb that has a refreshing flavor. Fresh ginger is more potent than the kind you purchase as a powder in a bottle. Shave some fresh ginger over a salad or cook it into a dish. Fresh ginger can help you raise your metabolism. Add spicy ginger to your stir fry dishes or juice drinks. This delicious herb is also good in cookies and other desserts. Besides the temporary lift in metabolism, you'll also benefit from vitamin B6 and potassium.

Peppercorns

• Peppercorns are tiny pink, green, white or black kernels. When ground up, they distribute a spicy flavor we call pepper. Peppercorns contain an alkaloid called Piperine, which makes food easier to absorb and inhibits the metabolism of good nutrients the body needs. It directs the metabolism to burn less needed nutrients first. Other benefits of peppercorn exist. Some of those are increased brain functions, relief from asthma and increasing brain friendly endorphins. Peppercorns are loaded into a hand mill, where they are ground up and distributed over foods. Pre-ground pepper is available, but freshly ground has a brighter flavor.