Got a craving for something spicy? Then your favorite hot sauce!
But, before you stuff yourself to the gills with chili peppers, you’ll want to know: does spicy food increase metabolism? The answer is a bit more nuanced than you may realize. Let’s explore if spicy food really does boost metabolism, and if so, what foods to eat.
How to Increase Metabolism? Here’s One Spicy Way
The deal with spicy foods is that they tend to be loaded with capsaicin. An active component in chili peppers, capsaicin increases body temperature. That can, in turn, increase the rate you burn fat. One effect of capsaicin is that it has been known to decrease appetite. This can cause a person to eat less than they normally would.
When was the last time you ate a meal of spicy food and left the table feeling hungry? It doesn’t happen often, if ever! In the short term, capsaicin reduces cravings. It can help your body burn up to 50 extra calories a day. This may be significant, but it’s certainly not a stat to base any type of serious weight loss program around.
If you’re wondering how to increase metabolism, there are other foods that have more appropriate effects on the body.
What are Some Foods that Increase Metabolism?
When looking for foods that increase metabolism, some of the go-to foods are those that are rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Fish, especially salmon and tuna, are high in these components. Also, beans, some lean meats, broccoli, and lentils can do wonders for your metabolic rate!
But, if you’re still itching for that spicy kick, try some spicy spices to boost your metabolism. Cumin, cinnamon, ginger, and turmeric can do the trick! Plus, turmeric and ginger have known anti-inflammatory properties as well.
For more information on spicy foods and losing weight, let us know how we can help.