If you’re trying to lose weight, you may want to take another look in your kitchen.
Certain spices are said to be beneficial when it comes to weight loss. University researchers recently looked at four specific spices, their safety, and their effectiveness in promoting weight loss.
Capsaicin
The first is capsaicin. That’s the compound found in hot peppers that makes them so spicy hot. Peppers with the highest levels of capsaicin rank closer to the top of the hot pepper scale. Some studies suggest capsaicin may help prevent obesity be secreting a hormone that makes you feel fuller and reduces your appetite. When you decrease calories and increase energy expenditure, it helps with weight management, and potentially weight loss.
Black pepper
Black pepper is said to help prevent obesity in animals. In a human study, a mixture containing black pepper and capsaicin helped lower participants’ appetites and it helped increase short-term satiety. Black pepper is an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial spice.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial. It’s said cinnamon reduces the secretion of a so-called hunger hormone. In some studies, researchers have noticed weight loss and a decrease in body volume with cinnamon.
Curcumin
Curcumin is anti-inflammatory and an antioxidant. Part of the ginger family, researchers have found using curcumin has led to lower fat mass and lower body weight in animals. So far, they haven’t seen the same weight loss in humans. Still, some believe that the naturally occurring active compounds in plants could be used as part of a greater weight management plan.
It's possible the amount of any spice we add to mealtime isn’t enough to see real results in terms of weight loss but adding a little here and there could actually be good for your health, and potentially help you keep off some of the extra pounds.
