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The speed of your metabolism is one of the most important factors in determining how effectively you will be able to lose weight. Your metabolism allows you to burn calories at rest, so the more efficiently it runs, the more calories you will be able to torch, making a deficit easier to maintain. There are a number of ways to enhance the speed of your metabolism, and certain foods and spices actually have the capability to make an impact towards fat burn. If you’re looking to maximize your weight loss through your diet, this is the one spice you need to be eating regularly to boost your metabolism and see the best results.
Not only does cayenne pepper add a great deal of spice to your meals, but it is also surprisingly effective in stoking your metabolism and increasing fat burn within the body. This spice contains the active ingredient capsaicin, which helps to keep you full and give your metabolism the boost you're looking for. The idea is that the hotter the pepper, the more fat your body will be inclined to burn, increasing weight loss.
A variety of studies have been done on the topic, and according to Mind Body Green, “Another study of 25 people wanted to see if there was a difference in thermogenesis after red pepper consumption between people who regularly consume spicy foods and people who don’t. This study did find that 0.9 grams of red pepper consumption enhanced thermogenesis in participants. This indicates that the body was producing more heat, and therefore burning more calories.” Additionally, the study found that those that did not regularly consume spicy foods were more likely to reap the benefits of this pepper, increasing their metabolism even more than spicy food lovers.
Not only does cayenne pepper allow for a more effective metabolism, but it also increases satiety, keeping you full for longer. This will also contribute to easier weight loss as you will be naturally more inclined to consume less calories, making it easier to maintain a calorie deficit. Seeing as you can only lose weight if you’re in a deficit, whether it comes from exercise or a lower food intake, adding cayenne pepper to your daily diet can make it easier to achieve results without feeling deprived.
As you will find as you work to lose weight, the little changes you can make in your diet are going to net you the biggest results. Swapping unhealthy carbs for whole grains, minimizing your sugar intake, and even adding certain spices into your diet may help to give your body that little extra kick it needs to burn more calories, allowing you to drop pounds with ease. This week, try to find a few staple meals where you can integrate cayenne pepper into your cooking so you can begin to reset your metabolism and feel your best by summer.
