Cayenne Pepper for Weight Loss

Cayenne pepper contains many nutrients for weight loss is an age-old secret. It is one of the ingredients of lemonade cleanse popularized by Beyonce and Yolanda Hadid. Cayenne pepper helps boost metabolism, reduces hunger, and burns fat. This post explains to you the science of cayenne pepper’s weight loss properties, various way to incorporate it in your diet, benefits, and many more. Ready to cut down some flab and become fab?

Capsaicin, a phytochemicalⁱ  Naturally occurring chemicals found in fruits, vegetables, grains that defend them from fungi, bacteria, and viruses. present in cayenne pepper, is responsible for its spiciness. And it is the same phytochemical that aids in weight loss and improves blood circulation. This ingredient binds to the neuroreceptorsⁱ  Protein-based structures built to receive, process, and distribute information from neurotransmitters to various parts of the body. that induce calcium influx, which, in turn, triggers many cellular responses. The antioxidantⁱ  A substance that neutralizes unstable molecules that can damage your cells called free radicals. enzyme levels go up, and inflammation goes down. As a result, the metabolic rate improves, toxins get flushed out, and plaques don’t form on the arterial walls (1).

Scientists have found that adding cayenne pepper to foods helps increase fat-burning and thermogenesis (2). It helps with appetite suppression and makes you feel satiated after a meal that contains cayenne pepper. That is why you consume lesser calories and do not overeat (3). Cayenne pepper also contains another phytochemical similar to capsaicin known as dihydrocapsiate. It helps increase metabolism by about 50 cal/day (4).

So, clearly, cayenne pepper can aid weight loss and is backed by science. Read on to know how to include it in your diet for weight loss. Scroll down for more information.

Trivia

Cayenne pepper measures 30,000-50,000 units on the Scoville Scale. This scale, which runs from 0-1000000 and indicates the heat level of a pepper, was devised by William Scoville in 1912.

How To Use Cayenne Pepper For Weight Loss?

1. Master Cleanse – The Master Cleanse is a juice cleanse for weight loss. The main ingredients required to prepare this concoction are lemon juice, maple syrup, and cayenne pepper. Here’s how you can prepare it.

2. Ingredients

   • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
   • 2 tablespoons Grade B maple syrup
   • A pinch of cayenne pepper
   • 1 cup water

   How To Prepare

   Add all the ingredients to a cup of water. Stir well before drinking.

2. Juices/Smoothies – You can also add ¼ – ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper powder to your juice or smoothie to lose weight. The tangy taste of the fruits will nullify the strong flavor of the cayenne and add taste to it.

3. In Home-Cooked Meals – Cayenne pepper adds taste and flavor when added to home-cooked meals. You can add ½-1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper powder to your salad, soup, yogurt dip, and other food preparations without making its spiciness too overbearing.

Quick Tip

Add cayenne pepper directly to heated oil as a tempering before adding vegetables or protein of your choice. This helps impart a rich flavor and color to your dish and also makes the taste of the spice palatable instead of overbearing.

4. Cayenne Pepper Capsules – You can also consume cayenne pepper capsules for weight loss and other health benefits. You can buy them at your local pharmacy or order online.

Mike Cola, a health and fitness blogger, consumes cayenne pepper every day, which has helped to increase metabolism, burn more calories, and suppress appetite. He reveals his preferred method of intake, “I like to take half a teaspoon of cayenne pepper and mix it with my bone broth (i).”

Now that we know how to take cayenne pepper for weight loss, let me share a weight loss diet plan with you. It contains cayenne pepper as one of the ingredients, and it will help you lose weight in no time.

Cayenne Pepper Weight Loss Diet Chart

Why This Works

This diet chart includes foods that aid weight loss, and cayenne pepper is one of them. Starting your day with a cup of warm water and lime juice will aid proper bowel movement, relieve constipation, and boost your immune system. Include the Master Cleanse juice in your breakfast to increase your metabolic rate.

Oatmeal is high in fiber and prevents fat absorption. Scrambled eggs are a great source of protein and will help build lean muscle mass. You also need healthy fats to lose weight, and almonds will provide you with vitamin E, magnesium, and potassium. If you have a cup of green tea as a mid-morning snack, you will not feel famished till lunch.

Green tea is rich in antioxidants that help to flush out the toxins. Have a tasty, low-calorie, and protein-rich lunch. Adding cayenne pepper will give your lunch an extra zing and also increase satiety. Buttermilk has good gut bacteria that aid digestion. Coconut water is a source of natural electrolytes, and fruits are rich in dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

Have a palatable dinner that is rich in protein and dietary fiber. Use minimum amounts of cayenne pepper to avoid irritating your stomach and mouth linings.

If you are allergic to any of the foods mentioned in the diet chart or are a picky eater, here is a food substitute list for you.

Substitutes

2. 2. 3. • Lime juice – Apple cider vinegar
         • Almonds – Walnuts or macadamia nuts
         • Oatmeal – Quinoa
         • Eggs – 1 small bowl of papaya
         • Green Tea – Herbal tea or oolong tea
         • Chicken- Turkey/mushroom/tofu/fish
         • Hummus – Kidney bean chili
         • Pita bread – Wheat flat bread or sorghum chapati
         • Buttermilk – Fat-free yogurt
         • Fresh coconut water – Cucumber juice
         • Bowl of fruits – Baby carrots/celery
         • Fish – Tofu/chicken/turkey
         • Cumin – Fennel
         • Lentil soup – Chicken soup/mushroom soup
         • Garlic – Spring onions
         • Veggies – Fruit juice

So, will you lose weight by following this diet chart? Maybe. But what can give you the best and guaranteed results is exercise. Sounds funny, but the human body works on the law of thermodynamics. If the energy in is greater than the energy out, you will gain weight, and if the energy in is equal to the energy out, your body weight will be stagnant. So, utilize the calories as energy by working out regularly. Here’s a workout plan for you.

2. 2. 3. • Neck tilt – 1 set of 10 reps (right and left)
         • Neck rotations – 1 set of 10 reps (clockwise and anticlockwise)
         • Shoulder rotations – 1 set of 10 reps (clockwise and anticlockwise)
         • Arm rotations – 1 set of 10 reps (clockwise and anticlockwise)
         • Wrist rotation – 1 set of 10 reps (clockwise and anticlockwise)
         • Ankle rotation – 1 set of 10 reps (clockwise and anticlockwise)
         • Side lunges – 2 sets of 5 reps (right and left)
         • Side crunches – 1 set of 10 reps (right and left)
         • Spot jogging – 5-7 minutes
         • Jumping jacks – 2 sets of 20 reps
         • Forward lunges – 2 sets of 10 reps
         • Jumping lunges – 2 sets of 10 reps
         • Squats – 1 set of 10 reps
         • Crunches – 2 sets of 10 reps
         • Tricep dips – 2 sets of 5 reps
         • Push-ups – 2 sets of 5 reps
         • Mountain climbers – 2 sets of 10 reps
         • Forward plank – 2 sets of 15-second holds
         • Stretch

These exercises can be done at home or office and at your convenience. An important question that arises is – who should avoid consuming cayenne pepper for weight loss? Let’s find out.

Who Should Not Consume Cayenne Pepper For Weight Loss?

Avoid consuming cayenne pepper if:

2. 2. 3. • you suffer from irritable bowel syndrome or ulcers
         • you have recently undergone intestinal surgery
         • you are on medication for high blood pressure
         • you are a new mom or pregnant
         • you are on medication that slows down blood clotting
         • you take theophylline

If you do not fall into any of the above categories, you can go ahead and use cayenne pepper to lose weight. Here is the recommended dosage.

Cayenne Pepper Dosage For Weight Loss

• • • • Cayenne pepper capsule – 2 capsules a day
      • Cayenne pepper pods – 2-3 pods per day
      • Cayenne pepper powder – 1-2 teaspoons per day

While you can use cayenne pepper for weight loss, the question of its nutritional value must have you wondering whether it is the way to go.

Cayenne Pepper Nutrition

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (1.8 grams) contains the following nutritional values (5).

These nutrients may help improve your health too. Scroll down to check out all the health benefits cayenne pepper has to offer.

Other Health Benefits Of Cayenne Pepper

2. 2. 3. • It relieves pain, headache, and migraine
         • It supports digestion
         • Helps in detoxification
         • It has anti-inflammatory and anti-irritant properties
         • Helps fight flu and cold
         • It helps to treat psoriasis
         • Prevents blood clot formation
         • It has antimicrobial properties
         • It has anticancer properties

Caution

• Talk to your doctor before taking cayenne pepper capsules or powder for weight loss.
• Don’t exceed the recommended dosage.
• Stop using it if it causes any discomfort.

Infographic: 4 Effective Ways To Use Cayenne Pepper For Weight Loss

Cayenne pepper has been a part of many diet cleanses due to its potential to aid weight loss. Its active compound, capsaicin, may boost metabolism, increase fat burning, and reduce appetite. Check out the infographic below for easy ways to add this interesting spice to your diet and help you get started on your fitness journey.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

There are countless cayenne pepper benefits that contribute to this spice’s popularity. Cayenne pepper supports weight loss by improving your metabolic rate, increasing fat oxidation, and satiating hunger cravings. You can add cayenne pepper to a master cleanse, healthy juices or smoothies, or meals or ingest them in capsule form. To make the most of it, pair other weight loss-stimulating ingredients with cayenne pepper for weight loss, like oatmeal and scrambled eggs. Pair this healthy diet plan with a regular workout regimen to keep your body healthy and fit. Scroll up to check out how you can add cayenne pepper to your diet and the exercises you can practice every day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can cayenne pepper help burn belly fat?

No. It does not help burn belly fat. Dr.Kevin Huffman, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine and a board-certified bariatric physician, says, “The research on cayenne pepper specifically for belly fat is even scarcer than that. Belly fat, sometimes referred to as visceral fat, is a major health concern. There is sadly no way to ‘spot reduce’ it. Weight loss in general reduces our overall body fat, including our belly fat, and while cayenne pepper might help with appetite suppression, it’s unlikely that it’s a magic bullet to burn off belly fat.”

Can cayenne pepper be taken in supplement form for weight loss, or is it more effective when consumed as part of meals?

Yes, you may consume cayenne pepper in supplement form. However, it is best to consume it as part of meals. Catherine Rall, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, says, “The big advantage of getting key dietary elements like capsaicin through your food instead of through supplements is that they’ll be more bioavailable, meaning that your body will have an easier time breaking down and metabolizing the key ingredients. Supplements are a fine alternative, though, especially if you don’t have the spice tolerance to consume enough capsaicin in your food to see the results you’re looking for.”

How much weight can you lose with cayenne pepper?

The amount of weight loss varies from person to person and depends on several factors like genetics and body type.

Is it okay to eat cayenne pepper every day?

Yes, consuming cayenne pepper in moderate amounts daily is generally considered safe.

Can you take cayenne pepper on an empty stomach?

No, cayenne pepper should not be consumed on an empty stomach. Ensure that you consume it along with some food.

Illustration: Cayenne Pepper for Weight Loss

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Click on this informative video below and discover the incredible potential of cayenne pepper in enhancing your metabolism and supporting weight loss. Unveil effective techniques for incorporating it into your daily routine. Play it now!

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Reviewer Expert Author Editor Fact Checker

Merlin Annie RajRegistered Dietitian Nutritionist

   

Merlin Annie Raj is a Registered Dietitian based out of Hyderabad, India. She has 14 years of experience in Clinical Nutrition as well as teaching Nutrition and Dietetics to undergraduate and postgraduate students. She was awarded the ‘President’s Award’ at the 47th Annual National Conference of the Indian Dietetic Association, 2014.

Read full bio of Merlin Annie Raj

• 
  Dr Kevin HuffmanD.O Dr. Kevin D. Huffman, D.O., is a board-certified bariatric physician with over 20 years of experience. He is the the Founder and President of American Bariatric Consultants. He also mentors physicians for board certification in bariatric medicine and aids physicians, surgeons, and hospitals in entering the bariatric treatment community. Additionally, Dr. Huffman has taken part in the research and development of the best bariatric foods available on the market. He is a graduate of Ohio University.
  
  Dr. Kevin D. Huffman, D.O., is a board-certified bariatric physician with over 20 years of experience. He is the the Founder and President of American Bariatric Consultants. He also mentors physicians for board certification in bariatric medicine and aids physicians, surgeons, and hospitals in entering the bariatric treatment community. Additionally, Dr. Huffman has taken part in the research and development of the best bariatric foods available on the market. He is a graduate of Ohio University.
• 
  Catherine RallRDN Catherine Randall is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with six years of experience in nutrition counseling, clinical nutrition, and meal planning. She graduated from the University of Rhode Island and aims to educate her clients on all aspects related to nutrition and health.
  
  Catherine Randall is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with six years of experience in nutrition counseling, clinical nutrition, and meal planning. She graduated from the University of Rhode Island and aims to educate her clients on all aspects related to nutrition and health.

Charushila BiswasHealth & Wellness Writer

 

Charushila is an ISSA certified Fitness Nutritionist and a Physical Exercise Therapist. Over a span of 6 years, she has authored more than 400 articles on diet, lifestyle, exercises, healthy food, and fitness equipment. She strives to inform, educate, and motivate her readers via authentic, straightforward, and fact-checked information.

Read full bio of Charushila Biswas

Arshiya SyedaCo-Editor-in-Chief

Arshiya Syeda is the Co-Editor-in-Chief of StyleCraze with 8 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer who combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care.

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Payal KarnikSenior Health & Wellness Writer

Payal Karnik is a senior health and wellness writer and a Certified Health and Nutrition Life Coach. She is a biotechnology graduate from the University of Mumbai with a keen interest in writing and a natural curiosity for science.

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