Chili pepper could be appetite suppressant

Eating red pepper could help manage people’s appetites and burn more calories after a meal, said Richard Mattes, Purdue Univ. professor of foods and nutrition. He said this is especially true for individuals who do not consume the spice regularly. Mattes said simple dietary changes, like sprinkling red pepper on food, may be sustainable and beneficial in the long run. This is especially true if the practice is combined with exercise and a healthy diet.
Other studies have found that capsaicin, the compound in chili peppers that gives them their heat, can reduce hunger and burn calories. However, the amounts tested were not realistic for most people in the U. S. population, Mattes said.
The current study measured the spice's effects using quantities (1 gram or half a teaspoon) of red pepper that are acceptable for many consumers. Those who did not consume red pepper regularly experienced a decrease of hunger, especially for fatty, salty and sweet foods. Mattes said the findings also show that red pepper should be consumed in non-capsule form because the taste maximizes the digestive process.
This study used ordinary dried, ground cayenne red pepper. Cayenne is a chili pepper. Most, but not all, chili peppers contain capsaicin. The findings are published in Physiology & Behavior.