Do Chilies Burn Fat

Chili peppers -- also called hot peppers -- are from the plant botanically known as Capsicum frutescens, and are grown worldwide. Chili peppers can be eaten raw or cooked, added to recipes to provide a jolt of color and spice, or ground and dried. Capsaicin, the ingredient that gives peppers their heat, has several medical applications, including topical pain relief. Although more study is needed, there is some evidence that eating chili peppers may help reduce abdominal fat.

Features

Chili peppers are among the most widely consumed spices in the world, and have been used herbally in many cultures, including traditional Korean medicine. Popular varieties include cayenne, jalapeno and tabasco peppers, Louisiana long peppers, Mexican chilies, paprika, and pimiento. Capsaicin products in the form of topical ointments and extracts are sold for pain relief, as a digestive aid, and for menstrual discomfort. Blue Shield Complementary and Alternative Health notes that capsaicin may also relieve postoperative nausea, diabetic neuropathy, cluster headaches and psoriasis. Eating hot peppers can improve digestion and help prevent diarrhea from bacterial infection.

Constituents

In addition to the alkaloid compound capsaicin, chili peppers contain beneficial flavonoids, fatty acids and carotene. Chili peppers are also a very good source of the antioxidant vitamins A and C, as well as citric acid. Drugs.com notes that the flavor of capsaicin is so potent that it can be detected in aqueous solutions in concentrations as low as 1 part in 11 million.

Research

There is some evidence that the capsaicin in chili peppers can assist in reducing belly fat. In a 12-week study of eighty overweight subjects published in the January 2009 issue of "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition," researchers found that treatment with 6 mg of capsaicin a day resulted in abdominal fat loss. They added that the treatment appeared to be safe and well tolerated. However, Drugs.com notes that other studies have been inconclusive.

Precautions

Chili peppers are generally recognized as safe to eat, but in large quantities they can irritate the skin, mucous membrane and gastrointestinal tract. Allergic reactions have also been reported with chili peppers. If you are allergic to latex, bananas, kiwi, chestnut or avocado you may also be allergic to chili peppers. If unused to eating chili peppers, you should begin with small amounts, and increase the quantity as you become accustomed to the capsaicin. According to BSCAH, you shouldn't eat chili peppers if you have high blood pressure.