Do spicy foods increase metabolic rate?
Metabolic rate is a measure of the usage and storage of calories. Its believed that individuals can increase their metabolic rate by eating certain foods, particularly those that are spicy. If true, of course, this could be a boon for those who are looking to lose weight. Research has shown that spicy foods do, indeed, increase metabolic rate. Spicy foods accomplish this by raising the temperature of the body. The greatest increase in body temperature is triggered by capsaicin, an ingredient thats found in chili peppers. Although the effect of capsaicin appears to be real, its temporary and small. Keep in mind, too, that eating any food will increase metabolic rate. This is because the body uses calories to digest, absorb and transport food. In general, its thought that about 10 percent of caloric expenditure goes toward dietary thermogenesis. Perhaps of greater interest, though, is the fact that eating spicy foods seem to curb appetite. As it turns out, research indicates that spicy f
