Scientists Have Discovered A Spice That Can Help With Weight Loss
1- 28.08.2026, 22:03
- 1,738
It affects the amount of food consumed.
Chili peppers can affect not only the taste of food but also the amount eaten. Researchers at Pennsylvania State University have found that spicier food causes people to eat more slowly and, as a result, consume less, according to "Cursor".
The study involved 130 adults. Volunteers were offered dishes with varying degrees of spiciness, including beef with chili and chicken tikka masala. During the experiments, the scientists monitored how quickly the participants ate, how much time they spent eating, and how much food they consumed.
It turned out that after eating the spicier version of the beef, participants consumed about 11% less food—roughly 46 grams. At the same time, their eating pace slowed, while their enjoyment of the meal remained virtually unchanged.
The effect was even more pronounced in the experiment with chicken tikka masala. When the amount of chili was increased, participants ate 18% less, and their eating speed decreased by 17%.
Scientists believe this effect may be linked to capsaicin—the compound responsible for the characteristic heat of chili peppers. Spicy food can cause people to eat more slowly, and eating more slowly has previously been linked to a reduction in the total amount consumed.
However, the researchers did not find that the participants drank significantly more water. Therefore, the reduction in food intake likely cannot be explained solely by a faster sensation of stomach fullness.
However, the scientists emphasize that the experiment does not prove that chili peppers directly promote weight loss. Rather, adding spicy seasoning may be one way to slow down eating and better control portion sizes. Therefore, it is not yet advisable to view chili peppers as a standalone weight-loss remedy.