Cayenne Pepper for Weight Loss

Exciting ways to spice up your dieting routine with this fat-burning ingredient

Medically reviewed by Merlin Annie Raj, RD (Registered Dietitian)
Written by Charushila Biswas, MSc (Biotechnology), ISSA Certified Fitness Nutritionist
Edited by Arshiya Syeda, BA (Literature & Psychology), PG Diploma
Fact-checked by Payal Karnik, MSc (Biotechnology), Certified Health & Nutrition Life Coach  • 

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  XNaturally 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  XProtein-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  XA 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.

protip_icon 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?

Cayenne pepper for weight loss
Image: Shutterstock
  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.

  1. 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.
  1. 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.
protip_icon 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.
  1. 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

Cayenne pepper diet plan
Image: Shutterstock
MealsWhat To Eat
Early Morning (7:00 – 7:45 am)Warm water with juice of a lime
Breakfast (8:30- 8:45 am)Options:
  • Master Cleanse juice + oatmeal + 2 almonds
  • Master Cleanse juice + scrambled eggs + 4 almonds
Pre-Lunch Snack (11:00 am)Green tea
Lunch (12:30 – 1:30 pm)Options:
  • Chicken salad with a dash of lime juice and a pinch of cayenne pepper
  • Hummus with a pinch of cayenne pepper powder and 1 pita bread
Evening Snack (4:00 – 4:30 pm)Options:
  • Buttermilk
  • Fresh coconut water
  • A small bowl of fruits
Dinner (7:00 – 7:30 pm)Options:
  • Grilled fish with cayenne pepper and cumin powder and veggies
  • Lentil soup with garlic and cayenne pepper flambe and veggies
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
        • 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.

        • 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?

Pregnant woman should not consume cayenne pepper
Image: IStock

Avoid consuming cayenne pepper if:

        • 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 dosage
Image: Shutterstock
        • 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).

NutrientsAmountUnit
Energy23.9kJ
Water0.145g
Energy5.72kcal
Ash0.109g
Carbohydrate1.02g
Protein0.216g
Fat0.311g
Fiber0.49g
Calcium2.66mg
Iron0.14mg
Magnesium2.74mg
Zinc0.045mg
Phosphorus5.27mg
Potassium36.2mg
Manganese0.036mg
Sodium0.54mg
Copper0.007mg
Selenium0.158mg
Vitamin C1.38mg

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

Health benefits of cayenne pepper
Image: Shutterstock
        • 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.

4 effective ways to use cayenne pepper for weight loss (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

Download Infographic in PDF version

Cayenne pepper improves your metabolic rate, increases fat oxidation, and satiates 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

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.

Key Takeaways

  • Cayenne pepper can influence changes at the cellular level because of its active compound, capsaicin.
  • It boosts metabolism and burns up fat reserves in the body, thereby facilitating weight loss.
  • You can add it to your smoothies and meals, or have its supplements to reap its benefits.
  • Those with intestinal problems, and who are on certain medications should consult their doctor before introducing cayenne pepper for weight loss plans.
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!

Personal Experience: Source

References

Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.

  1. Capsaicin may have important potential for promoting vascular and metabolic health
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4477151/
  2. Effects of red pepper added to high-fat and high-carbohydrate meals on energy metabolism and substrate utilization in Japanese women
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10211048/
  3. Capsaicin increases sensation of fullness in energy balance, and decreases desire to eat after dinner in negative energy balance
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24630935/
  4. Effect of dihydrocapsiate on resting metabolic rate in humans1,2,3
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2954444/
  5. Spices, pepper, red or cayenne
    https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/170932/nutrients
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