Cayenne pepper is a red herb that is used as a food additive. In addition, it can affect your weight positively. Some of the key benefits of cayenne pepper for weight loss include its appetite-reducing and metabolism-enhancing properties, according to research.
Most people gain weight because they can’t control their cravings. In such cases, an external product would be helpful. And a faster metabolism will definitely enhance fat burning.
Cayenne contains a compound called capsaicin, which is also found in other herbs in the same plant family. If capsaicin is present in your body, you would have thermogenic effects. In other words, it would improve your metabolism. It also reduces inflammation, which has weight loss implications.
Given these benefits, here are some ways you can consume it.
How to Use Cayenne Pepper for Weight Loss
1. Take it in plain water
As stated above, the herb is powerful by itself. Sometimes, you need to take it unadulterated so that you can know if it works and to reap the full benefits.
Buy the powdered version and dip it in cold water (a pinch is enough) then stir before drinking. Since pepper is already hot, taking it in a cold-water mix can temper its spiciness.
You may also make this mixture from fresh chili pepper by cutting or pounding it into a paste and putting about a teaspoon of it in water.
2. Toss it into a protein shake
To enjoy positive results from cayenne pepper, always use it with other positive, lifestyle habits.
A typical example would be consuming protein shakes. Protein shakes are helpful in repairing muscle tissue, building muscles, toning and losing weight. Some shakes are quite palatable owing to the flavors that have been added. Sprinkling in a bit of cayenne would thus be making a good thing better.
You are also less likely to forget taking it when it becomes a part of your pre-workout routine.
3. Make cayenne pepper stews or curries
Certain foods are designed to be spicy. They usually contain a host of seasonings and flavor-enhancers. Now that you know the effects of cayenne on weight, make a conscious effort of putting it in your stews.
There are plenty of Caribbean, Mexican, Chinese and Indian dishes with this ingredient. Or you can simply add them to these tasty dinner ideas because making healthy choices does not have to be boring.
4. Take it with your smoothies
Smoothies that have vegetables and fruits are usually nutritious and healthy. Not only to they contain a lot of fiber, but they are also rich in anti-oxidants. The minerals and smoothies help you to lower inflammation, enhance metabolism and lose weight.
Eating those types of foods is also great because they are low in calories. Combine some cayenne pepper with your breakfast smoothies. They could be mango, kale, blueberries, bananas, oranges or pineapples. The pepper also adds a little kick into what can sometimes be a bland combination.
5. Consider supplements
In some instances, you may not have time to prepare elaborate dishes, smoothies or mixtures for weight loss. Besides, supplements are more potent than the natural ingredient.
In this study, it was shown that the supplements had substantial effects on the treatment of obesity. It was also found that they worked through increased fat oxidation in the subjects.
6. Mix it with lemon juice
Lemon juice and cayenne pepper make an excellent pair because of their health benefits. Instead of taking coffee in the morning, consider taking hot lemon water and cayenne instead. The drink is packed with antioxidants and prevents indigestion. It also helps in curbing cravings by keeping you hydrated.
Sometimes you may think you are hungry when all you are is dehydrated. The cayenne would solidify this effect by taming your appetite and removing toxins in your body.
Let’s not forget that cayenne tastes better with some lime. Cut the actual plant into pieces and dip it in lemon juice. Alternatively, you can simply add the dried version in powder form.
7. Try the ginger, green tea, and cayenne mix
In this study, the participants took a supplement that had green tea, capsaicin and ginger extract in a ratio of 5:1:2 respectively. They took the capsules for 8 weeks and reported substantial weight loss.
You can make your own homemade mix using this formula. Combine 5 parts green tea, 1 part cayenne pepper and 2 parts ginger paste. If you are taking it as a tea, you will probably need some hot water.
8. Some honey would make it palatable
Honey is a natural way to make healthy drinks a lot tastier. Some people may have problems with the way the pepper tastes on its own. This is especially true when you are taking the plain version with water.
Honey can moderate the spiciness and heat from the pepper. You would have to put this mixture in hot water and ensure that you don’t overdo it with the honey.
9. Try the Master Cleanse
The master cleanse is ideal for anyone that wants an aggressive weight loss intervention. It consists of lemon juice, maple syrup, and cayenne pepper.
Combine about 2 tablespoons of lemon juice with 2 tablespoons of maple syrup. Just a pinch of cayenne pepper would do. You should then stir the above in a cup of water.
10. Watch out for throat burning
A number of people experience a burning sensation when they take cayenne pepper in its purest form. If you take it in hot water, you would have the same feeling at the back of your throat.
As a way of protecting yourself, consider taking this mixture when it has cooled slightly. Cover up the drink so that the ingredients from the pepper do not evaporate. Also, you should sip the tea slowly.
11. Make a turmeric mix
Turmeric is a good option for you if you want to increase metabolism. Additionally, it helps in fat emulsification. If you take this herb regularly, your bile juice production will increase. This digestive juice contributes to weight loss by burning fat. It also has anti-inflammation properties.
You can take turmeric tea by mixing the juice from the turmeric plant with water. Then add cayenne pepper so that you enjoy the weight loss effects from both plants in one concoction.
12. How much is too much?
Anything if taken to extremes is dangerous. Too much cayenne pepper causes sneezing, coughing and a running nose. It can also lead to gastrointestinal problems as well as high blood pressure.
You would be sensible to take no more than 28 grams of the actual herb/ paste/ pieces or 1 gram of the powder. Anything beyond that may lead to these unwanted outcomes.
Taking about 2 servings a day of whatever cayenne pepper combinations, you prefer is enough.
Final Word
In weight loss plans, you need to combine more than one strategy to see results. Cayenne pepper alone would probably not do much.
If you use it with other interventions like lemon juice, pre-workout protein shakes, healthy foods, smoothies for weight loss, then you might shed off those extra pounds.
If you want to experience near-overnight weight loss, follow this step-by-step fat loss system while taking cayenne pepper.
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