Searching for a mouth-watering method to melt away those pounds? You may want to consider some spicy solutions!

New research suggests that certain components in chili peppers may be associated with effective and natural weight management. Specifically, capsaicin (CPS), the pepper’s active chemical component, is responsible for these peppers’ spiciness. Capsaicin has been shown to stimulate receptors found in the sensory neurons, which causes the hot, spicy sensations, as well as later reactions, such as redness and sweating.

In regards to weight management, a study published the Journal of Biological Chemistry has found that capsaicin may directly induce the process known as “thermogenesis.” With this process, your body’s cells convert energy derived from food into heat. According to Yasser Mahmoud, a study researcher, capsaicin may very well be the first natural compound shown to successfully augment thermogenesis. In addition, this study may illustrate the benefits of CPS for increasing body temperature and metabolism. In fact, researchers  believe that capsaicin may be utilized for other conditions, such as hypothermia.

The effectiveness of capsaicin is thought to be due to its ability to alter the activity of the muscle protein known as SERCA. This protein directly creates this taste of heat. Normally, a wave of calcium is released from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) compartment, resulting in muscle contractions. The calcium is then returned into the SR, with the use of the body’s chemical energy (or ATP). At this point, the muscles relax, and the cycle begins anew.

However, research shows that consuming capsaicin effectively disrupts this normal pumping activity. But while the SERCA protein is still burning ATP energy, it doesn’t pump calcium. Rather, the ATP is transformed into and released as heat; this is thermogenesis, and it’s one of the most effective ways for people – and hibernating animals — to stay warm.