When we think about pepper compounds that might support healthy weight loss, we typically think about capsaicin, the compound responsible for the heat in hot peppers. However, recent research studies have shown that compounds in sweet peppers might also support healthy weight loss.
In a new study presented at the 2010 Experimental Biology meetings, researchers examined the impact of dihydrocapsiate, a non-hot pepper compound, on body metabolism endpoints. For the study, 33 volunteers followed a very-low calorie diet using high protein liquid meal replacements for 4 weeks. The volunteers were assigned to take either (1) no dihydrocapsiate, (2) 3 mg dihydrocapsiate per day, or (3) 9 mg dihydrocapsiate per day. Changes in after-meal energy expenditure and fat oxidation were measured at the beginning and end of the study. The results of this study showed that taking 9 mg dihydrocapsiate per day for 4 weeks increased both after-meal energy expenditure and fat oxidation, suggesting that this pepper compound might help support healthy weight loss.
This is not the first study to examine the potential weight loss benefits of these compounds (capsinoids) from sweet peppers. A study (free to read online or download) last year examined the potential benefits of a capsinoid extract (containing three different capsinoids) on weight loss in overweight/obese individuals following a modest diet plan. The results of this study showed that supplementing the diet plan with 6 mg capsinoids per day decreased belly fat and increased fat oxidation after 12 weeks compared to individuals not taking any capsinoids.
Overall, these two studies suggest that naturally occurring compounds found in certain sweet peppers (bell peppers and chili peppers) might support healthy weight management strategies. Bell peppers are an excellent source of vitamins A and C, making them an good vegetable choice to include in any good diet plan, such as Dr. Tabor's easy diet plan.
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