Just Chill(i)!

This article has been researched and written by Arelang Naturals^® in-house writers.

Have you heard the expression "no pain, no gain"? It describes the idea that to achieve something, you need to endure some discomfort or hardship. While we have heard this enough growing up and otherwise, you might not have heard it in the context of maintaining your weight.

When it comes to weight loss, a similar idea applies to the heat you feel when eating a spicy chilli pepper or black peppers. Many people love this fiery sensation, but did you know that the heat caused by capsaicin, a compound found in peppers, has been linked to numerous health benefits, including fat burning? Here's how it works.

When you eat peppers, capsaicin binds to receptors on your tongue and signals your brain that you're experiencing heat. The heat doesn't stop there. Capsaicin also activates the adipose cells, the cells that store fat. That, in turn, causes your body to burn the brown fat which is a metabolically active tissue that burns calories to generate heat. You might say, "Isn't all fat bad for you?" While it's true that excess fat can lead to health problems, not all fats are created equal. Brown fat is "good fat" because it helps your body burn calories and maintain a healthy weight and metabolic rate. By activating your brown fat, capsaicin can help you burn more calories and potentially shed unwanted pounds.

Besides adding a kick to your meals, capsaicin is known for its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. But that's not all, recent studies have suggested that it may even help regulate blood pressure and insulin sensitivity, making it a potential ally for those who wish to maintain a healthy lifestyle, people with diabetes and sugar fluctuations.

If you're worried about handling the heat, don't worry! Research has shown that the more you eat spicy foods, the more your tolerance for them increases. So start small and work your way up to incorporate more spicy foods into your diet. There are many ways to add chillies to your meals and snacks, from making a spicy salsa for your tacos to adding some hot sauce to your scrambled eggs.

It's essential to be mindful of your body's reaction to spicy foods. Capsaicin can activate neurons in the diaphragm, which contracts and causes hiccups. Some people may experience digestive discomfort or heartburn after eating chilies. Therefore, it's best to start with very small amounts and gradually increase your intake over time.

In conclusion, while chilies alone won't miraculously make you lose weight, they can be an enjoyable and flavorful addition to a healthy diet and exercise routine. It's incredible how a simple kitchen staple can be so amazing! So, next time you're feeling adventurous in the kitchen, consider adding a pinch of chilli powder to your smoothie or chop up a red chilli to add to your favourite cake ;). Your body will thank you for the taste and the weight loss! If you have tried our Replenish with Phytos, you will find that little kick of spice we have added to our sweet and sour gummy. Spice works well when you surprise the palette with a medley of flavours! Whether you're a spice lover or a spice newbie, there's a chilli out there for everyone. So spice up your life, and get sizzling! Besides, what's life without a little kick of spice!