Chilis to get you in shape? Really?

Chilis is extensively used in nearly any location on Earth. They are well recognized for their spicy nature and the "kick" they provide to our everyday food. According to scientists, more than 200 constituents have been documented in chili, many of which are active in nature and are proven to have advantageous effects on humans. Capsaicinoids are the key active component in chili. The primary capsaicinoids are dihydrocapsaicin and capsaicin, which create a hot sensation after chili intake. These are analogs of capsaicin that are found in bell peppers. These veggies are rich in vitamins, carotenoids and antioxidants. 

What can Capsaicin actually do?

• It is proved to be useful in pain interjection by influencing calcium channels for better movement of calcium into the cytosol.
  
• It helps in soothing inflamed areas due to high pain levels.
  
• It has proved to be highly effective on patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis.
  
• It was also seen to be beneficial for herpes, motor rhinitis and cluster headaches
• It has proved to be effective in case of arterial blocks and arterial stiffness thereby lowering chances of cardiovascular arrest. 
• According to various experiments it also has the potency of lowering the biomarkers of oxidative stress
• It also reduces cholesterol levels by fastening the mechanism of converting cholesterol to bile acids.
• It was shown to be helpful in multiple gastrointestinal disorders by affecting the mechanism of digestion, through resistance against gastrointestinal infections, ulcers, cancer, gastric reflux and gastrointestinal secretions and absorption.
• It was also demonstrated as an anticancer drug due to its behavior as an antioxidant. 
• Due to metal binding properties, it can also used to treat the Alzheimer's disease
• Intake of capsaicin influences the metabolism levels and also the insulin levels in our blood which inturn helps in body weight management and maintaining the energy balance.

How do chilis help to reduce Weight?

Obesity and overweight emerge as energy consumption exceeds the calories burned by the body. When energy consumption exceeds energy investment, it is known as a positive energy balance. The weight management programs you take part in focus on two things majorly. It is either increasing your energy expenditure or it cutting down your food intake. Take a look at what can including chilies to your diet do.

Chilis as Weight Manager

• Increases the energy expenditure but shifting the focus of the body from carbohydrate metabolism to fat metabolism
• It increases the rate of lipid oxidation thereby reducing the size of fat cells and decreases the accumulation of triglycerides(fats)
• Chili consumption influences the nervous system which helps to increase anorexia in people by suppressing hunger and decreasing the desire for salty and sweet food
• Regular chili consumption helps in regulating the insulin levels in the blood, therefore preventing diabetes
• It is also seen in a recent study that chili and capsaicin supplement when given to pregnant women eliminates the chances of gestational diabetes

Dietary intake of chili can help to control factors that promote weight loss. Around this point, the optimal dose required to make a major difference to weight reduction and healthy intake also needs more study. But the intake of chili is not a replacement for daily physical activity or guided dietary plans.