Obesity: chilli would help fight weight gain
The main molecule composing the pepper, called capsaicin , would have a mechanism of action on the metabolism, thus making it possible to burn fat, therefore to fight against the risk linked to obesity. This finding has been demonstrated by research by a team of scientists at the University of Wyoming in the USA.
Capsaicin, a chemical compound found in chili peppers
The researchers announce (1) that the main molecule present in pepper, capsaicin, would promote the burning of fat without effort, eliminating a restriction of calorie intake to fight against obesity. The mechanism of action is simple: this compound has the ability to transform white fat cells (“bad fat”) into brown fat cells (“good fat”).
” In our body, white fat cells store energy and brown fat cells drive thermogenic machinery (heat produced by burning fat) to burn stored fat ,” says Vivek Krishnan, lead author of the study presented at of the annual meeting of the Biophysical Society in Baltimore, on February 11.
Capsaicin would therefore make it possible to fight against weight gain due to consumption of too rich foods, thanks to the increase in brown fat cells, including a high thermogenic capacity, thus promoting the burning of fat .
A dietary supplement based on capsaicin could see the light of day
Several studies carried out previously have already demonstrated that white fat cells can transform into brown fat cells and vice versa, very often involving a change in temperature, as a triggering event.
However, the study carried out by the team from the University of Wyoming shows that the main compound in chili peppers, capsaicin, promotes the change of white fat cells into brown fat cells.
The scientists carried out the study on mice, and gave them a rich diet, accompanied by a dose of capsaicin. They found that mice that consumed capsaicin did not gain weight primarily due to an increase in metabolic activity, while mice that did not consume capsaicin gained weight.
The team of researchers is currently working on a food supplement based on capsaicin , in order to fight against obesity. A clinical trial should even see the light of day soon. The scientists have also filed a patent project on the mechanism of action of capsaicin, as well as on its mode of administration.
Stephen Paul is the lead author and founder of My Health Sponsor. Holder of a diploma in health and well-being coaching with more than 200 articles in the field of health, he makes it a point of honor to offer advice based on reliable information, based on scientific research, and verified by health professionals.