It seems that capsaicin, the stuff that gives hot peppers their zing, prevents immature fat cells developing into the fully-fledged sort. At least in laboratory experiments – but at levels not unlike those found in the stomachs of people who’ve just eaten a Thai meal. So, rather than jogging today, I’m going for a curry.
Does Buffalo chicken count as diet food, then? Hey, any excuse to spread around my Marie Sharps habanero sauce more liberally is welcome! ;)
Actually, this is pretty interesting, because as I understand several studies have shown that capsaicin also boosts metabolism. So, really, it’s “fighting flab” on two fronts.
I did notice some pretty satisfying weight loss back in college when I was literally eating habanero powder on every single meal, but I was also a lot more active in general then. (It’s amazing how much sitting behind a desk eight hours a day will ruin your health all by itself even if you maintain good habits otherwise.)