Capsaicin

Capsaicin is a compound in hot peppers that causes a burning sensation when consumed. It`s likewise taken as a Supplement.

Potential benefits

Capsaicin stimulates your senses and is linked to several health benefits.

May aid weight loss

Capsaicin`s most popular benefit is its potential to support weight or fat loss.

Your weight is highly dependent upon your metabolism, which is the process of breaking down what you eat and drink into energy for your body to use in its everyday functions.

Capsaicin supplements may boost your metabolism, enabling you to more easily lose weight and burn fat.

Capsaicin works by increasing oxygen consumption and body temperature, which leads to a slight increase in calories burned.

Keep in mind that capsaicin`s results are likely minimal unless paired with a proper diet and exercise regimen.

May help reduce inflammation

Capsaicin supplements may have anti-inflammatory properties.

Foods that contain high amounts of antioxidants, such as hot peppers, may combat free radicals in your body. Free radicals promote chronic inflammation, which may increase your risk of conditions like cancer, autoimmune disorders, and heart disease.

Thus, capsaicin supplements may lower your risk of these ailments.

May relieve pain

Capsaicin is sometimes used for pain management. It works by stimulating pain receptors, which in turn reduce your sensitivity to pain.

It`s most commonly incorporated into topical pain-relief creams, including Menthacin, Zostrix, and Capzacin-Z.

Note that, when applied to your skin, capsaicin may produce burning effects similar to those caused by eating it. Thus, you may want to start with small amounts and pay attention to any adverse reactions.

Precautions and side effects

While capsaicin supplements are generally recognized as safe, you should take a few precautions.

May cause a burning sensation

One of the most common side effects of capsaicin supplements is a burning effect throughout your digestive tract.

For those with acid reflux or heartburn, capsaicin-containing foods or supplements may increase your symptoms.

May cause elevated temperature

Capsaicin supplements may raise your body temperature.

Due to this compound`s effect on receptors in your body that regulate heat, ingesting too much capsaicin may give you an uncomfortable feeling of warmth.

While this isn`t usually dangerous - and no scientific evidence suggests that it can induce a fever - some individuals may be more susceptible to this sensation than others.

To avoid these side effects, start with a low dose and slowly increase it until you reach your desired amount.

Proper dosage

Food sources of capsaicin may not provide enough of this compound to yield all of its potential benefits. Thus, people take supplements because they have a higher concentration of capsaicin.

While doses vary, many studies use 2–6 mg of capsaicin per day.

SUMMARY

Capsaicin, the compound in hot peppers that causes their infamous burning sensation, may offer numerous benefits when taken as a supplement.

Studies indicate that it promotes weight loss, reduces inflammation, and - when applied topically - relieves pain.

You should start with a low dose and talk to your healthcare provider before supplementing to reduce your risk of side effects.