"I Just Ate Spicy Food"... 'Spicy Food Diet' Proven Effective

Diet Effect Through Satiety Induction
Consuming About 15% Less Than Mild Flavors on Average

The popular belief in the "spicy food diet" has now been scientifically proven. A new study has found that spicy foods slow down eating speed, which in turn reduces food intake and helps with weight loss.

A study has revealed that spicy food helps with weight loss. Photo by Moon Honam

Researchers at the Sensory Evaluation Center of Pennsylvania State University in the United States analyzed the effect of spiciness from ingredients such as chili peppers on food consumption. Their findings were published online in the international journal Food Quality and Preference.

Paige Cunningham, the first author and postdoctoral researcher, explained, "We tested whether adding a small amount of spices under controlled experimental conditions would make people eat more slowly and, as a result, eat less."

The research team conducted a detailed analysis by providing 130 adults with either beef or chicken dishes in both mild and spicy versions, and recording their eating behaviors with high-definition video. They collected data on meal quantity, meal duration, eating speed per minute, and bite size, as well as appetite before and after eating, preference for the food, and perception of spiciness.

The results showed that participants who ate spicy food consumed approximately 11 to 18 percent less than those who ate mild food. The researchers concluded that spiciness causes people to eat more slowly, which naturally leads to reduced intake.

John Hayes, corresponding author and professor of food science, stated, "It usually takes about 20 minutes to feel full, and spicy foods stay in the mouth longer and slow down eating speed, allowing enough time for satiety to set in. If you want to reduce your food intake, using chili peppers or spices may be helpful."

Additionally, there was no significant difference in water consumption between the group that ate spicy food and the group that ate mild food. This indicates that the reduction in food intake was not due to a feeling of fullness from increased water consumption, but rather a change in eating habits induced by spiciness.