Looking to cut calories? Try adding chilis, study suggests

A recent study conducted by researchers at Penn State suggests that adding a little heat to your meals could help you cut back on calories. The study, published in the journal Food Quality and Preference, explored how increasing the spiciness of a meal affects food consumption.

The researchers found that incorporating more “oral burn” from ingredients like chili pepper slowed down eating and led participants to consume fewer calories. This subtle increase in spiciness did not compromise the taste of the meal but instead resulted in a reduction in food and energy intake.

Lead author Paige Cunningham, a postdoctoral researcher at Penn State, explained that the study aimed to test whether adding a small amount of spice to a meal would slow down eating and ultimately reduce calorie consumption. The results indicated that this strategy could be an effective way to prevent overeating.

The study involved 130 adults who were served either a mild or spicy version of beef chili or chicken tikka masala. By carefully adjusting the ratio of hot and sweet paprika in the dishes, the researchers were able to control the level of spiciness while maintaining a consistent chili flavor.

Through high-definition video recordings of participants eating their meals, the researchers observed changes in eating behaviors such as meal duration, eating speed, and bite size. They found that those who consumed the spicier meals ate more slowly, which could contribute to a feeling of fullness and reduce overall food intake.

Importantly, the study showed that participants still enjoyed the spicier meals and did not report any negative effects on palatability. Additionally, there was no significant difference in water intake between the mild and spicy meals, suggesting that the reduced food consumption was not solely due to increased fluid intake.

The researchers are now interested in exploring how the sensation of oral burn from spicy foods may influence other eating behaviors, such as snacking. By understanding the impact of spiciness on food intake, they hope to provide practical strategies for managing calorie consumption and promoting healthier eating habits.

This study highlights the potential benefits of incorporating chilies and other spicy ingredients into meals as a way to control portion sizes and reduce calorie intake without sacrificing flavor. By adding a little heat to your dishes, you may be able to slow down your eating pace and ultimately consume fewer calories.