How does capsaicin enhance fat burning?

Capsaicin, the active component in chili peppers, enhances fat burning primarily through its activation of a protein known as TRPV1 (transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1). This activation mimics the effects of cold exposure, which stimulates brown fat cells to burn calories and generate heat through a process called thermogenesis 1 2.

Brown fat, unlike white fat, actively burns energy instead of storing it. Capsaicin prompts the conversion of white fat into metabolically active brown fat, thereby increasing overall calorie expenditure 1 3.

Moreover, consumption of capsaicin can influence metabolic rate and fat oxidation. Studies indicate a temporary boost in metabolism and a shift towards burning more fat following capsaicin ingestion. However, these effects tend to be modest and short-lived, typically lasting about 30 minutes post-meal 4 5. There's also evidence suggesting that capsaicin can help reduce appetite, thereby decreasing subsequent food intake 6.

In summary, capsaicin enhances fat burning by activating brown fat through TRPV1, increasing metabolic rate temporarily, and reducing appetite, though the overall impact on weight loss is relatively modest 2 4.