Have you ever become sweaty simply from biting into a spicy curry or eating hot wings? You may be burning extra calories as a result of that searing sensation, which isn’t simply your taste receptors going crazy. Yes, you can burn an additional 116 calories a day by eating spicy foods. Here’s how.
🔥 The Science Behind the Spice
At the heart of many spicy foods is capsaicin, a natural compound found in chili peppers. It’s what gives them their heat — and surprisingly, it also gives your metabolism a temporary boost. Studies have shown that capsaicin can increase thermogenesis, which is your body’s process of generating heat (and energy) from digesting food.
That heat generation uses energy, and that means — you guessed it — burning calories.
But how much are we talking?
📊 The “116 Calories a Day” Claim — Where It Comes From
Multiple small studies have found that adding moderate amounts of spicy foods (such as hot peppers or chili-infused meals) to your daily diet can lead to an average increase of 50–116 calories burned per day.
It might not sound like much, but let’s break it down:
- 116 calories/day x 30 days = 3,480 extra calories burned per month
- That’s almost 1 pound of fat (3,500 calories) — just from eating spicier meals!
🍲 Easy Ways to Turn Up the Heat (Without Overdoing It)
You don’t have to go full-on ghost pepper mode to see the effects. Even mild-to-medium spice levels can help if consumed consistently.
Here are some simple, tasty ideas:
- Add red pepper flakes to your pasta, eggs, or avocado toast
- Stir a bit of sriracha or hot sauce into soups, noodles, or stir-fries
- Sprinkle cayenne pepper on roasted veggies or grilled meats
- Try spicy cuisines like Thai, Mexican, Indian, or Korean dishes (yum!)
✅ Other Benefits of Spicy Foods
Burning calories is just the tip of the chili iceberg. Capsaicin has also been linked to:
- Reduced appetite (helping you eat less overall)
- Improved fat oxidation (your body using more fat for fuel)
- Anti-inflammatory properties
- Better heart health and blood circulation
Plus, let’s be honest — spicy food is just more fun.
⚠️ A Little Goes a Long Way
If you’re not used to spicy foods, start slow. Too much capsaicin at once can cause digestive discomfort. Also, people with acid reflux or certain GI conditions should talk to their doctor before going full spice-mode.
And nope — you don’t need to suffer or cry through meals to see the benefits. Moderate spice levels, enjoyed regularly, are where the magic happens.
🧠 Final Thoughts: Small Heat, Big Impact
While spicy foods alone won’t replace exercise or healthy eating, they can give your metabolism a gentle nudge in the right direction. Think of it as a low-effort way to burn a few extra calories each day — up to 116, in fact — while enjoying delicious meals that pack a punch.
So the next time you’re cooking dinner, maybe skip the bland stuff and add a little spice to your life — and your metabolism.