Capsaicin is the phytochemical that creates the sensation of heat when you eat a hot pepper, or a dish prepared with hot peppers. It’s well known for its ability to scald the mouth in higher concentrations (although not a physical burn). It is also well known for its effects on brain chemistry in reaction to that sensation of heat – a flood of dopamine and endorphins that makes you feel relaxed, happy and even euphoric in some instances. With the benefits offered by capsaicin, you might wonder if you can see even more with a capsaicin supplement. You might, but there are things you should know.
The Potential Advantages of a Capsaicin Supplement
If you’re interested in taking capsaicin as a supplement, you’ll most likely want to know more about the many benefits offered. There are quite a few, but it should be noted that many of these are only anecdotal, and that there is only limited scientific evidence of the chemical’s efficacy with these.
Weight Loss – There is anecdotal evidence that a capsaicin supplement can help with weight loss. Note that there is no proof that capsaicin can create weight loss directly. However, in a study conducted by the University of Wyoming, mice fed a high-fat diet that included capsaicin did not gain any weight. This is thought to stem from capsaicin’s role as an agonist, and that it creates thermogenesis in the body.
Digestive Health – There is more evidence to support a capsaicin supplement’s efficacy when taking for digestive health. It’s a known antibacterial agent, and can help reduce the chance of infection in the gastrointestinal tract. It can also provide protection from free radicals, as it is an antioxidant.
Lung Health – There is some evidence that capsaicin may be able to help fight lung cancer, although medical studies are still ongoing here. It may also be useful for thinning mucus in the lungs and improving breathing.
Diabetes – Canadian researchers are currently studying capsaicin for its potential to help treat diabetes. It has been proven that high doses are capable of reducing blood glucose, while increasing the body’s production of natural insulin, which would be invaluable for those with type 2 diabetes.
Finding the Right Capsaicin Supplement
As with any other natural supplement, it is crucial that you shop smart. There is almost no FDA regulation in this industry, and manufacturers are able to make claims without proof of efficacy. They are also free to market a supplement as containing a substance without that substance making up the majority of ingredients in the supplement. For example, you might find one company sells a capsaicin supplement, but it may only contain a fraction of a percent of the phytochemical. If you want to realize health benefits from taking this type of supplement, it is important that you buy from a reputable company, and that you research the amount of capsaicin included in the supplement before making a purchase.