Belly-Flattening Chili Powder Will Boost Metabolism, Shrink Fat Cells, and Curb Cravings

Struggling with a stubborn midsection? Take a look at all the belly-flattening benefits of capsaicin, the compound that gives chili powder its fiery kick. See what makes it a delicious slimming superstar and get three delicious (and boozy!) drink recipes below.

Boosts Metabolism

Capsaicin kick-starts the body’s process of using calories for heat. In a University of Maryland study, this effect raised metabolism by 25 percent for 3 hours, the equivalent of going on a 40-minute walk. In another study, capsaicin helped subjects burn 1,000 extra calories a day.

Shrinks Fat Cells

Capsaicin prompts existing fat cells to self-destruct and prevents the formation of new ones, say Korean researchers. The result: Study participants given capsaicin lost 8 percent of their body weight (that’s 16 pounds for a 200-pound woman) despite being fed a diet designed to promote weight gain.

Curbs Cravings

Sipping a chili-spiked drink can curb cravings for up to 4 hours, thanks to how it activates taste receptors on the tongue that send satiety signals to the brain. In a study in the British Journal of Nutrition, subjects who enjoyed a spicy breakfast ate 11 percent less at lunch and felt fuller faster.

These icy refreshers are spiked with metabolism-revving, belly-flattening chili powder help you quash hunger, blast fat, and more!

Pineapple Pick-Me-Up

• 2 cups pineapple juice
• 1⁄4 cup rum
• 1⁄2 tsp. chili powder
• 1⁄4 tsp. ground cardamom

Combine ingredients; pour into ice-filled glasses. If desired, garnish with pineapple and chiles.

Bonus! The bromelain in pineapple juice banishes gas and bloat.

Zesty Tomato Energizer

• 2 cups tomato juice
• 1 tsp. horseradish
• 1⁄2 tsp. chili powder
• 1⁄4 cup vodka
• 2 Tbs. lime juice
• 2 basil leaves, sliced

Stir together tomato juice, horseradish, chili powder, vodka, and lime juice. Pour into ice-filled glasses. Garnish with sliced basil.

Bonus! Tomato juice slashes cold symptoms by 40%

Chocolate- Coffee Dream

• 1⁄2 cup chocolate frozen
• yogurt
• 1⁄2 cup milk
• 1⁄2 cup coffee, chilled
• 1⁄4 cup Kahlúa
• 1 Tbs. chocolate syrup
• 1⁄4 tsp. chili powder

In blender, puree all ingredients with 1⁄4 cup ice. Pour into chilled glasses. If desired, garnish with strawberries.

Bonus! The caffeine in coffee quiets headache pain in just 30 minutes.

A version of this article originally appeared in our print magazine, First for Women.