Spicing up your meals with a little heat may be a simple yet effective way to cut back on calories, according to a recent study conducted by researchers at Penn State University. The study, published in the journal Food Quality and Preference, explored the impact of increasing “oral burn” – the spicy taste from ingredients like chili pepper – on food consumption during a meal.
Lead author Paige Cunningham, a postdoctoral researcher at Penn State, explained that previous studies have shown that slowing down while eating can lead to consuming fewer calories. With this in mind, the research team set out to investigate whether adding a small amount of spice to a meal could slow down eating and ultimately reduce calorie intake.
The study involved 130 adults who were served either a mild or spicy version of two lunch meals – beef chili or chicken tikka masala. The spiciness level was carefully controlled by varying the ratio of hot versus sweet paprika in the dishes. Participants were monitored while eating, and various eating behaviors such as meal duration, eating speed, bite rate, and bite size were recorded.
Results showed that increasing spiciness slightly using dried chili pepper led to slower eating and a reduction in the amount of food and energy consumed, without affecting the overall palatability of the dish. This suggests that adding chilies to meals could be a potential strategy for reducing the risk of overeating.
John Hayes, a professor of food science at Penn State and corresponding author of the study, emphasized that the reduction in calorie intake occurred without negatively impacting participants’ enjoyment of the food. This indicates that spicing up meals could be a simple yet effective way to eat less without sacrificing flavor.
Further research is now underway to explore how oral burn from spicy foods can influence other eating behaviors, such as snacking. The team is also interested in understanding the mechanisms behind how spiciness affects food intake and fullness.
In conclusion, adding a little heat to your meals could be a helpful tool for managing calorie intake and promoting mindful eating. So next time you’re looking to cut back on calories, consider reaching for the chili pepper to spice things up and potentially eat less without feeling deprived.
