New evidence that chilli pepper ingredient fights fat

Scientists are reporting new evidence that capsaicin, the stuff that gives chilli peppers their kick, may cause weight loss and fight fat build-up by triggering certain beneficial protein changes in the body.

Jong Won Yun and colleagues point out that obesity is a major public health threat worldwide, linked to diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and other health problems. Laboratory studies have hinted that capsaicin may help fight obesity by decreasing calorie intake, shrinking fat tissue, and lowering fat levels in the blood. Nobody, however, knows exactly how capsaicin might trigger such beneficial effects.