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Jan 15
2007

Are Thermogenic Foods Worth It?

Posted by in Untagged 

There's been a fair amount of discussion regarding "thermogenic" foods. Foods that supposedly abnormally raise the metabolism of the body naturally.

While there's no doubt that a diet high in spicy foods containing substantial capsaicin may increase metabolism as the body adapts to the extra body heat generated, it's unlikely to provide any serious weight loss benefit if the person continues overeating.

Notice many overweight people from Latin countries and the Caribbean. I doubt anyone eats more "thermogenic" foods than they do, yet they remain obese.

One definition: "Thermogenic foods essentially take more energy to process than what they provide, so they help raise your metabolism and burn body fat."

Here are the foods they list:

* Cayenne Pepper
* Salsa
* Hot Peppers
* Cinnamon
* Ice Water
* Assorted veggies, nuts (just about every food group?)

Maybe you'd want to try an experiment? Go to GNC or Wal Mart and buy a bottle of cayenne capsules (some swear by cinnamon also). Keep the rest of your diet exactly the same and see if you notice an acceleration of body fat loss?

Yes, for carb counting diets like Kimkins, there are carbs in the supplements but don't worry about it. Those are low calorie carbs and much less "dangerous".