A report from the UCLA Center for Human Nutrition suggests that capsaicin compounds in peppers may help burn calories. This may be because capsaicin raises the body temperature, much like exercise does.

Capsaicin is also available in dihydrocapsiate (DCT) pills, for those not up to the hot spiciness of peppers.

"For the study, the research team evaluated 34 different people trying to lose weight. They gave some of the volunteers DCT pills with their meals and others placebo pills. Upon observation, those that took the DCT pills exerted a lot more energy than those who took the dummy pills, indicating that more calories are being burned due to the compound's effects."

Researchers suggest adding peppers to your diet may help lose unwanted pounds.

Capsaicin is also an effective anticoagulant, aiding in the prevention of heart attack and stroke. Chili peppers are anti-inflammatory, help maintain a healthy blood pressure, and are full of bioflavonoids that keep blood vessel walls strong.

Chili peppers are also known to warm you in cold weather and cool you off in hot weather, from the increase in perspiration that lowers your body temperature.

http://www.naturalnews.com/029177_peppers_calories.html