WASHINGTON D.C. [USA]: An anti-obesity drug derived from chili peppers caused long-term weight loss and improved metabolic health in mice eating a high-fat diet.
The study of the University of Wyoming's pharmacy school discovered that the new drug, Metabocin, was made from capsaicin, the compound that gives chili peppers their spicy burn.
It was designed to slowly release capsaicin throughout the day so that it can exert its anti-obesity effect without producing inflammation or unwanted side effects.
"We have seen marked improvements in blood sugar and cholesterol, insulin response, and symptoms of fatty liver," says lead researcher Dr. Baskaran Thyagarajan, describing how Metabocin reversed many of the adverse effects of high fat diet.
The research team developed Metabocin, which can be taken orally, to target receptors called TRPV1 (subfamily of potential transient receptor 1 vanilloid receptors) that are found in high numbers in cells fat. By stimulating TRPV1 receptors, white fat cells begin to burn energy instead of storing it, which in theory should lead to weight loss.
The best health guide: snacks that will help you stay …
Your Mondays on Fridays are sorted
29 Jul, 2017
Dietary foods contain fewer calories and are healthier alternatives to Conventional snacks such as potato chips, hamburgers and other fast food.
Experts at salebhai.com have listed some of the healthy diet snacks and food that could be consumed on different days of the week.
No More Monday Blues
29 Jul, 2017
The diet has defeated rice (chivda) a popular mixed snack in India and often served with hot drinks. It is made of ingredients such as flattened rice, dried peas, raisins, and so on.
Available in different combinations, it is a healthy treat as most ingredients are dried or cooked, and contain little or no oil or fat.
Tasty Tuesdays
29 Jul, 2017
The list of unhealthy foods in the world, its diet version is the opposite, without compromising the taste. The diet chips are mostly baked and use little or no oil, and make a delicious snack between meals.
Wednesday Wellness
29 Jul, 2017
The beaten rice (chivda) is the main ingredient in poha. When it is lightly roasted, it can be mixed with various spices and consumed as a healthy snack throughout the day.
Thursdays Just Yummier
29 Jul, 2017
A masala chickpea container contains many vitamins, minerals, fiber and dietary protein, keeping it longer longer.