There is a popular diet, the cayenne pepper diet, also sometimes known as the ‘master cleanse’ or the lemonade diet.
This fad diet was popularized by celebrities and many women around the entire world have tried it.
However, this is NOT an appropriate long-term diet because it consists of very few nutrients and insufficient calories.
It is called a cleanse because it consists of liquids only and is said to ‘detoxify’ the body. However, these claims are not really substantiated.
What’s so special about Cayenne Pepper?
Cayenne pepper, together with chilli peppers, jalapenos and habaneros, contain the active ingredient, Capsaicin. There are a few research studies that show that capsaicin increases thermogenesis (fat burning), speeds up your metabolic rate and reduces your appetite.
However, simply adding cayenne pepper to an unhealthy diet will not aid weight loss. Click below for more information and all the research on Spicy food for Weight Loss.
What Exactly is the Cayenne Pepper diet?
There are several variations of the cayenne pepper diet or master cleanse. The main ingredients are a combination of water, salt water, ‘lemonade’, maple syrup, cayenne pepper
However, basically, all versions consist of only liquids for ten days.
Despite claims to the contrary, taking liquids only for a ten-day period is not nutritionally sound. Indeed it may lead to short term weight loss due to the lack of calories. However, most will regain weight once the cleanse is over.
The Cayenne Pepper Diet
To make the special master cleanse, combine:-
- 2 tbsp of freshly-squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tbsp of grade B maple syrup
- 8 to 10 ounces of purified water
- at least 1/10 tsp of cayenne pepper.
Stir thoroughly and drink the mix at least six times a day. In addition, drink 2 tbsp of salt water in the morning and laxative tea at night before sleeping.
Drink water frequently during the day. Herbal teas are allowed as long as they do not contain caffeine.
Although the author of the Master Cleanse claims this diet can be followed for a maximum of 14 days, Dr Halls does NOT endorse this.
I say ‘nearly’ because a shot of vodka would make it just perfect.
Why this diet is not endorsed by Dr Halls
What to do after the Cayenne Pepper Diet Ends
After not eating solid food for 10 days, or more do not eat solid food immediately after the diet. The body needs to adjust to consuming normal food again.
On the first two days after the cayenne pepper diet, continue drinking liquids only, such as freshly-squeezed juice from oranges or other fruits and veggies. You can also drink broths and soups.
On the third day, you can stop juicing and eat whole fruits and veggies, cooked or raw. By the fourth day after the cleanse you can start eating normally again.
I don’t think this one is for me.
Add Cayenne Pepper Tea to your Normal Diet
You can benefit from the weight loss properties of cayenne pepper without having to resort to the cayenne pepper diet, which is extreme and not for everybody. So, you can simply add cayenne pepper tea to a normal, healthy diet.
How to make it:
Simply add 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to a mug and pour hot or boiling water over it.
If you are not used to eating hot food, start with a smaller amount of cayenne pepper and gradually build up to a teaspoon.
Stir in the juice of half a lemon. In addition, you can also add molasses or artificial sweetener to sweeten it. Fresh, peeled ginger can be added as well. Let the tea cool for a bit before sipping it slowly.
‘where there is tea there is hope’.
Cayenne promotes Weight Loss?
To lose weight with spicy food, a structured diet need not be followed. A simple thing like getting into the habit of eating cayenne pepper-laced food can result in weight loss.
One research study shows that consuming just half a teaspoon of cayenne pepper results in the body burning an extra 10 calories.
Further Reading
- To see All our articles on Weight Loss Diets (and pick the right one for you)
- Index of Diet for Disease Posts
- ALL our posts on Weight Loss
- Full list of our Articles on Body Mass Index and Calculators
- Height and Weight Articles
- ALL our Anxiety Posts
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