University researchers in Taiwan found that capsaicin may inhibit the growth of fat cells. Capsaicin is the substance which makes hot peppers and hot sauce hot. The lab study replicated the amount of capsaicin found in stomach fluid of those consuming a typical Thai or Indian diet. These diets provide about 128mcg of capsaicin per kilo of body weight. The researchers found that capsaicin prevents immature fat cells from developing into mature fat cells. Spicing up your diet can help you fight the battle of the bulge!

An important part of keeping your heart healthy is maintaining normal levels of triglycerides. A recent study by the University of Missouri found that men who exercised an hour before eating a fatty meal, experienced a spike in triglyceride levels that was 60% less than expected. In contrast, exercising after the same fatty meal decreased the triglyceride spike by only 5%. Exercise before a big meal!