When you eat spicy foods, it leads to a process called thermagenesis – in other words, heat generation. This process burns more kilojoules, which can help you lose weight or keep those extra pounds away.

Researchers from Maastricht University in Holland and Laval University in Quebec reviewed studies that looked at the effects of capsaicin, black pepper, ginger and mixed spices in terms of energy balance and thermogenesis.

Crush a load of “knock your socks off” hot chili, place into a glass jar with a well fitting top/lid. Cover the chili completely with olive oil and store somewhere away from direct sunlight. Shake the oil every day for two weeks. Remove the chili, at this point the oil is ready to use or if you want the oil to have an even stronger flavor, repeat the process by adding new fresh chili to the oil. Leave to infuse for two weeks, shaking each day. Remove the chili from the oil, place the oil into a glass bottle and store in the refrigerator. Use whenever oil and chili are needed ie in a salad dressing, over baked sweet potatoes etc.