India, July 1 -- Concerned about weight gain? According to a new study, the secret to naturally reducing your calorie intake might already be in your kitchen. Research led by Paige Cunningham at Penn State University found that adding hot peppers to your meals can naturally cut food intake by up to 18%. Also read | Love spicy Indian food? Endocrinologists reveal if having more chillies can help weight loss or slow it down

The study suggests that spicy foods not only make meals more enjoyable but also help you eat less. This is thanks to capsaicin, the compound in hot peppers that creates a burning sensation on the tongue, encouraging people to feel satisfied and finish their meals sooner.

The study authors selected 130 adults for the st...