'Do not skip the sauce': Fitness coach shares best condiment for a 'metabolism boost'

Why does hot sauce support weight loss?

Chilli peppers contain something called capsaicin, a compound considered helpful for those watching their waistline.

"What's awesome [...] capsaicin will help with satiety, will help with portion control, and it gives you a little metabolism boost," Andrea explained. "It will help you feel full faster and a bit longer."

WebMD backs this up, noting: "Some studies have shown that capsaicin slightly boosts metabolism - the rate at which you use energy to burn fat. Others have indicated it might also reduce your appetite, which could help you eat less."

But before you go dousing everything in hot sauce, Andrea does have a word of warning.

"The biggest concern with hot sauce is going to be sodium; you want to really watch your sodium and try to stay under 1500 milligrams total in a day," she said.

She recommends checking your overall daily salt intake before picking the right hot sauce for you. The coach also suggests steering clear of products loaded with unnecessary extras.

"What to avoid are excess oils; you don't need them in this product. There are so many that don't use any extra oils or emulsifers or gums. Because there are so many choices out there, you absolutely don't need it."

While capsaicin offers some lovely benefits, it's worth noting that it won't suit everyone.

WebMD cautions: "Some people are more sensitive to its effects than others. You might have unpleasant side effects from capsaicin, especially if your body isn't used to it."

Those who aren't accustomed to spicy foods might experience some unwanted reactions, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and acid reflux.

So if you're new to hot sauce, it might be wise to start slowly and see how your body responds before making it a regular addition to every meal.