Top 10 Herbs and Spices for Weight Loss
We all know about the importance of adjusting our food intake when on a diet, but did you know that how you season your food, as well as the supplements you take, can help you reach your weight loss goals? Herbs and spices have been part of medicine since the dawn of time, but not just New Age folks can benefit from a little herbal know-how. Here are the top 10 herbs and spices you can take, or cook with, to boost your weight loss efforts.
Before adding any herb or spice to your diet and/or weight loss regimen, please consult your doctor to make sure they are not counter-indicated for any medical conditions you may have or any medications you are taking.
10. Pysillium
Pysillium is known to lower cholesterol, which is often a concern for overweight people. But beyond that, it contains sufficient fiber to help you consume fewer calories by making you feel more full. It can also, when taken with plenty of water, help prevent constipation – which gives a slimmer appearance in addition to making you feel more comfortable.
9. Curry
Curry isn’t a single spice, but a blend of several spices including ginger, tumeric, and cumin. Individually these spices can contribute to weight loss, but studies have revealed that the combination packs more weight loss punch. The reasons are unclear, but it’s possible that curry helps kick start your metabolism, or that it prevents you eating too much by making you feel full faster.
8. Nettle
Nettle is considered to be a thermogenic herb. Thermogenic means metabolism stimulating, so if you ingest a thermogenic herb or spice your metabolism will work more effectively. Higher metabolic rates equal more weight loss.
7. Hoodia Gordonii
Hoodia Gordonii, an African desert plant, has been en vogue for several years as an effective appetite suppressant. The less you hunger the less you’ll eat – which applies to both smaller meals and fewer in-between meal binges.
6. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a popular weight loss spice, featured in many diet-boosting teas and similar products. Cinnamon helps increase your circulation so you exercise more efficiently. Scientists also think that cinnamon helps to process carbohydrates more healthily, and can prevent the metabolic problems associated with onset of diabetes.
5. Cayenne
Cayenne pepper is a thermogenic spice, too. The thermogenic ingredient in cayenne is capsaicin. Another theory as to why cayenne helps with weight loss is similar to the reasons behind curry’s effectiveness: it’s difficult for most people to overeat hot or spicy food.
4. Ginseng
Ginseng is a great way to help your body cope with the changes a new diet and exercise regime can bring. It’s also energy boosting, so you won’t find yourself too tired to exercise – or find yourself getting tired as quickly during exercise, either. Of course, if you run a marathon, you may tire. But if you just go for a walk, you may find yourself with greater stamina.
3. Black Pepper
More easily tolerated for many than cayenne pepper, black pepper also has the ability to increase your metabolism – up to 8% for hours after you’ve eaten it. It also improves digestion. Of all preparations, fresh ground black pepper packs the biggest metabolic punch.
2. Ginger
Ginger is an effective diuretic which means it helps to flush water/urine out of your body. This can help reduce bloat. It also helps with gastric mobility, which ushers food and waste through the digestive system. It may also boost your metabolism.
1. Mustard Seed
This common spice is also thermogenic, but in studies it’s been shown to be dramatically so. In fact, a study conducted at England’s Oxford Polytechnic Institute found that a small amount of hot mustard – as little as one teaspoon – can boost metabolism 20-25% for hours after eating it. Astounding stuff!
