The journey to losing weight is not an easy one especially if you're fond of eating junk food. However, the key is to take small steps and not rush into it. One way you can do this is by starting to incorporate healthy food in your regular meals. Eat more vegetables, snack on fruits and use all-natural herbs and spices when cooking and flavoring your dishes. You may not know it, but herbs and spices can contribute a lot to achieving your desired weight - they contain nutrients that will not only aid in weight loss, but will also help you maintain it.
Here are 5 herbs and spices that are most effective in contributing to weight loss:
1. Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper is one spice that you should have readily available in your kitchen if you're conscious about your weight. It contains a compound called capsaicin, the one responsible for giving peppers their hot and spicy flavor. Capsaicin triggers protein changes in the body that in turn helps shrink fat tissue, lower blood fat levels, fight fat build-up and decrease calorie intake. The heat from capsaicin also helps increase the body's thermogenesis where fat is turned into fuel to create heat - this helps increase the body's ability to burn fat by up to 16 percent and boost metabolism by up to 5 percent.
2. Turmeric
If you like curry and other Indian food, you have most likely heard about this yellow fat-burning spice. Turmeric has an active ingredient called curcumin, which is proven to contribute to decreasing body weight gain and body fat. Curcumin also helps suppress the blood vessels that are needed to form fat tissue.
3. Ginseng
Panax ginseng is best known for helping increase metabolism and for boosting energy levels. It has also shown benefits for weight loss. According to a recent study performed on obese and diabetic mice, the mice lost a significant amount of weight and showed improved insulin sensitivity in less than 2 weeks after taking panax ginseng extracts.
4. Black Pepper
Did you know that the common black pepper that you use in almost all your recipes can actually help you lose weight? This common household spice contains piperine, the substance that gives peppers their pungent flavor, which is known to block new fat cells from forming. Experts also found that piperine burns as much calories as taking a 20-minute walk when combined with other fat-burning substances like capsaicin.
5. Dandelion
Dandelion is a common herb that has powerful antioxidant properties and is packed full of nutrients. They are full of dietary fiber which helps slow digestion. Because of this, you will feel full longer and will eat less. Dandelions also contain Vitamin K1 which helps normalize blood sugar, keep the liver healthy and maintain healthy cholesterol levels in the body - all of which have weight loss benefits.
Consume more of these healthy herbs and spices for effective weight loss and maintenance, as well as a healthier body.
Adrian T. Cheng is a food blogger who promotes healthy eating. He has written numerous posts and articles about natural herbs and spices, shared countless of delicious and healthy recipes and reviewed top quality kitchen accessories that are worth checking out. You can view Adrian's posts about healthy eating and other interesting topics on his page.
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