Losing weight is a tricky thing. You may be hitting the gym a few times a
week, but your weight just refuses to go away. What might be causing
this? Well, first of all, it’s what and how much you eat. Yes, no
surprise there. But you should also pay attention to smaller details
like the herbs and spices you use with your food. People have been using
the medicinal properties of different spices since ancient times, so
why shouldn’t you? Some spices promote weight loss, while others speed
up your metabolism that also helps you shed pounds. This means it’s time
to examine your spice box and fill it up with a number of yummy things.
Here are 11 herbs and spices that can help you lose weight.
Cinnamon
Yes, our favourite winter-mood spice is not only yummy, but can also
help you shed pounds! Popular in India, this spice is number one when it
comes to speeding up your metabolism. It also reduces blood sugar
level, making it a perfect spice for people with diabetes. Add cinnamon
to your drinks or make special cinnamon water to drink in the morning
before breakfast.
Ginseng
Ginseng is definitely not your first choice when it comes to spices, but
it’s something Chinese medicine has known for ages. Ginseng helps
regulate blood sugar level, improves digestion, mood, and reduces
stress. Use ginseng extract and make it into a healthy tea you can drink
before food.
Cardamom
There’s hardly anything that goes better with coffee than cardamom. This
spice has a unique flavour and amazing fat-burning properties. Ayurveda
has been using this spice for hundreds of years! Infuse your fave
drinks with cardamom or create special cardamom tea with a hint of green
tea leaves for added effect.
Cayenne Pepper
It boosts metabolism like all the things on this list combined together.
Cayenne pepper creates more heat in your body, making it burn fat at an
incredible speed. Be careful, though, because eating lots of spicy food
can be bad for your digestion. Yet, spicing up your dishes from time to
time is a great way to help your body shed pounds.
Garlic
Garlic is a tricky fellow. Some of you might be used to eating it just
like any regular food, but Chinese and Indian medicine treat it like a
remedy that should be taken on special occasions only. Well, weight loss
might very well be that special occasion! Garlic is known to supress
hunger thanks to the compound called allicin.
Black pepper
Black pepper has similar qualities as cayenne pepper, but different
taste. It’s not as hot, has a distinctive aroma that helps bring out the
flavour of food, and is gentler with your digestive tract. It prevents
fat cells from growing and is a great spice when you want to give your
food a different taste.
Cumin
If you ever come to India, you’ll be surprised to find out that almost
every dish contains Jeera (or cumin). It improves digestion and gives
your body a helpful energy boost to be more active throughout the day.
Ginger
Where would we be without ginger? You can put it in literally anything
from hot winter milk tea to an Asian fried vegetable dish. Ginger makes
things hot and is one of those rare spices that can make your metabolism
work 20% better. It also suppresses appetite and has anti-inflammatory
properties that will improve your health in general.
Turmeric
Turmeric is in trend for a reason. It has so many cool properties
! Mostly used in India, this amazing spice is packed with curcumin that
promotes weight loss and helps reduce fat. You can drink it with water
and lime juice before breakfast or simply add to any of your dishes.
Fenugreek
Fenugreek is a peculiar spice and you might not have used it before.
It’s time to try something new! It’s widely known in Greece, western
Asia, and southern Europe not only for its flavour, but also for its
anti-inflammatory properties and the ability to fight obesity.
Rosemary
Rosemary is truly magical when it comes to weight loss. It has an enzyme
called lipase that helps break down fat molecules. It also keeps your
hunger at bay as you feel full for a longer period of time after you eat
something prepared with rosemary or drink a yummy rosemary tea.