Considering the fast paced lives that we live, you would think that we would be fit and trim. Unfortunately, this is not the reality. Most of us engage in little or no regular physical exercise and we gain some extra weight, which we simply can not get rid of. If you want to lose weight, you must change your lifestyle to include a healthy diet and daily exercise. Once you have made these essential changes, there is a variety of herbs which can enhance your weight loss. These herbs suppress appetite, increase metabolism, build lean muscles and improve energy levels.
Let’s take a look at the five best herbs which encourage weight loss.
Camellia Sinensis, Commonly Known as Green Tea Extract
European studies have found that taking supplements with green tea extract increases our metabolism and also encourages our bodies to burn fat. Green tea extract contains antioxidants called catechins and also caffeine. Caffeine alone does not stimulate our body to burn fat, but when you couple it with catechins, thermogenesis takes place and excess fat cells are oxidized. Green tea extract also provides us with micronutrients called polyphenols. Polyphenols are beneficial for our bodies in many ways, but they can help with weight loss in particular by decreasing the amount of amylase that is present during digestion. Amylase is an enzyme that helps change carbohydrates into sugar. Decreasing amylase means that ultimately less sugar makes its way into the bloodstream.
Chá de Bugre
The Chá de Bugre herb grows predominantly in the rainforests of Brazil and is renown in various countries for its weight loss properties. Eating fewer calories per day is indispensable for weight loss, and Chá de Bugre facilitates this by suppressing our appetite and making us feel satisfied after only small, light meals. The extra sugars and carbohydrates in large meals cause our metabolism to spike. By enabling us to eat smaller meals, Chá de Bugre regulates our metabolism, allowing it to burn calories steadily.
Plectranthus Barbatus or Coleus Forskohlii
Forskolin is a chemical taken from the roots of the Coleus Forskohlii plant. This natural chemical triggers an enzyme which increases the cAmp in our cells. Studies have shown that many obese people have less cAmp molecules. By using Forskolin to raise the number of cAmp molecules, natural lipolysis is stimulated and the body goes to work breaking down fat cells. The benefits of Forskolin don’t stop there! Along with helping our bodies to burn fat, Forskolin plays a part in the building and maintaining of lean muscles.
Caralluma Fimbriata
Caralluma Fimbriata is a cactus that can be found in India and Arabia. Eating this cactus fresh and also taking it in capsule form decreases ghrelin, a hormone that has earned the nickname “hunger hormone” because of the way it tells our brain to say “I’m hungry!”. Ghrelin is also directly related to our body weight, and clinical trials have shown that by taking Caralluma Fimbriata, we can decrease our appetite and body measurements.
Fennel Seed
Fennel is an herb that thrives in the Mediterranean climate. This tall perennial plant and its seeds were treasured by ancient Greeks and Romans for its pleasant flavor and medicinal properties. Fennel seeds themselves and also fennel seed water, which is made by soaking fennel seeds for several hours in water, helps us to shed some pounds. This happens by decreasing our appetite, bonding with and eliminating fat cells from the digestive tract and giving our metabolism a boost.
A Final Word
As you seek to lose weight, never forget that herbs alone will not make you lose weight. Herbs can enhance a good weight loss plan, but they are not a magical way to get in shape. To be healthy and lose weight, you must improve your lifestyle.
It is wise to talk with a healthcare professional before beginning to take herbal supplements or any other alternative medicine. This is especially important if you have a chronic condition or are being treated with prescription medications.
