Fitness

11 Herbs and Spices That Promote Weight Loss

Did you know that spices not only add delicious aroma to your food, but they also help you burn calories? Yes! Spices and herbs have the ability to speed up metabolism, suppress appetite and decrease the absorption of fat by the intestines. So, what are you waiting for? Open up your kitchen cabinet, spice up your dishes and add flavor to your life! Listed below are some of the best herbs and spices that promote weight loss – try them and you’ll see surprising results.

1. Cayenne Pepper

Red peppers on wooden table

Cayenne pepper is the queen of all spices that promote weight loss! This incredibly hot chili pepper is loaded with an alkaloid known as capsaicin, which has the capacity to increase body heat and speed up metabolism by 25%. This in turn helps your body burn more calories faster, while suppressing appetite and reducing fat levels in the blood stream.

Apart from cayenne pepper, there are many other kinds of spicy peppers that can act as powerful weapons in your weigh loss battle. These are only some of the few: Aji, Chiltepin, Chile de arbol, Datil, Habanero, Jalapeño, Malagueta, Naga, Scotch bonnet, and Rocoto (Manzano Chile). Add them to your dishes and spice up your life immediately!

2. Black Pepper

Black pepper’s magic component is called piperine. Research has shown that piperine can help your body burn the same amount of calories as walking for 20 minutes, as well as speed up your fat metabolism by as much as 8% up to several hours after ingestion.

Black pepper has also the ability to improve digestion and increase the absorption of nutrients from food.

3. Mustard Seed

Add spicy mustard to your food to trigger your metabolism and stimulate the fat burning process.

Scientists have found that only 1 teaspoon of hot mustard can accelerate the metabolic rate by almost 25% for several hours after eating, making you torch an extra 45 calories per 700-calorie meal. Plus, it contains also selenium, which is a great weight loss aid.

However, the spicier the mustard is, the better effects it has!

4. Cinnamon

aromatic cinnamon sticks

Cinnamon is useful in fighting belly fat, boosting blood circulation and decreasing negative effects that overweight and obesity may have on your health. It lowers bad cholesterol levels, decreases blood sugar and increases insulin levels in the body, reducing the chance of pre-diabetes.

5. Turmeric

Turmeric is a wonderful Indian spice that aids digestion, improves the metabolic function and helps break down body fat. It is also very rich in antioxidants and has the ability to remove harmful toxins from the liver. All in all, it is a great super-food that you should absolutely include in your regular diet!

6. Ginger

Long used for its many health benefits, ginger is a very good diuretic that helps digestion, reduces bloating and hinders the absorption of cholesterol.

Ginger is also a great fat burning spice with excellent thermogenic properties, which help shed extra pounds. In fact, it is very effective in raising the body temperature, while boosting metabolism and making your body burn more calories.

7. Cardamom

Cardamom also promotes healthy digestion and boosts metabolism. It is a good thermogenic with exceptional anti-spasmodic properties.

8. Cumin

Homemade muffins with cheese and cumin on the table

This is another great spice that improves the metabolic function, while aiding digestion and increasing the blood flow. It is also a good immune system booster.

9. Parsley

This aromatic herb is a natural diuretic, rich in many important nutrients. It curbs appetite and reduces food cravings. It is also a good liver and kidney cleanser, as well as an effective digestive aid.

All in all, parsley is a wonderful herb that helps keep your body healthy and strong, while following a weight loss program.

10. Fennel

Fennel as well is a diuretic herb that suppresses appetite and reduces hunger pangs. It helps remove excess fluid from the body and improves the overall energy, by helping your body digest and assimilate nutrients more efficiently.

This tasty herb is also a very good digestive aid and an efficient metabolism stimulator. It is thereby an extremely effective herb that promotes weight loss naturally.

11. Mint

Mint stimulates the functioning of the digestive system and acts as a natural hunger suppressant. It curbs appetite, reduces cravings and increases the sense of satiety and fullness after eating.

Try using the above mentioned herbs and spices that promote weight loss to add that extra flavor to your dishes and give a special kick to your favorite recipes – you’ll be surprised at how effective they are. If you have tried any other efficient and powerful spices, please let us know, so we can add them to this list!

About the author

Jessica

Jessica is a translator who has lived for many years in Asia and South America. She now lives and works in Europe, while preparing her new journeys. She enjoys traveling, meeting new people, exploring different cultures and foods, and being in love.

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