Losing weight has become a trend for decades now to the point where people have gone extreme. But extreme weight loss is not the way to go. Responsible weight loss is what every person should aim for. Their goals must be based on the ideal weight range recommended for their age and height. And they should also get a healthy outcome from it. There are those who are indeed within the normal range of weight, yet they still get diseases simply because the fad diet they indulge into lack the necessary nutrients that their body requires. Losing weight is all about balancing diet and activities or exercises.

If you have a sedentary lifestyle, diet must be limited to average calories. If you have an active lifestyle, your diet must be increased. But keep in mind that the goal is to have a weight within the normal range and a body mass index (BMI) that does not reach the obesity level. If you are the kind of person who loves to indulge in food, there are foods that promise to promote weight loss. These foods have low calories and yet it provides ample amounts of nutrition. There are also herbs and spices known for centuries and decades to be effective in losing weight. Adding these herbs and spices in your food may help in losing some of your unwanted weight.

1. Aye for Asian Ginseng

   Asian ginseng has long been used in Asia, especially in China, as a medicine. In the present, ginseng is found out to be effective in strengthening the immune system, in improving memory and reducing the risks of developing Alzheimer’s diseases and in lowering the body’s cholesterol level. This is herb has also been studied and is found out to be effective in losing one’s weight.

   According to Dr. Robert B. Saper of Harvard Medical School, ginseng is effective in weight loss because it can help in accelerating the body’s metabolism. Exercise is a way of increasing one’s metabolism. Just plain sitting and staring at the skies does not mean there is no metabolism. Your heart pumping is also using energy, so there is increase in metabolism. Your inhalation and exhalation is also a type of metabolism. With ginseng, especially the Korean variety, these vital organs will increase its functions. For instance, heart pumps faster, lungs respires faster, kidney filters fast, so on and so forth. But a side effect of ginseng is losing appetite due to decreased activity of the gastrointestinal system. With decreased appetite, the body will have greater chances of losing weight. But ginseng must not be taken lightly. When the purpose is regulating one’s weight, always consult your physician first to find out if you have other diseases that may be affected with ginseng.

2. Cook with Cayenne

   There is an ongoing practice for those who wish to lose their weights to add cayenne pepper in their food. For anyone who have tasted this spices, cayenne pepper is devilishly hot and spicy and when it reaches your internal organs, there is a feeling of fiery heat sensation. Cayenne may be uncomfortable to some, but it provides huge nutrients to the body. Just two teaspoon of ground cayenne can already provide almost 30 percent of the daily requirement for vitamin A. Cayenne is also rich in vitamin B6, C and E, and fiber and manganese. This piece is an effective pain reliever and anti-inflammatory. It also relieves nasal congestion; prevent stomach ulcers and helps in losing weight. The thermogenesis effect provided by cayenne can actually decrease the body’s stored calories since every time heat is produced, energy is used.

3. Count Cinnamon In

   Used mainly as spices in several dishes, especially breads and pastries, cinnamon is also implicated in weight loss treatment. According to studies, cinnamon can initiate thermogenesis. Meaning it can produce heat within the body. With this heat production comes an increase metabolic activities, which actually indicates burning of calories. Added to this is cinnamon’s ability to stimulate insulin production as well as decrease one’s appetite. When insulin is produced in large amounts, blood sugar level decreases, which prevent development of diabetes mellitus type 2, a type of disease related to obesity. Two teaspoons of cinnamon sprinkled in foods such as oatmeal or yogurt regularly, will not only guarantee some weight loss but also provides almost 50 percent of the required daily value for manganese, as well as fiber and calcium; plus as assurance that your immune system and heart will be protected, including your colon health.

4. Say Yes to St. John’s Wort

   Horticulturists call them Hypericum perforatum. For decades now, St. John’s Wort is being used as an antidepressant. But St. John’s Wort is also effective to those who want to lose weight. There are preparations, such as the herbal supplement phen-fen, which has two major ingredients ephedra and St. John’s Wort. This herbal supplement is indicated for those who wish to lose their weight. But as of this time, there is still no known scientific evidence that this herb is indeed useful in losing weight. So when planning to take St. John’s Wort, make sure to consult your physician first.

5. Turmeric is Terrific

   Peppery, bitter, warm and yellow, turmeric is popular in many curry based dishes. These spices, which are native in Indonesia and the southern part of India, must not be taken for granted. Aside from manganese, iron, potassium, fiber and vitamin B6 that can be provided to the body, turmeric has several health benefits. First, it is a potent anti-inflammatory because of its substance called curcumin. It can also relive those who have rheumatoid arthritis, those who are suffering from cystic fibrosis, colon cancer, prostate cancer and childhood leukemia.

   Aside from being able to protect the heart, it improves the function of the liver and lowers the body’s cholesterol level. There are also studies indicating that turmeric is actually effective in suppressing the growth of fat tissues. Although still a lab result and will still have to find its way to human’s system. The effects of decreasing the fat tissues in rodents clearly indicate that turmeric is an effective spice for losing weight. Increasing weight is the result of increasing and expanding fat tissues in the body. Turmeric suppresses this action and therefore is an effective weight loss agent.

Sources
livestrong.com
livestrong.com
sciencedaily.com
livestrong.com