Searching for weight loss herbs and spices in Nigeria?
Well, search no more!
Because
I have compiled a list of some of the local herbs/spices that can help you burn
fat faster.
These
herbs and spices are common ingredients you find in Yoruba agbo and other
herbal medicine for weight loss in Nigeria.
Herbs/Spices for Weight Loss
Here
are some pretty powerful herbs and some spices that not only add tastes and
flavour to our foods but also pack some weight loss punch...
1. Garlic For Weight Loss
Garlic
is a common herb/spice that used in many weight loss concussions. and for good
reason. You see, some recent studies suggest that garlic can help you shed some
excess weight. Because Garlic contains the special compound
"allacin", which both boosts your metabolism and suppresses hunger.
For
best results, try to eat at least one garlic clove daily. Or better still, you
can add in garlic as a spice in preparing your meals. It not only boosts the
taste and flavour of your food, but it will also help you eat less.
2. Aloe Vera For Weight Loss
Aloe
vera is another herb that has been priced for its weight loss abilities. The
aloe vera gel (from the flesh of the Aloe leaves) are found to be rich in
vitamins and have powerful antioxidants. All of which helps boost your
metabolism, improve gut health, clearing and detoxing your body system (amongst
many other health benefits).
It
is advised you take about 1-2 teaspoons of aloe gel daily. Or mix the aloe gel
with smoothie or juice.
3. Green Tea For Weight Loss
Without
a shadow of a doubt, green tea is one best herbal remedies for weight loss.
Green
tea is choke-full of antioxidants (like catechins), which helps rev your
metabolism.
That's
not all. You see, green tea also contains some caffeine. And as we know it,
caffeine helps in stimulating the burning of body fat.
In
addition, green tea is low in calories and can help suppress your appetite and
curb cravings.
In
essence, you can drink it as much 4 times daily. You should be drinking green
tea 20 to 30 minutes before each meal. So you end of consuming less food.
4. Zobo leaf For Weight Loss
Zobo
leaf extract is found in many weight loss product.
Some
studies suggest that Zobo can reduce the secretion the enzyme, amylase, which
is responsible for breaking down carbs into sugar molecules.
This
means that zobo may help in decreasing the absorption of starch and glucose
from your meals.
Zobo
is also said to help in removing excess body water and prevent bloating.
Note:
For best results, drink your zobo without added sugar.
If
you need a delicious zobo recipe (without added sugar), then check out this
5. Cinnamon For Weight Loss
Cinnamon
is one super spice rich in antioxidants that offer a wide range of health
benefits. And can help with weight loss and management.
You
see, cinnamon is an effective metabolism booster because it helps controls
insulin blood sugar levels . And the faster your metabolism, the easier it is
to lose weight and keep it off.
Also,
cinnamon may decrease levels of some digestive enzymes in order to slow down
the breakdown of carbs [Which may help reduce appetite and hunger.
If
you're itching to know more about cinnamon, how to use it and where to buy it,
then view this article
6. Cayenne Pepper For Weight Loss
Cayenne
pepper is rich in the compound, capsaicin, which gives it the signature heat
property. Capsaicin has been shown in studies to increase the metabolic rate,
thus increasing the calories burnt throughout the day
Capsaicin
may also help in reducing the feeling of hunger. A study on a group of thirty
people (30) concluded that consuming food containing capsaicin leads to
decrease in ghrelin levels (the hormone responsible for stimulating hunger)
In
essence, don't shy away from adding a little more pepper to spice up your
meals, it can help you shed some weight off.
Speaking
of pepper, cousin of the cayenne pepper is next.
7. Black Pepper For Weight Loss
Black
pepper is loaded with a powerful compound called piperine, which gives it its
distinctive flavour and potential weight loss ability.
Piperine
has been shown to suppress the formation of fat cells in animals. For example,
one research study [revealed that piperine supplementation helped rats on a
high-fat diet to reduce body weight (without changing their diet).
Unfortunately,
as I write this, I couldn't find any research studies on the weight loss effect
of black on humans. Only studies on animal and test-tubes.
Regardless,
you can combine black and cayenne pepper to help speed up the fat-burning process.
8. Ginger For Weight Loss
Ginger
as long been used in local medicine to relieve a wide range of ailments.
Ginger
has also been proved in many studies to help in weight loss in a variety of
ways.
For
instance, a study revealed that ginger may help reduce body weight by boosting
metabolism and at the same time decreasing fat absorption and appetite
Here's
a ginger weight loss recipe for you (on the house)
Ginger Tea Weight
Loss Recipe
Ingredients
1.
½ inch ginger
2.
1 teaspoon of
honey
3.
1 cup water
How To Prepare
4.
Put a cup of
water on heat
5.
Crush the
ginger root using a mortar and pestle, preferably
6.
Add the
crushed ginger root into the boiling water.
7.
Allow to boil
for about 2 more minutes .
8.
Turn off heat
and add in your honey.
9.
Strain and
stir properly before drinking.
Precautions
Do
not consume too much ginger as it may cause nausea, gas, and stomach upset.
9. Turmeric For Weight Loss
Turmeric
is a flavourful, medicinal and vibrant spice. Most of the turmeric properties
and health benefits are linked to a compound called curcumin.
Curcumin
has been shown in numerous studies to help in many health problems including
Inflammations, bad cholesterol, obesity and more.
In particular, one study showed intake of curcumin twice a day for one month was effective in improving fat loss, dropping belly fat and increasing weight loss by up to 5% in 44 obese people.
Note
that studies use a concentrated amount of curcumin, far greater than the
quantity present in a typical dose of turmeric.
So,
more research is needed to determine how turmeric itself may affect fat loss.
Word of
caution!!!
Please,
and please, don't over-consume any of the herbs/spices in the name of losing
weight.
Over
consuming any herbs/spice comes with some serious side effects. Using them in
little quantity for seasoning foods is more than enough to provide all juicy
health benefits with little to no risk of any side effects.
And
if you're not using herbs/spices for seasoning, then stick to at most 1
tablespoon (14 grams) per day.
If
you're taking herbs in form supplement, it’s crucial to follow the recommended
dosage on the package to avoid and y complications.
Additionally,
if you have any health issues, pregnant, or are taking any medications
whatsoever, then talk to your doctor before taking any supplement.
Finally,
if you experience any negative side effects or food allergy symptoms,
immediately stop usage and go see your doctor.
Conclusion
As
we have seen, all above-mentioned herbs/spices not only add colour and flavour
to your meals, they also can help boost metabolism, increase satiety and
prevent the formation of fat cells.
So,
adding more of these herbs/spices to your meals is one of the easiest and
delicious ways to speed up weight loss.
However,
do not go overboard with it. Moderation is key when using herbs and spices.
And
finally, ensure you combine these herbs/spices with a healthy weight loss diet
and good exercise program to get the best results.