In today’s world, people are searching for new ways to lose weight, partly because obesity has been associated with medical conditions and diseases that can have a big impact on one's overall health. Herbal supplements have been touted as the next big thing for weight loss, but some herbal supplements provide harmful side effects. However, a few herbal supplements are backed by scientific evidence as being safe and effective in their ability to induce weight loss.
Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper is a spicy herb derived from chili peppers that might be useful in tackling obesity, according to the 2010 issue of the Journal of Proteome Research. Researchers investigated the effects of cayenne pepper on calorie burning and fat metabolism by placing subjects on a high fat diet with or without cayenne pepper. Scientists found that participants ingesting cayenne pepper lost eight percent body fat compared to those devoid of cayenne pepper. This supplement boosts fat loss by increasing proteins that break down fat.
Green Tea
This herb tea derived from the Cameilla sinensis plant has numerous benefits, including promoting weight loss. Research published in the August 2009 issue of Obesity found that 182 overweight subjects ingesting catechin enriched green tea for 90 days had significant reductions in abdominal body fat and waist circumference. Scientists suggest that green tea catechins, which are potent antioxidants, might be used as a future treatment against the obesity epidemic.
Seaweed
Seaweed might be the key in winning the war against fat. According to the Science Daily website, seaweed contains Alginate, which is a fiber that reduces the body’s ability to absorb fat up to 75 percent. Researchers state that seaweed’s effects on weight loss are comparable to anti-obesity treatments on the market today. Scientists are trying to add Alignate into common food products such as yogurt and bread in order to decrease fat digestion and initiate weight loss.
Licorice Root
The main component of licorice root, glycyrrhetinic acid, has shown promise in boosting fat loss. Research published in the July 2003 issue of the Journal of Endocrinological Investigation reported that normal weight subjects ingesting three grams of licorice for two months lost a significant amount of body fat mass. Scientists found that licorice enhances weight loss by blocking beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, an enzyme involved in promoting fat storage.
References
- Journal of Proteome Research: Proteomic Analysis for Antiobesity Potential of Capsaicin on White Adipose Tissue in Rats Fed with a High Fat Diet
- Obesity: Effects of Catechin Enriched Green Tea on Body Composition
- Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications: Fucoxanthin from edible seaweed, Undaria pinnatifida, shows antiobesity effect through UCP1 expression in white adipose tissues
- Steroids: Glycyrrhetinic acid, the active principle of licorice, can reduce the thickness of subcutaneous thigh fat through topical application
Member Comments