Herbs to Reduce Belly Fat

Obesity rates in America are higher than ever before and continue to rise. The modern diet, rat-race lifestyle, and other factors play into this epidemic. Hormonal imbalances can lead to excessive weight gain even for those who exercise and eat a healthy diet. There are various herbs available that address weight gain, especially in the abdominal area. Always consult with a health professional before beginning any diet plan, exercise plan, or herbal weight loss regimen.

Rhodiola

The use of rhodiola may help to reduce belly fat in more ways than one. The first way this herb can contribute to your weight loss efforts is by reducing the stress hormone, cortisol. High cortisol levels are directly related to an increase in belly fat. The hormone may lead to cravings for fat and carbohydrates. Cortisol also increases insulin levels and glucose production, which then leads to excess fat storage. The waistline is usually the most affected because those fat cells are very sensitive to the hormone. Rhodiola is an adaptogen that can help the body deal with stress better, therefore reducing the amounts of cortisol produced.

Rhodiola also affects the hormone-sensitive lipase enzyme that has the ability to break down the fat that is stored in adipose tissues. This is the hardest fat to eliminate, and it hangs out in the “spare tire” that accumulates around the belly and abdomen. Rhodiola extracts have been found to activate the enzyme, thereby increasing the breakdown of this stored fat. Using this herb does not generally cause side effects, however, you should speak with a health care practitioner before taking this adaptogen.

Green Tea Extract

Green tea is very well known for its ability to aid in weight loss efforts. One of the ways this herb can help to reduce belly fat is by increasing thermogenesis. This is especially beneficial when added to a steady exercise plan. This herbal remedy also contains caffeine, which speeds the body’s metabolic rate. Caffeine also increases blood sugar levels, which can help to prolong satiety. Studies were published in the Journal of Nutrition that showed participants consuming green tea lost more weight than those who did not. An increase in metabolism by 4 percent was also revealed in these studies. The stimulation of fat-burning activity was especially present in the belly and abdominal areas. Be cautious not to over do it with this herbal tea. Those who are pregnant or are nursing should be especially careful not to consume excessive amounts of caffeine.

Guggul

This herb is a commonly used Ayurvedic remedy for a variety of health concerns, including weight loss and cholesterol reduction. In weight loss, this herb is beneficial as it may enhance the thyroid’s hormone metabolism. T3, also known as triiodothyroxine, is known to increase the body’s overall metabolic rate. Taking guggul may increase the levels of this metabolite. In theory, this will help the body to burn more fat. Some animal studies have been conducted to test this theory, but not enough conclusive evidence is available to make a solid impact. Talk with a health care professional before trying guggul to burn off that stubborn belly fat.