Weight loss is an important goal for many people in the Western world. According to the Cleveland Clinic, about 72 million people in the United States are obese. Although dozens of diets are available for people interested in weight loss, some alternative medicine practitioners believe that the use of spices may augment other weight loss efforts.
Check with your physician before using spices in an effort to lose weight.
Cayenne
According to Michael Castleman, author of "The Healing Herbs," cayenne is a hot pepper that comes primarily from the Caribbean and South America. This pepper is used to add heat to Jamaican, Tex-Mex and Mexican dishes. Cayenne has been used for centuries as a digestive aid and a remedy for joint inflammation. It may also help lower cholesterol levels in the bloodstream. The heat of cayenne peppers may also reduce the appetite, which may aid in weight loss. Consult your physician if you plan to use cayenne to lose weight.
Ginger
Ginger has been used in cooking and medicine for over 3,000 years, according to Castleman. It has a long history of culinary uses in Chinese and Indian cooking. Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners recommended this spice to ward off colds and influenza symptoms. They also prescribed ginger as a remedy for leprosy. Fresh ginger may help stimulate metabolism, which may allow the body to shed unwanted pounds. Talk to your doctor before using ginger to lose weight.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon has been used for centuries in Indian and Asian cuisine, and is now commonly available in Western supermarkets. The chemical compounds in cinnamon bark may help the body metabolize fats more efficiently, preventing them from being stored by the body, according to Dr. James Balch and Phyllis Balch, authors of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." Cinnamon may also lower blood glucose levels. Glucose that is not burned as energy is stored by the body as fat cells. Contact your physician if you plan to use cinnamon as a weight loss spice.
References
- Cleveland Clinic: Obesity Overview
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; James F. Balch, M.D. and Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C.; 1997
- "The Healing Herbs"; Michael Castleman; 1991
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