Herbs can provide natural protection during weight loss. The stress of decreased caloric intake can raise levels of the stress hormone cortisol, decrease natural fat burning hormones and slow down your metabolic rate over time. Moreover, intense exercise naturally produces free radicals that can have damaging effects on the body. The frequent exercise that goes along with a weight loss program may lead to increased muscle and joint pain. Herbs may naturally protect against these negative effects. Always consult with your doctor before adding any herbal supplement to your diet and exercise program.
Green and White Tea Extract
Green and white teas contain the protective antioxidant known as EGCG, or epigallocatechin gallate. This substance increases resting metabolic rate, improves glucose metabolism and may help to fight cancer, heart disease and diabetes, according to "Natural Support for Healthy Weight Control" by David Nayor. You can find decaffeinated extracts if you cannot tolerate the small naturally occuring content of caffeine. In addition, green and white teas contain the amino acid L-theanine, which helps to blunt high levels of cortisol.
Fucoxanthin
A brown seaweed extract, fucoxanthin acts as an antioxidant and may lower both blood sugar and blood lipid levels, according to "Life Extension Magazine." Fucoxanthin speeds the resting metabolic rate without having any stimulant effect on the central nervous system. Stimulants can compromise proper adrenal function over time, leading to metabolic decline. Fucoxantin also makes white adipose tissue act like brown fat, a form of fatty acid that actually burns energy.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is an Ayurvedic herb traditionally used as a tonic for the whole body. It contains protective antioxidants called withanolides, which exhibit neuro-protective effects on the brain. For weight loss, ashwagandha helps to control production of the stress hormone cortisol, which slows fat burning, promotes muscle loss and facilitates body fat storage in trouble areas, according to "The Cortisol Connection" by Shawn Talbott.
Ginger
During prolonged periods of intense or moderate dieting and exercise, aches and pains, as well as muscle and joint soreness, can keep you from completing your workouts. Ginger root contains natural antioxidants that have an anti-inflammatory effect on the body. Supplementation with ginger may lead to a 25 percent decrease in pain, according to "Ginger Snaps the Pain" in the October 2010 issue of "Muscle & Performance." The natural painkilling properties of ginger make a healthy alternative to NSAIDs, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Coleus Forskohlii
Coleus forskohlii contains a naturally occurring chemical constituent known as forskolin. According to "Natural Anabolics" by Jerry Brainun, forskolin has been shown to decrease body fat percentage in training men. One pathway of operation for forskolin seems to be its effect on testosterone, increasing it within the normal range, according to "Supplements 101" by Jim Stoppani, PhD. Dieting, and in particular low-fat diets, can lower the body's production of important fat burning hormones such as testosterone.
References
- Life Extension Magazine; Natural Support for Healthy Weight Control; David Nayor; April 2007
- Life Extension Magazine; Safely Burn Away Body Fat; Julius Goepp MD; March 2008
- "The Cortisol Connection;" Shawn Talbott; 2002
- "Muscle & Performance;" The Body Shoppe; Physical Science: Ginger Snaps the Pain
- "Muscle & Fitness Presents 2010 Edition: The Ultimate Supplement Handbook;" Supplements 101; Jim Stoppani, PhD; January 2010
- "Natural Anabolics;" Jerry Brainum; 2006
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