Herbs have been used for centuries as treatment for a wide range of diseases and medical conditions, including hypertension, high cholesterol and heart disease. On top of that, evidence suggests that certain herbs might be effective in inducing fat loss and fighting the war on obesity. Consult with your health care provider before taking any herbs, since they may interact with medications.
Green Tea
Green tea is derived from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. It is the least processed of all teas and contains potent antioxidants called catechins. One particular catechin, epigallocatechin gallate, or EGCG, might have fat burning properties. Researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences in China reviewed the literature regarding green tea consumption and weight loss. They concluded that green tea's high content of EGCG induces weight loss by elevating norepinephrine, a hormone that regulates metabolism and fat burning, according to findings reported in the winter 2006 issue of the "Journal of Medicinal Food."
Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper is made from dried chili peppers. It contains the active compound capsaicin, which is responsible for its fiery heat as well as most of its health benefits, including reducing fat cells. Jong Won Yun led a team of researchers who discovered that rats fed a high fat diet with capsaicin lost more body fat than rats without capsaicin. Capsaicin stimulates the release of proteins inside fat cells that help to break down fat. This in turn shrinks or reduces fat cells, the June 2010 issue of the "Journal of Proteome Research," reports.
Forskolin
Forskolin is a compound produced from the Coleus forskohlii plant that might help burn body fat. University of Kansas researchers randomly assigned overweight and obese men either forskolin or a placebo for three months. Participants' metabolic rate, body composition and testosterone levels were all measured before and after the study. Scientists found that subjects taking forskolin experienced decreases in body fat and gains in lean mass compared to the placebo group, according to research reported in the August 2005 issue of the journal "Obesity Research."
References
- PubMed: Green tea extract thermogenesis-induced weight loss by epigallocatechin gallate inhibition of catechol-O-methyltransferase
- Science Daily: New Evidence That Chili Pepper Ingredient Fights Fat
- PubMed: Body composition and hormonal adaptations associated with forskolin consumption in overweight and obese men
Member Comments