Herbs have been used by for thousands of years for their metabolism boosting qualities. Research published in the "British Journal of Nutrition" reports that herbs such as green tea and guarana help to improve metabolism and raise energy levels by their effects on stored fats and nutrient absorption in the body. These herbs also have powerful antioxidant properties that help with digestion and nutrient absorption for more inefficient food metabolism and energy production. They also improve blood circulation for more effective oxygen and nutrient transport to all the body cells. There are several ways that you can increase metabolism with herbs, but talk to a doctor before using herbs for any medicinal purpose.
Step 1
Take a green tea extract supplement that contains 50 mg of caffeine and 90 mg of epigallocatechin gallate, or EGCG, up to three times a day at breakfast, lunch and dinner. Green tea contains EGCG, which is a catechin. Catechins increase fat burning, particularly in the abdomen area. It also has caffeine for increased metabolism as well as antioxidants called polyphenols, which facilitate digestion. Brew green tea with teabags or dried loose leaves and drink it two or more times per day for increased metabolism; this can be done instead of taking a green tea supplement.
Step 2
Take 100 mg to 200 mg of ginseng herbal extract supplement that is standardized to contain 0.8 to 1 percent of the active substance eleutheroside, twice a day. Alternatively, brew 500 to 3,000 mg of ginseng dried root herb in a teapot and drink throughout the day. Ginseng contains a substance called saponon, which increases physical stamina, energy and endurance by improving fat metabolism in the body. It also helps to improve blood circulation and oxygen delivery throughout the body.
Step 3
Take a 1,000 mg to 2,000 mg guarana extract supplement once a day to increase fat-burning and energy metabolism. Guarana contains the active ingredients thepphylline and theobromine, as well as up to 8 percent caffeine content to promote increased metabolism in the body. It also has potent antioxidant properties for more efficient energy production in the body. Alternatively, try guarana-containing drinks and beverages.
Tips and Warnings
- Add green tea to your diet by making iced tea drinks with green tea and lemon and other fruit juices. Also try coffee and hot chocolate drinks that contain guarana for increased metabolism.
- Consult your doctor before taking herbal supplements, as these potent medications can cause side effects and serious interactions with other medications and supplements. The University of Maryland Medical Center warns that ginseng supplements and products are not recommended for children and pregnant or nursing women. Green tea and guarana should not be consumed by children and pregnant or nursing women.
Things You'll Need
- Green tea teabags or loose tea
- Green tea extract supplements
- Ginseng supplements
- Dried ginseng root herb
- Guarana extract supplements
References
- The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition: Efficacy of a Green Tea Extract Rich in Catechin Polyphenols and Caffeine
- LEF.org: Enhancing Metabolism and Fat Burning with Guarana
- British Journal of Nutrition: Effects of Encapsulated Green Tea and Guarana Extracts
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Siberian Ginseng
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