Metabolism is the process by which your body creates energy. Calories provide fuel for metabolism. Some foods and herbs help speed this process naturally. Metabolism boosters typically have a stimulant action and you should use them with caution. Always check with your health care provider before trying herbs or other natural supplements.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a common spice used in baking. It is warming and stimulating by herbalists, and some use it to aid in weight loss. It has the added benefit of helping control blood sugar. High blood sugar can lead to weight gain and type II diabetes. One study published in "Diabetes Care" from 2003 showed that taking up to 6 g of cinnamon per day lowered fasting glucose levels by as much as 29 percent. It also lowered triglyceride levels and LDL, or bad cholesterol. You can add cinnamon to baked goods, cereals and herbal teas, or take it in capsule form. Check with your doctor before using cinnamon for medicinal purposes.
Cayenne
Capsicum, also known as cayenne pepper, is a spicy food with stimulating effects. A popular ingredient in Asian and Latin dishes, cayenne doubles as a medicinal herb. Like cinnamon, herbalists consider it warming and stimulating. In a study by the University of Maryland School of Medicine, researchers found that capsaicin, the active ingredient in cayenne pepper, significantly increased fat metabolism and reduced weight in both men and women. You can eat it fresh, added to stir-fries or other dishes, or take it in capsule form. Talk to your doctor before trying herbal capsicum.
Ginger
Ginger is another culinary spice used in herbal medicine for centuries. It is naturally anti-inflammatory and carminative, meaning it is soothing to the digestive tract. It has a variety of uses, including help for nausea and vomiting, arthritis and joint pain, as well as a weight loss aid. According to a study published in "Autonomic Neuroscience" in April 2011, one variety of ginger reduced fat content in laboratory rodents. While this is only a preliminary trial, it warrants further study of ginger as a weight loss aid. You can slice fresh ginger and make it into an herbal tea, or take it in capsule form. Remember to consult your health care practitioner before using ginger for medicinal purposes.
Green Tea
Green tea comes from the same plant as traditional black tea. Consumption is common throughout Asia, and it is gaining popularity in Western countries because of its many purported health benefits. Herbalists use green tea to boost metabolism and strengthen the immune system. In a study published by the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" in 2007, research showed that Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate, or EGCG -- the active ingredient in green tea -- helps to improve thermogenesis and fat metabolism in men. This needs more study, so talk to your doctor before using green tea for weight loss.
References
- American Diabetes Association; Diabetes Care; Cinnamon Improves Glucose and Lipids of People With Type 2 Diabetes; A Kham, et. al.; 2003
- "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; Effects of Novel Capsinoid Treatment on Fatness and Energy Metabolism in Humans; S Snitker, et. al; 2009
- "Autonomic Neuroscience"; Extract of Grains of Paradise and Its Active Principle 6-paradol Trigger Thermogenesis of Brown Adipose Tissue in Rats; M Iwami, et. al; April 2011
- "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; The Effects of Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate on Thermogenesis and Fat Oxidation in Obese Men; M Boschman, et. al; 2007
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