Although the formula for losing weight is simple, eating less and exercising more is a challenge for many people. Furthermore, eating a calorie-controlled diet might make you crave fatty, calorie-laden foods even more. Certain herbs and natural compounds might aid weight loss by suppressing your appetite, although according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, there is little evidence to prove they work. Get medical clearance before using supplements to suppress your appetite and do not use them in place of a healthy balanced diet and exercise plan.
5-Hydroxytryptophan
5-Hydroxytryptophan, or 5-HTP, may help to reduce appetite by boosting serotonin levels, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Derived from the seeds of a plant known as Griffonia simplicifolia, 5-HTP is also sometimes used to treat anxiety, depression and seizure disorders. MedlinePlus notes, however, that it may be unsafe as it may be linked with eosinophilia myalgia syndrome, a potentially fatal blood disorder. Don't use 5-HTP supplements except under medical supervision.
Green Tea
Perhaps best known as a thirst-quenching beverage, green tea might also suppress hunger pangs, thereby aiding weight loss. Green tea is rich in therapeutic compounds known as polyphenols and is also sometimes used to treat cancer, cardiovascular disease and obesity. The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center notes that although green tea is listed on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's "generally recognized as safe" list, it may cause side effects including gastrointestinal upset and nervousness. Get medical clearance before using it as an appetite suppressant.
Cayenne
The results of a study published in the June 2009 issue of "Clinical Nutrition" show that cayenne, also known as capsaicin, helps to suppress hunger and increases feeling of fullness. A popular culinary spice, cayenne is also sometimes used to relieve dyspepsia, pain and psoriasis. It may cause side effects including sweating, flushing and gastrointestinal upset. Talk to your doctor before using cayenne to prevent hunger pangs.
Safety Considerations
Keep in mind that although 5-HTP, green tea and cayenne are freely available in health food stores and pharmacies, they are not suitable for everyone. For example, 5-HTP is unsuitable for people taking antidepressants, while green tea should not be used by individuals with insomnia or a peptic ulcer. Don't use any of these compounds if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Obesity
- MedlinePlus: 5-HTP
- "Clinical Nutrition"; Effects of Capsaicin, Green Tea and CH-19 Sweet Pepper on Appetite and Energy Intake in Humans in Negative and Positive Energy Balance; H.C. Reinbach, et al.; June 2009
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Green Tea
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Cayenne
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