Although the best formula for weight loss is to burn more calories than you take in, obesity rates in the U.S. continue to make headlines. More and more Americans are looking for alternative methods to lose weight. Cayenne pepper and other herbs might play a role in natural weight loss. Please note that not all herbs have received FDA approval. Remember that herbs and other natural therapies should be used to complement, and not replace, traditional health care.
Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper is used as both a culinary spice and medicinal herb. It is considered warming and carminative by herbalists and used as a natural pain reliever and weight loss aid. It has both anti-inflammatory and thermogenic properties, meaning it helps alleviate inflammation while simultaneously burning fat. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, consuming cayenne pepper has been shown to both increase body temperature and help regulate blood sugar in animal and human studies. No established recommended daily dose exists as of June 2011. UMMC does warn that taking cayenne might interfere with certain medications, so talk to your doctor before using this herb as a weight loss aid.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is another culinary spice with medicinal properties. Like cayenne, it is a thermogenic herb that also helps control blood sugar. A study published in the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" in 2007 showed that when added to food, cinnamon lowers blood sugar levels and delays emptying of the stomach, which helps you feel full longer. Researchers conclude that cinnamon might play a role in weight management and controlling the development of type 2 diabetes. Cinnamon can be added to your favorite dishes, made into an herbal tea and even found in liquid extract form. Consult your medical doctor before using cinnamon for medicinal purposes.
Ginger
Ginger has long been used as both food and medicine. It is spicy and sweet, and used by herbalists for a variety of purposes. It is believed to help alleviate nausea, vomiting, morning sickness, motion sickness and headaches. Some claims have been made that it also helps aid in weight loss. According to Weight-Loss-Center.net, consuming ginger promotes weight loss by boosting metabolism. It also stimulates digestive enzymes and improves digestion, an important factor in weight loss. These claims have yet to be studied scientifically, so remember to talk to your doctor before trying ginger as a weight loss supplement.
Green Tea
Green tea, the unfermented version of commercial black tea, is a common beverage in China, Japan and throughout Asia. It is now gaining popularity in the West due to its many purported health benefits. It is used to treat atherosclerosis and heart disease, diabetes, cancer, liver disease and high cholesterol. The University of Maryland also notes that several clinical studies have found that it also helps boost metabolism and burn fat. While it is generally considered safe for consumption, UMMC notes that it might interfere with certain prescription medications. Talk to your doctor about using green tea as a weight loss aid.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Cayenne
- "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; "Effect of Cinnamon on Postprandial Blood Glucose, Gastric Emptying and Satiety in Healthy Subjects"; J. Hlebowicz et al; 2007
- Weight Loss Center: Eating Ginger Promotes Weight Loss
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Green Tea
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