Weight loss is probably the most written-about subject in America, and there are hundreds of theories about how best to accomplish weight loss goals. One of these theories is that certain herbs can increase the body’s metabolism and help burn fat. Taber’s Encyclopedic Medical Dictionary defines metabolism as the total of all physical and chemical changes that take place within the cells of the body, and involves two processes: anabolism, or building up, and catabolism, tearing down. Anabolism is the making of energy reserves, and catabolism is utilization of energy reserves.
Thermogenesis
Thermogenesis is the production of heat in the body in response to ingestion of food. For several hours after eating, metabolic rate increases. Heat is a by-product of the energy required to digest, absorb and metabolize food constituents. By increasing thermogenesis, metabolism is raised and fat cells are used for energy to support this metabolic increase. This normal process can be elicited by food, exercise and supplements.
Phytology
Phytology, a branch of biology, is the study of plants. There is a movement toward studying herbs scientifically to determine chemical constituents and their effects on human health. To date there are a number of studies being done to verify the weight loss effects of herbs believed to raise metabolic rate and help burn fat.
Green Tea
Green tea contains caffeine and catechin polyphenols. In a report in the December 1999 issue of “The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition,” researchers studied green tea’s effect on thermogenesis and fat oxidation. The study concluded that green tea did have an effect on thermogenesis and fat oxidation beyond the effect caffeine alone could account for, resulting in 35 to 45 percent more calories used in a day.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon contains polyphenolic polymers. Researchers at the Human Nutrition Research Center conducted a study to determine the ingredients in cinnamon. They found that the ingredients caused cells to recognize and respond to insulin. This resulted in an increased sugar metabolism in fat cells “twentyfold.”
Garcinia Cambogia
Garcinia cambogia, extracted from the rind of a dried Indian fruit, contains hydroxycitric acid. Studies being done to determine whether this herb promotes thermogenesis have shown contradictory results, according to a report from the National Institutes of Health. Evidence has been based on small studies with small sample size and placebo group.
Conclusion
Although there are many books, articles and other sources that report the benefits of certain herbs for certain conditions, many are based on historical response and anecdotal information. That is not to say they are not effective, but that there is little scientific evidence at this point to come to conclusions about many claims regarding herbs that are believed to increase metabolism and help burn fat.
References
- Garcinia cambogia Extract; 2004
- PubMed: "Rev Salud Publica (Bogota)"; A Systematic Review of the Effectiveness of Alternative Weight-Loss Products' Ingredients; de Lira-Garcia C, et al.; Nov-Dec 2008
- PubMed: "JAMA"; Garcinia Cambogia (Hydroxycitric Acid) as a Potential Antiobesity Agent: A Randomized Controlled Trial; Heymsfield, S.B., et al.; Nov. 1998
- "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; Efficacy of a Green Tea Extract Rich in Catechin Polyphenols and Caffeine in Increasing 24-h Energy Expenditure and Fat Oxidation in Humans; Abdul G. Dulloo, et al.; 999
- Agricultural Research Service: Beneficial Compounds in Cinnamon Spice Up Insulin Sensitivity; R.M. Bliss; April 2004
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