I am no fan of doing anything solely for the sake of weight loss. Let’s face it, metabolisms differ, and life experiences have given us the habits that make us who we are. However, part of a whole lifestyle includes being as close to our optimum weight as possible. Exercise will always be key in this endeavour but can be supplemented effectively with certain herbs and foods. I have experience with some of the following and others I am currently exploring.
Always do your own research and consult your trusted Naturopath, Nutritionist, etc. if your are unsure of your findings. Know your sources as well. Trust is key in finding and implementing new concepts and ideas.
and here it is:
1. Bladderwrack (Fucus vesiculosis)
A seaweed seen in cold waters, Bladderwrack is found to be an affective remedy for rheumatism and inflamed joints. It also works great for thyroid and goiter. If your weight gain is associated with thyroid then Bladderwrack is the best remedy for you. In many people, weight gain is traced to hypothyroidism, severe deficiency of iodine. Iodine is required for the optimal function of the thyroid gland. Bladderwrack contains minerals including iodine, potassium, magnesium, calcium and iron. Consult a medical practitioner before taking bladderwrack as it may lower blood sugar levels.
2. Dandelion (Taraxacum officinalis)
Dandelion is a name googled quite often in our decade. Abundant with minerals (iron, zinc and potassium) and vitamins (A, B, C and D), dandelion is a known remedy for liver complaints. It can treat UTI, anemia and gout and can be good blood thinner. Its weight loss benefits gained popularity quite recently. Dandelion has diuretic properties which will enable you to pass more urine and thus increase the loss of water and reduce water retention in the body. Take an ounce of the dried herb to make dandelion tea or take fresh dandelion leaves in salad.
3. Kelp (Fucus spp.)
Like Bladderwrack, Kelp is another seaweed that is abundant in antioxidant vitamins and iodine. Including this herb in your diet will boost metabolism and help weight loss related with thyroid-dysfunction. Kelp should not be taken with other herbs like bladderwrack. It is important to consult your doctor before taking these herbs as they may complicate your underlying medical condition.
4. Malabar Tamarind (Garcinia cambogia)
A southern Indian herb widely used in Indian diet, dried Malabar tamarind consists of thirty percent Hydroxycitric Acid (HCA). Though many fat loss supplements promote HCA as an aid to weight loss some researchers claim that the weight loss benefits of HCA are not proven in humans but animals. However, it is maintained that HCA can help you watch your portion sizes by controlling your appetite.
5. Cayenne Pepper (Capsicum minimum)
Cayenne pepper is said to be a better weight loss aid that green tea. It contains capsaicin, a thermogenic chemical (makes it a hot herb) which will help to speed your metabolism and check your appetite. Increased blood flow, a healthy blood pressure, increased sex drive and a healthy digestive system are some other benefits cayenne pepper may offer.
6. Guarana (Paulina cupana)
Native to Venezula and northern parts of Brazil, Guarana can be called an elder brother to coffee due to its high caffeine content. It works as an appetite suppressant giving it a distinguished place in herbal weight loss supplements. Guarana can increase your energy, fight fatigue, detoxify the blood, reduce intestinal gas, help dyspepsia and enhance fat burning. Guarana should not be taken by those who have cardiac problems or high blood pressure.
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