Powerful herbs for weight loss and detoxification
Fenugreek is a perennial herbaceous plant that is a common household spice derived from Trigonella foenum-graecum - a plant belonging to the Fabaceae family [ref. 1] Several studies have found that fenugreek can help control appetite and reduce food intake to aid weight loss.
One study in 18 people showed that adding 8 grams of fiber from fenugeek has increased feelings of satiety and reduced hunger and food intake, compared to the control group. [Ref. 2]
Another small study found that taking fenugreek seed extract reduced daily fat intake by 17% compared to placebo. This leads to a lower number of calories consumed during the day. [ref. 3] Animal studies looked at the inhibitory effect of Trigonella foenum-graecum (AqE-TFG) aqueous seed extract on fat accumulation and dyslipidemia in obese rats. Therapy with AqE-TFG resulted in a significant decrease in body weight gain, body mass index (BM), white fat weight (WAT), blood sugar, serum insulin, lipids, leptin, lipasis and apolipoprotein-B levels and an increase in adiponectin levels. [Ref. 4]
Cayenne pepper is a type of pepper, used mostly to give a spicy taste to many dishes. Contains the compound capsaicin, which gives cayenne pepper its characteristic spicy taste and provides many health benefits. Some research has shown that capsaicin can slightly boost metabolism, increasing the number of calories you burn during the day, thus helping you lose weight. [Ref. 5]
Ginger is a spice prepared from the root of the ginger plant Zingiber officinale. Often used in folk medicine as a natural remedy for a wide variety of diseases, some research suggests that ginger can also aid weight loss.
A review of 14 studies in humans shows that ginger supplements significantly reduce both body weight and abdominal fat. [ref. 5] Aqueous extract of Z. officinale Roscoe can inhibit the intestinal absorption of dietary fats by inhibiting their hydrolysis in the amines. [Ref. 6]
Oregano is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the same family of plants as mint, basil, thyme, rosemary and sage. It contains carvacol, a powerful compound that can help increase weight loss. [ref.8]
A study in mice on a high-fat diet that either contained carvacol or not found that those who received carvacol gained significantly less body weight and body fat than the control group.
It has also been found that carvacol supplements directly affect some of the specific genes and proteins that control body fat synthesis. Several preclinical studies prove that representatives of the genus Origanum have pharmacological potential such as antiproliferative or anticancer, antihyperlypidemic, anti-inflammatory, phosprotective, cardioprotective and anti-obesity effects. [ref.9]
Ginseng is a plant with beneficial health properties, which is a major product in traditional Chinese medicine. There are various types of ginseng, for examples saponins that have antidiabetic, as well as antihyperglycemic effects in animals, and they have been found to provide antidiabetic effects. [ref.10]
Caralluma Fimbriata is an herb that is often included in various formulas for weight loss. It is believed to work by raising levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that directly affects appetite. [ref.11] It also helps to suppress appetite and combat obesity. [ref.12]
Turmeric is a spice that is well-known for its taste, vibrant color and powerful healing properties. Most of its health benefits are attributed to the presence of curcumin, a chemical that has been studied in detail for its effects on everything from inflammation to weight loss. A scientific review of randomized controlled trials shows that taking curcumin in patients with metabolic syndrome and related disorders is associated with a significant decrease in BMI, weight and leptin levels. [ref.13]
Black pepper is a common spice in the household, obtained from the dried fruits of Piper nigrum. Black pepper contains a powerful compound called piperine, which provides both sharp taste and potential weight loss effects. [ref.14] More human studies are needed to prove the same effects with certainty.
Gymnema sylvestre is not so popular herb that is used as a natural way for reducing blood sugar levels. However, some research suggests it may also be beneficial for those who want to lose weight. Gimnema contains a compound called gimanemic acid, which can help reduce the perceived sweetness of foods to prevent the desire for sweet foods.
The water-soluble fraction of Gymnema Sylvestre ethanol extract may be a useful intervention in the treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus in mice, as described in "Protective Effect of Gymnema sylvestre Ethanol Extract on High Fat Diet-induced Obese Diabetic Wistar Rats." [ref.15]
Cinnamon is an aromatic spice produced from the inner bark of trees of the genus Cinnamomum. It is rich in antioxidants and provides numerous health benefits. Some studies have even found that cinnamon can increase weight loss. Cinnamon can be particularly effective at stabilising blood sugar, and its control is at the heart of appetite management. [ref.16]
Cinnamon can also reduce levels of certain digestive enzymes to slow the breakdown of carbohydrates, according to the data in the publication "Inhibitory activity of cinnamon bark species and their combination effect with acarbose against intestinal α-glucosidase and pancreatic α-amylase." [ref.17]
Green coffee bean extract is often found in many weight loss products.
The extract is made from coffee beans that are not roasted and are high in chlorogenic acid, which is believed to provide some weight loss support. One study found information that green coffee consumption significantly improved arterial elasticity and reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure in the healthy group included in the study. [ref.18]
Cumin is a spice prepared from the dried and ground seeds of Cuminum cyminum. [ref.19] Cumin is well known for its distinct walnut taste, but it also has valuable health benefits, including the potential to accelerate weight loss and fat burning.
Cardamom is a highly valuable spice produced from the seeds of a ginger family plant. It is used all over the world for both cooking and baking, but can also aid weight loss. Several animal studies have shown that cardamom powder helps to reduce abdominal fat in a high-fat and carbohydrate-high diet [ref.20] For the action of cardamom in humans, more studies are needed to confirm the same positive effects.