Herbs and spices are one of the most important secrets to losing weight. Spices not only make food taste better, some of them help the immune system! This is the perfect system for dieters who are tired of the same bland foods. Take salmon, for example.
Add some garlic, basil, rosemary and sea salt and the dish will acquire a Mediterranean flavor. Certain spices speed up the metabolism and burn fat. Try using green or red chili peppers in soups, main dishes and salads to give the body a boost.
Ginger, mustard, turmeric and cinnamon are also great for weight loss and health. The spicier the dish, the more it will make you feel full and also slow down the rate at which you overeat.
Adding spices to your life will improve your weight and overall health. This is something to consider in addition to or outside of conventional medicine.
“One of the great tragedies of human civilization is the precedent of chemical therapy over nutrition. It is the substitution of nature for artificial therapy, poisons for food, and we feed people poisons in an attempt to correct the hunger response,” said Dr. Royal Lee in 1951.
Here are a few spices to consider.
The American Diabetes Association has this to say about cinnamon:
“More than three out of every four adults with diabetes are at least overweight, and nearly half of people with diabetes are obese. Because of the relationship between body weight (i.e., fat mass) and insulin resistance, weight loss has long been a recommended strategy for overweight or obese adults with diabetes.” Cinnamon May Help. Cinnamon regulates sugar levels and contains antioxidants that prevent fat deposition in the body.
Cayenne increases the burning of calories and fat. This can lead to the loss of abdominal fat and increase metabolism by increasing body temperature. It can help joints, the immune system. Cayenne pepper also contains flavonoids, potassium and vitamin C.
Use this pepper when preparing meat dishes or pasta. You will need only ½ teaspoon. Cumin is another spice that only needs a teaspoon in dishes to get you on the path to weight loss. Researchers found that women who ate cumin three times a day lost more weight. Another spice rich in color and health benefits is turmeric. It reduces the amount of fat in the liver and helps the body metabolize fats. Ginger is great for weight loss, it helps you feel full longer, balances blood glucose levels and strengthens the immune system. A study found that drinking ginger tea reduced appetite.
The U.S. National Library of Medicine found: “Evidence suggests that ginger consumption has anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, glucose-sensitizing, and gastrointestinal stimulant effects.” This study assessed the effects of hot ginger drink on energy expenditure, appetite, satiety, and metabolic risk factors in overweight men.”
Black pepper is the most widely consumed spice in the world. This common spice improves digestion. The main component is called piperine, which helps break down fat cells and prevents new ones from forming. A study published in 2012 found that piperine is essential for fat burning. Lead researcher Ui-Hyun Park, PhD (Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry), found:
“Our results suggest that piperine, the main component of black pepper, inhibits fat cell differentiation… suggesting that it may be used in the treatment of obesity-related diseases.”
Add black pepper to your meals, soups, salads, and eggs. It triggers a positive chain reaction in the body and may be used in the future to treat obesity. Also try adding mustard seed powder to your food – it can burn up to 1,000 calories a day!
Cardamom removes toxins and waste from the body. The spicy-sweet taste promotes digestion and helps in weight loss by improving metabolism.
Choose organic spices and herbs and always consult your doctor, as some spices interact with medications.
