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12 Superior Herbs And Spices To Fight The Battle Of The Bulge
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7. Cinnamon
Cinnamon can probably be found in every household in the world, it is that popular! What most people are completely unaware of, however, is that cinnamon is loaded with compounds that prevent stomach ulcers, lower blood sugar levels, and even fight infections. It also metabolizes glucose so that your body doesn’t store it as fat. Cinnamon helps your body digest food in such a way that you feel fuller for a longer period of time. Adding more cinnamon to your diet is one of the easiest and tastiest ways to lose weight, hands down.
8. Mustard
Put away the mayo and pass the mustard! This is your best condiment choice, since it has a mere 5 calories per serving and no fat! Mustard helps your body burn calories in a more efficient manner. Hot mustard increases the metabolism of the body, so you burn more calories overall. By increasing your metabolic rate, you create what is called a thermogenic effect. You can eat mustard seeds raw, but many people make their own healthy mustard out of turmeric, mustard seeds, garlic and pepper.
9. Cumin
This spice has been shown in numerous studies to help people lose weight and prevent excessive gas and bloating at the same time. Cumin is high in iron, which helps to improve digestion and improve the metabolic process. Add cumin to your vegetable dishes, teas, beans, and Mexican style dishes.
10. Cayenne Pepper
As you might already know, or have figured out, most foods that are spicy increase your metabolism. Cayenne pepper not only raises the temperature of your body, but as your body attempts to cool itself down through sweating, you burn even more calories! This is a true one-two punch when it comes to losing weight. You don’t need to eat a lot, just a pinch or two will give your body the kick it needs to burn extra calories without even trying.
11. Ginseng
You have probably seen many energy drinks that claim that they contain ginseng. This is because this ancient root boosts energy levels by increasing the metabolism. It also stops the cells of the body from storing fat, and instead encourages your body to burn it as instant energy. The release of insulin that ginseng creates also plays an important part in its ability to help you lose weight. Ginseng is usually consumed as a supplement. Follow the directions on the package or speak with your doctor to see if ginseng is right for you.
12. Turmeric
This is the main ingredient in many curry dishes and it has the most amazing health benefits! Turmeric can cleanse the liver, lower cholesterol levels, relieve stress, prevent Alzheimer’s disease and certain types of cancer, as well as help you lose weight. Turmeric counteracts the resistance of insulin, which makes you much less likely to store fat or to develop diabetes! All that in this one little spice! You can add turmeric to your rice and other food dishes, or consume a supplement. You should speak to your doctor before consuming a supplement, however, especially if you have diabetes or if you are taking any prescription drugs.
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Always try to buy certified organic spices, as most of the conventional (and very inexpensive brands) have been irradiated, which leaves them with radiolytic byproducts.
Simply adding a half a teaspoon of the spices listed above (with the exception of cayenne pepper) will not be enough to cause you to lose significant amounts of weight, but they can help. Small steps add up to larger steps.
If you would like to consume any of these spices in the form of supplements, be certain to speak with your doctor. No matter how safe and natural a spice might appear, taking large quantities can cause adverse side effects.
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