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12 Superior Herbs And Spices To Fight The Battle Of The Bulge
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Almost everyone knows that one of the important aspects when it comes to losing weight is, obviously, what you eat. Most people think that losing weight involves eating less, not adding things to your diet.
One weight loss trick is something most people never consider, and it’s right there in your spice rack. Although herbs and spices might seem too small to impact your weight, studies show that they actually can.
After reading this, you will probably want to stock up on the following 12 herbs and spices so that you can fight the battle of the bulge more easily.
1. Green Tea
Usually, one of the first things to go when people want to lose weight is soda and other sugary drinks. That’s a great start, but why not substitute at least a few glasses of plain water with a few cups of green tea? Well-proven to be loaded with healthy benefits, this tea can also prevent cancer and diabetes. For those looking to lose weight, however, green tea is known to increase the body’s metabolism, which means you can burn extra calories without doing anything extra. That sounds like a dieter’s dream, does it not?
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2. Ginger
The active components in ginger, called gingerols, have anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and antibacterial compounds. In addition to all this, it also has vitamins and minerals that make this popular root a virtual powerhouse of healthy compounds. Ginger stimulates the digestive enzymes in the body, which causes it to absorb nutrients more quickly. Studies link the consumption of ginger to an increased metabolism as well, so, as with green tea, drinking ginger tea can help you to burn more calories without any added effort on your part. Drink two or more cups of ginger tea each day, and suck fresh slices of ginger root throughout the day to keep that internal fire burning as hot as possible.
3. Garlic
Besides being super healthy for your heart and cardiovascular system in general, adding more garlic to your meals can help your body metabolize fat and carbs in a much more efficient manner. Studies done involving animals have shown that garlic can prevent the body from creating or adding to fat cells. This means that you might lose some weight by adding garlic, but best of all, you certainly won’t be adding to the fat you already have.
4. Cardamom
With its strong smell, this spice has been used for thousands of years both as a food enhancer and in the holistic Ayurvedic approach to medicine. Cardamom improves the digestive and metabolic functions of the body, which makes it the perfect spice for dropping a few pounds. Cardamom is so powerful that just smelling it has been shown to make people feel happier! Add some to your coffee, pudding, potato dishes, soups, and any kind of meat. Cardamom is used for numerous other health issues, such as headaches and bladder infections, and to stop joint or muscle pain, so you can’t go wrong by adding this to your foods on a regular basis.
5. Coriander
This common ingredient in Indian foods has also been shown to increase metabolic function. In studies involving animals, coriander helped them to lose weight and keep it off. Drink coriander as a tea. This spice is also a mild diuretic, so you can lose some extra water weight at the same time.
6. Black Pepper
A timeless way to add a little spice to your life, that pepper grinder sitting on your kitchen table contains a substance called piperine. It makes you sneeze, yes, but it also prevents your body from storing fat. Sejong University conducted studies that found that this common food enhancer intervened with genes in the body that were responsible for making new fat cells, inhibiting them from doing so. Add that spice to everything! If pepper is not your thing, you can always take piperine supplements.
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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.
READ ALSO: 15 Simple Changes To Lose Weight In Time For The Holidays
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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