4 Herbs to Complement Weight Loss

Searching for a way to shed a few pounds? Look no further. We have the top four herbs to complement your weight loss plan. Although they are not a magical cure-all and will not melt fat off without at least a little help from diet and exercise, they can certainly give you a solid kick-start! Keep reading below to find out about these brilliant weight loss herbs.

Raspberry (Rubus idaeus)

Raspberry ketones made the news recently for their ability to help people lose weight. Scientists have noticed that they are similar in chemical structure to capsaicin, which is found in the chilli pepper and is believed to aid weight loss as well. There have been promising studies on mice about raspberry's ability to stimulate lipolysis, the body's ability to burn fat for energy. However, human trials have not conclusively proved their safety as a weight loss aid yet. Nevertheless, raspberries' natural sweetness and juiciness make them an excellent addition to a daily diet.

Hoodia (Hoodia gordonii)

This cactus-like plant from the Namib dessert in Africa is a fairly new discovery on the weight loss market. For centuries, the hoodia cactus has been used by hunters of native African tribes to inhibit hunger pangs and thirst during long hunts in the barren terrain. Initial investigations¹ into the properties and weight loss abilities of the plant are extremely promising, with a number of scientific studies still in progress. Because of its bitter taste, hoodia is often mixed with other foods or added to jams and hot beverages.

Green Tea (Camellia sinensis)

Used for centuries in the East, green tea has been linked to all sorts of health benefits. When consumed regularly, it can aid weight loss as it boosts metabolism and stimulates fat burning². Interestingly, various studies have found that drinking this powerful infusion can help reduce cholesterol levels, thus lowering the risk of stroke and heart disease. Green tea can be added to a variety of foods and beverages, including healthy desserts and morning smoothies.

Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum)

This fragrant herb has shown to increase insulin sensitivity and help regulate blood sugar levels³, making it less likely for sugar molecules to be turned into fat and stored in the body. A popular way to include cinnamon into a diet is to mix it with warm water and honey. It can also be added to a lot of Indian and Middle Eastern dishes as well as wholesome desserts.

It is always advisable to consult a doctor before making any radical changes to your diet or before starting on herbal supplements. The best way to reap the benefits of these herbs is to naturally integrate them into your daily meals.