Herbs That Help You Lose Weight

Let’s face it, times have changed. With the advances in technology and our fast-paced lifestyle, we tend to sit in front of our computers more than keeping active. The evidence is in our middles – and that’s the hardest kind of fat to lose. Fortunately, nature has bestowed its blessings upon us by giving us herbs to make it easier to burn the fat in our bodies. These wonderful gifts from nature help us lose weight. They give us more energy, make us eat less, and fire up our metabolism. Take your pick of these herbs that will help you regain and maintain a lean body.

Coleus forskohlii (also known as Plectranthus barbatus)

You may have already heard of an herb that has caught the attention of health enthusiasts and body builders. Forskolin is the much-touted substance extracted from the root of this herb.  It helps burn fat, build muscle and even increase bone mass. Its effectiveness is due to its action in stimulating the production of cyclic adenosine monophosphate or cAMP. cAMP is responsible for numerous biological processes at the cellular level. It is involved in regulating sugar, fat and hormone levels in the body.

Forskolin promotes efficient fat-burning and lean mass building in the body.

Camellia sinensis or Green Tea

Camellia sinensis is the scientific name for the plant from which green tea is made. For several centuries, green tea has been prized in China for its healing and health benefits. Modern scientific research has established its effectiveness in speeding up the body’s metabolism and restricting the amount of sugar that enter into the bloodstream. Epigallocatechin gallate or EGCG is the substance in green tea that boosts the metabolism.

Caraluma fimbriata

Related to the cactus, Caraluma fimbriata has been used in India, Africa and the Mediterranean as a cure-all and, most notably, as an appetite suppressant.  Studies have established its effectiveness in lowering body weight, trimming the waistline and reducing appetite levels. Increased endurance is another benefit from this herb which is advantageous in sticking to a body-sculpting regimen.

Cha de Bugre

Also known as “café do mato” or “coffee of the woods,” this plant is native to Brazil. It is considered a tea substitute and is used in making Brazilian diet pills. It suppresses the appetite and helps stabilize the body’s metabolism. Some of its other benefits are the reduction of cellulite and prevention of fluid retention in the body.

Fennel Seed

Fennel seed is a staple spice in Chinese and Indian cuisine. Its flavor is said to be similar to that of licorice. Known to the ancient Greeks and Romans as a weight-loss herb, fennel seed is another appetite suppressant. When ingested, the seed helps the body to make more efficient use of nutrients from food.  It prevents fat from being stored in the body.  Also recognized as a diuretic, it increases the passage of urine and subsequently helps reduce the body’s retention of fluid.

These herbs will be a big boost to your weight loss program. Be sure, however, to first consult a doctor if you are taking other supplements or medication.