Weight loss is a subject that concerns most of us – we’d all like to have a toned and slim body without having to feel hungry all the time or exhaust ourselves. However, losing those stubborn extra pounds can turn out to be a lot more difficult than we thought, and it often happens that dieting and exercise alone will not get us very far – especially if our metabolism is slow. So if you’re looking for another weapon in the weight-loss fight, here are the five most efficient herbs to help you shed pounds before you even realize it:
1. Green Tea
The number-one ally in the battle against obesity is certainly green tea. Used for centuries in Asian countries, green tea is widely known for its numerous health benefits and weight-loss-inducing properties. Simply put, green tea is one of the most powerful natural antioxidants out there, since it is filled with catechins that increase your metabolism and boost the fat-burning process. Green tea comes in many different forms these days: aside from tea bags that you can boil, you can find it as crushed herbs or even in the form of dietary supplements that you can swallow. The ideal dose is 800mg of green tea a day (the equivalent of two capsules). Despite the fact that it is all-natural and doesn’t have any notable side effects, it is highly recommended not to exceed the advised daily dose, or this can lead to diarrhea.
2. Ginseng
Ginseng is yet another valuable herb that is famous for its weight-loss benefits. Just like green tea, ginseng will speed up your metabolism and make you feel more energetic throughout the day. However, it is believed that regular ginseng use can also benefit those who suffer from diabetes, since studies on mice have shown significant improvements in insulin sensitivity. Nonetheless, neither green tea nor ginseng are miracle herbs that will work their magic overnight – this is why you need to give them a ‘helping hand’ and improve your diet to benefit from them to the fullest.
3. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is remarkable from many points of view: not only is it a delicious spice that we like to add to various dishes for extra flavor and scent, but it can also regulate blood-sugar levels and can help you lose weight. Cinnamon is also great if you have a sweet tooth that may have prevented you from reaching your weight-loss goals. However, few people know that consuming cinnamon on a regular basis can help burn excess visceral fat, improve digestion and increase metabolism. At the same time, cinnamon has antibacterial and antifungal properties, meaning it can act like a natural antibiotic, and it is highly efficient against yeast and parasites (especially Candida, a very common affection among both men and women). But it’s important to make sure you are not allergic to cinnamon before you start to embed this miracle spice in your diet!
