We can and should use these powerful herbs to enhance weight loss
I love herbs — and I use them in everything.
From my homemade frothy cappuccino, my foods and even smoothies in the morning!
I add a big helping of cayenne pepper into my smoothies for a nice kick and fat-burning acceleration. It’s the boost I need to wake me up in the morning!
Certain herbs not only enhance our weight loss prospects — but they are great for gut health and provide an anti-inflammatory effect.
If you have been sitting on the sidelines when using herbs — don’t be.
They enhance the flavour of your dishes — especially when you start eating a cleaner variety of foods.
Sometimes you might miss the flavours of sauces and dressing, which are riddled with sugar and processed oils.
Adding herbs is not only better for you, but they also don’t mask the wonderful flavours of your food.
Here are the four key herbs you should be using in your foods as often as possible
One: Capsaicin or Cayenne pepper
Capsaicin is in chilli peppers and has been known to have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
In addition, several published studies indicate capsaicin can help prevent obesity and diabetes.
This is because capsaicin naturally increases satiety and secretion of insulin. But, at the same time, it also reduces ghrelin which is great for those who want to decrease their caloric intake.
Activating the sympathetic nervous system is what capsaicin does best.
As a result, this decreases your caloric intake and pushes energy expenditure along.
So, why not add capsaicin or cayenne pepper to your foods to increase feelings of fullness and all the other wonderful health benefits it brings?
Two: Curcumin (or Turmeric)
Curcumin is an anti-inflammatory spice that helps treat diabetes and many other chronic diseases.
Researchers found that curcumin can suppress fat tissue growth, regulate sugar levels, and prevent insulin resistance.
In addition, consuming curcumin helps to increase bile production within the stomach, which helps in emulsifying fat and metabolism.
Try adding turmeric to your vegetables, froth it in milk with a dash of coffee or in curries, rice dishes and perhaps some desserts!
Three: Cinnamon
Cinnamon is my ultimate spice, and like cayenne pepper, I add it to almost everything — from nut and fruit snacks to baked sweet potato.
Cinnamon seems to pair well with almost any food.
How can you ever go wrong with this herb?
Cinnamon is antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory, which is great for those with digestive or gastrointestinal upsets.
It helps combat bacterial infections and lower your blood sugar.
Its components help to reduce ghrelin further, while its secret components affect glucose metabolism and insulin activity.
So although you may not have diabetes, it improves glucose regulation and insulin sensitivity.
Key takeaways
Herbs are the simplest and best flavour-enhancing additions to any meal.
Not only will you be adding flavours and textures — but you will also increase your fat-burning potential, regulating insulin responses to food and simultaneously decreasing inflammation.
Herbs are probably the simplest and cheapest way to enhance wholesome and healthy foods, which benefit your long-term health.
Try adding these spices to your drinks, foods and fruits. You will be surprised at how delicious they taste.
My biggest tip is to add cinnamon and cayenne pepper to your veggies, baked potatoes and any carb foods.
It will help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce your appetite simultaneously.
Who can argue with such a simple and easy way to eliminate eating more than you should — without force?
Please let me know if you add these wonderful herbs to your foods.
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