5 Fat-Burning Herbs & Spices

There are a plethora of weight loss pills, shakes and supplements on the market that promise to help the eagerly health conscious to lose those stubborn extra pounds with ease, but some of these supplements can contain chemicals that aren’t healthy to use over an extended period of time.

The Earth provides us with everything we need to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle, and when it comes to weight loss supplements, nature has provided us with raw materials that can help with burning calories to drop the weight.

So, the next time you want a boost in your weight loss, head to your spice cabinet and grab one or more of these spices that have been proven to help in weight control!

1. Cayenne Pepper

This fiery red pepper contains capsaicin, the compound that makes peppers hot.  This compound has been linked to helping boost the body’s metabolism 5 percent and increases its fat burn by 16 percent.  

How Cayenne Pepper Aids Weight Loss

• Thermogenesis: Capsaicin boosts your body’s heat production, which can slightly increase fat oxidation and energy expenditure for a few hours after consumption.
• Appetite Suppression: Studies show that consuming cayenne pepper can reduce hunger and decrease the urge to eat, particularly for those not used to spicy foods.
• Calorie Reduction: Studies suggest adding 6-10 grams of cayenne to a meal can reduce subsequent calorie intake.

Common Ways to Consume Cayenne

• Drinks: Mixing 1/10 teaspoon of cayenne powder into water, often with lemon juice.
• Meals: Adding a pinch or more to eggs, soups, stews, roasted vegetables, or smoothies.
• Supplements: Capsules or pills containing capsaicinoids, which have been shown to help decrease body fat percentage.

The fact that this spice heats up also plays a part in burning those excess fat cells.  Use cayenne pepper in dishes that require a bit of spice to help boost your weight loss and to add flavor.

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2. Cinnamon

Not only does this sweet spice help to improve blood circulation, but it also boosts metabolism and fat burn! Cinnamon is also an excellent spice for managing blood sugar and cholesterol, which makes it ideal for individuals with diabetes.  Use a few sprinkles of cinnamon on your morning toasts or rolls and help get that blood circulating and feeding your vital organs!

READ: 5 Slimming Superfood Smoothies

3. Ginger

Ginger contains active compounds like gingerol and shogaol that may help increase thermogenesis (heat production).

Potential benefits:

• Slight increase in calorie burning
• May enhance fat oxidation (fat used as energy)
• Can support exercise performance and endurance

Some studies show people who consume ginger feel warmer and more energized, which may reflect metabolic stimulation.

This isn’t a spice that many people use regularly, but it is one that should definitely be added into your spice rack (or fridge if you buy it fresh).  Ginger is a spice that has anti-inflammatory properties that are known to help soothe the digestive tract. It also has an appetite-suppressant effect when it is consumed.

4. Black Pepper

Black pepper gets its pungent flavor from a substance called piperine, which also blocks the formation of new fat cells.  When black pepper is combined with capsaicin (the same fat-burning compound in cayenne), it is known to burn as many calories as a 20 minute walk.  Who knew spicy food could actually have so many fat burning properties!

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5. Mustard

Some early research suggests mustard compounds may:

• Improve insulin sensitivity
• Support fat breakdown pathways

This can indirectly help with weight management, especially when paired with physical activity. Mustard seeds also help to burn calories more efficiently by increasing the metabolic rate by 25 percent.  Just a 3/5 teaspoon of mustard seeds daily may help the body burn an extra 45 calories an hour.

Mustard seeds contain compounds called allyl isothiocyanates, which may have a mild thermogenic (heat-producing) effect.

This means that your body may burn slightly more calories after eating mustard.

While consuming spicy mustard can boost your metabolism, the effect is temporary and modest, but over time it can contribute to calorie burn when combined with exercise and a balanced diet.

Visit the BlackDoctor.org Healthy Weight Loss center for more helpful articles and tips.