Herbs to Lose Weight

Herbal remedies have been used for centuries, for weight management. Certain herbs have beneficial and unique properties that can help in losing weight. Many herbs help to detox, while some help to boost metabolism. Certain herbs help to improve thyroid function, while some reduce the hunger pangs. All these properties can help a person on a weight loss plan. However, herbs alone should not be used to lose weight. Some form of exercise is required to lose weight effectively. There are many easy at home exercises to choose from. So, balance your weight loss program with exercising, a healthy diet, and natural herbal supplements/teas. Here is a list of 10 herbs which will help you lose weight faster.

#01 - Green Tea
Green tea has been used by the Chinese for over 4,000 years for better digestion and stimulating metabolism. Green tea is one of the best food source of antioxidants, which adds up to its beneficial properties. It burns fats and inhibits fat absorption and its accumulation. Green tea contains a high amount of polyphenols that activate an enzyme, which dissolves triglycerides. Through, a process called thermogenesis, the body gets extra energy and thus burns more body fat.

#02 - Triphala
Triphala is one of the top ayurvedic herbs when it comes to losing weight. Triphala is actually a powder which is made with three fruits. Tri meaning three and phala meaning fruits. Triphala helps in weight loss, improvement in digestion, detoxification, clear skin, and improved eye health. Triphala helps to lower the water content to the body and also suppresses the hunger pangs.

#03 - Ginseng
Ginseng boosts metabolism and thus helps to burn more calories. Many people who are overweight tend to have a slow metabolism. Ginseng can help overweight people burn off fat fast. Ginseng is available in form of pills or you can take it in form of tea.

#04 - Cayenne
This natural weight loss herb contains a substance called capsaicin, that tends to stimulate digestion and boosts metabolism. This is actually a popular spice which you can use if you can tolerate a bit of pungency.

#05 - Hoodia Gordonii
Hoodia is found in the Kalhari Desert of Africa. It is a cactus which is used as an appetite-suppressant. It contains a certain substance which tricks in the brain thinking that the stomach is full. Hoodia thus can be used by people who overeat to control their diet intake. It is available in form of tea and pills.

#06 - Bladder Wrack Kelp
This is a type of seaweed. It is rich in iodine, and so is helpful in strengthening the thyroid, which can be beneficial in improving metabolism and weight loss. It also suppresses cravings for food, and thus one has more control over consumption of food. So, it can be a very helpful herb to lose weight.

#07 - Glucomannan
This weight loss herb is made from the root of Amorphophallus Konjac. It helps to lose weight by delaying the absorption of glucose in the intestines. One also gets the feeling of fullness after having this herb. This feeling occurs because, glucomannan swells up once it is exposed to liquids. But, one should be careful while using this herb for weight loss. As some people complained of esophageal obstruction, after having this supplement.

#08 - Guggul
This is one of the ancient Indian herbs. It helps to reduce cholesterol and helps in controlling weight. It improves the levels of thyroid hormones and thus one has improved thyroid function. It also improves metabolism, thus helping in faster weight loss.

#09 - Gymnema Sylvestre
This herb when consumed liberally helps to lose weight. It acts on the taste bud receptors, and tricks them into thinking that the body had its share of sweets. This prevents a person from eating too many sugary foods. Due to reduced cravings for sweets, it can help in less consumption of calories and thus aid in weight loss.

#10 - Coleus
Coleus helps to decompose the fat stored in the body and thus helps to get rid of the excess fat. It also improves metabolism and the thyroid function. It contains an active ingredient called forskolin, which stimulates an enzyme called adenylate cyclase. Adenylate cyclase helps to improve metabolism and thus leads to weight loss.

These were the different herbs that aid in weight loss. Many herbs have no side effects when used in small amounts. However, if you have a health problem, then consult your doctor before you start using these herbs.

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