Common Herbal Remedies for Weight Loss

Article by Diana (17,941 pts )
Edited & published by Maria Rippo (6,306 pts ) on Nov 18, 2009

Learn what herbs assist in weight loss by burning calories, decreasing food cravings, and more. Know what common herbal remedies for weight loss are used to safely help you lose some unwanted pounds.

Common Herbal Remedies for Weight Loss

Herbal remedies for weight loss can help but it is also important to eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly.

Green Tea

Green tea contains caffeine and catechins (EGCG being the most active). Both are important components in green tea that help the body lose weight.

Caffeine helps weight loss but when combined with catechins, the effects are enhanced when it comes to burning calories. Green tea also reduces the absorption of fat and carbohydrates, slows the rise in blood sugar after eating, and reduces the uptake of glucose in fat tissue.

Reducing hunger pangs and food cravings are other advantages of green tea in weight loss because of its ability to regulate blood sugar.

For optimal weight loss effects, up to five cups of green tea a day may be needed. You can also take green tea in the form of an extract or pill.

Ginseng

Ginseng is an herbal remedy that has been used in China for hundreds of years to revive energy. It acts as a thermogenic, increases metabolism, and decreases the storage of fat.

Siberian, Chinese, and Dang Shen are the most common ginsengs used for weight loss.

Taking capsules may be more effective in weight loss than drinking tea.

Cayenne

Cayenne pepper can assist in weight loss. Its main ingredient, capsaicin, can increase metabolism and help burn extra calories. Drinking one cup of warm water with 1/4 of a teaspoon of cayenne powder a day should be sufficient. You can also add to foods, such as Mexican dishes, soups, and sauces or take cayenne capsules.

Ephedra and cascara sagrada are other common herbal remedies for weight loss but should be avoided. Ephedra can have dangerous effects on the heart and cascara sagrada can lead to serious intestinal problems.

Disclaimer

Please read this disclaimer regarding the information contained within this article.

 
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