Investigating Herbal Weight Loss Remedies: Are Claims for the Existence of Weight Loss Herbs Valid?Given the hype surrounding herbal weight loss, the existence of often conflicting claims concerning the effectiveness of alleged weight loss herbs, and the continuing stream of new herbal weight loss supplements entering the market, it is necessary that we make attempts to educate ourselves before undertaking an herbal weight loss program. Firstly, if you are turning to herbs for a magic supplement or quick fix that will effortlessly make the pounds disappear, you will undoubtedly be disappointed. Healthy eating and exercise are still essential if your weight loss attempts will be successful in the long-term. However, you may be happy to learn that there is some legitimacy to herbal weight loss, and that certain herbs may help make the process of losing weight a bit easier when used to supplement healthy eating and exercise.A Cautionary Note… Before you decide to embark on an herbal weight loss program, it is worth taking the time to carefully investigate all claims regarding the use of herbs for weight loss. For example, while some so-called weight loss herbs may provide a temporary illusion of weight loss, it may be the laxative or diuretic properties of the herbs (including buchu, dandelion, and aloe) that simply promote a short-term loss of water from the body. More important than a lack of understanding of individual weight loss herbs, however, is the lack of information available regarding over-the-counter herbal weight loss supplements. Although some products may work in the short-term to provide weight loss by boosting metabolism, concerns have risen over the absence of ingredient labeling for herbal weight loss pills, as well as their potential side-effects. For example, the Food and Drug Commission (FDA) has banned ephedra or ma huang, a Chinese botanical that experienced popularity in the United States when marketed as a dietary supplement, due to the occurrence of side effects that include increased blood pressure, heart palpitations, and even death. What herbs are safe to include as part of your herbal weight loss program? While you should exercise caution when selecting the right herbs, and avoid herbal laxatives and diuretics as well as over-the-counter herbal weight loss supplements lacking ingredient information, the following are some herbs that may increase the success of your weight loss program. Siberian Ginseng: The idea of ginseng weight loss is becoming increasingly popular. With its long history of being linked to increasing the capability of animals and humans to do work in Asia, Siberian ginseng is increasingly being recognized in terms of herbal weight loss for its ability to help increase one’s capacity to do workouts and other physical activity. Cayenne: An example of a thermogenic herb (one that speeds up metabolism), cayenne contains an ingredient called capsaicin, a pungent substance that stimulates saliva and digestion, as well as accelerating your metabolism at a safer level. Research has also indicated that cayenne increases production of epinephrine and norepinephrine which together decrease appetite. Green Tea: The consumption of green tea, a natural stimulant with strong anti-oxidant properties, has been found to lead to lowering of cholesterol and body fat. The weight loss is linked to the presence of catechins, compounds that enhance nervous system activity at the level of the fat cell, causing it to release more fat. Flaxseeds: As many of our diets are deficient in Omega 3 essential fatty acids, flaxseeds can provide us with lacking essential fatty acids which not only help ensure proper health but also contribute to stabilizing blood sugar levels. When we deprive our bodies of fat, they respond by lowering our metabolic rates, storing fat, and even resorting to making fat. When flaxseeds help blood glucose levels stabilize, we are likely to experience an accompanying stabilization of our appetite: thus, a reduction in unusual food cravings, particularly foods high in carbohydrates like bagels, donuts, and chips. Psyllium Seeds: The seeds of the Indian plantain (Plantago psyllium) have a fiber coating that swells approximately 4 times its original size when exposed to water. By adding psyllium seeds to your diet, you can reduce food intake as a result of the feeling of fullness that the swollen seeds will create. Psyllium seeds are also believed to help lower cholesterol and help stabilize blood glucose levels. Although this selection provides a sample of some of the more well-documented herbs that may prove beneficial as part of a weight loss program, remember that no amount of herbal remedies, including weight loss herbs, can take the place of healthy eating and exercise as the key components of a successful weight loss initiative. While you may choose to try herbal weight loss by supplementing your diet with green tea extract or ginseng to help in your fight against fat, be sure to monitor the effects of the herbs on your body and continue to educate yourself about herbal weight loss as you explore the many ways that plants and herbs can be of use to us. |
