Herbs for Weight Loss

In today's fast paced world men have become more sedentary and unfortunately put on a few extra pounds. If you’re like most men you will find that those extra pounds have found a "home on your belly", and you just can't seem to remove them! Once and for all it's time to send your "excess baggage" on a vacation... But first, I must emphasize that effective weight loss always requires regular exercise and dietary changes. With that being said, there are many different herbs that can be used to help shed those excess pounds by boosting your metabolism, reducing your appetite, increasing your energy levels and promoting lean muscle mass. The following are my top 5 herbs to look for in a weight loss supplement.

Green Tea Extract (GTE)

Research conducted at the University of Geneva in Switzerland found green tea extract helps raise metabolic rates while increasing the oxidation of fat cells. This study also examined caffeine (which is found naturally in GTE) but found that consuming caffeine by itself did not provide the same effects. Nonetheless, in conjunction with the catechins found in green tea, the 10 to 80 mg of caffeine per cup work together to increase thermogenesis. Basically, by consuming green tea, you allow your body to generate more energy from burning unwanted fat. Furthermore, the polyphenols in green tea inhibit the production of the enzyme amylase which in turns limits the amount of sugar absorbed into the bloodstream.

Cha de Bugre

Cha de Bugre is a rainforest herb highly regarded as an effective aid for suppressing the appetite and reducing fat deposits. With Cha de Bugre you feel full after eating just a small amount of food so you end up eating less. You can reduce your overall caloric intake while also enjoying a balanced approach to curbing your appetite. Your metabolism also stays even throughout the day instead of spiking at mealtime. When your metabolism levels remain constant, you can more effectively burn calories because your system isn’t overloaded with carbs and sugars.

Coleus forskohlii

This is the only known plant source of forskolin, a natural compound that increases lean body mass and optimizes body composition. Forskolin, initiates biochemical events in the body that allow fat cells to be utilized as energy and helps the bodysbody’s natural hormones maintain and/or increase lean body mass. Specifically, forskolin activates an enzyme called adenylate cyclase, the main enzyme involved in the production of a significant metabolic molecule called cyclic adenosine monophosphate, or cAMP. cAMP is directly responsible for increasing essential lean mass-building hormones at the expense of non-essential body fat.

Caralluma Fimbriata

Clinical trials done on Slimaluma®, a concentrated form of the plant Caralluma Fimbriata, clearly demonstrated that there was reduction in hunger levels, reduction in weight waist circumference, reduction in fat, and reduction in body weight in the active group of participants. Caralluma Fimbriata is well known in Indian folklore records for its use as a potent appetite suppressant and weight-loss promoter.

Fennel Seed

This plant has a long and celebrated history of cultivation as a weight loss herb. The ancient Greeks called the herb marathon, meaning “to grow thin.” Similarly, ancient Roman women took the herb to help prevent obesity. During the Middle Ages through the Renaissance, people used Fennel Seed to suppress their appetite during periods of fasting or just to manage their weight. Fennel Seed promotes weight loss in several ways by such as actually removing fat cells and mucus from the digestive tract, mildly stimulating the metabolism and suppressing the appetite.

Herbs can be an excellent addition to any weight loss program. Remember, weight loss goals should be realistic and promote a lifestyle change.

Before you start any type of alternative remedy, consult with a physician, especially if you are taking prescription or over-the-counter medications.