They say that variety is the spice of life. Well, here are a few spices that can help you lose weight and liven up your dinner plate in the process.
Turmeric – Turmeric is the spice that gives curry its classic yellow-orange tinge. Curcumin is one of this spice’s most studied active ingredients. It suppresses the blood vessels necessary to form fat in the body. Add it to your casseroles and other recipes and it may help lower your body’s ability to add on those pounds.
Ginger – Ginger is a spice that has properties that can increase your metabolism and give it a needed boost. Recent research also suggests that ginger has qualities that suppress appetite and may play a role in successful weight loss efforts.
Mustard – Mustard plants belong to cruciferous vegetables, such as Brussel sprouts, cabbage and broccoli and have strong antioxidant qualities. Mustard seeds increase metabolism by 25 percent, making your body more efficient when it comes to burning off calories.
Cayenne Pepper – Capsaicin is the compound that makes cayenne pepper taste hot and spicy. It also plays a role in reducing blood fat levels, reducing fat tissue and reducing calorie intake. Capsaicin also is an effective treatment for arthritis and pain.
Ginseng – Ginseng increases metabolism and energy levels for many people. In one study, mice given panax ginseng extract demonstrated insulin level improvements and lost substantial amounts of weight within a matter of days.
Cumin – Cumin is the spice that gives Mexican food its distinctive taste. It is excellent for energy production and improves glycemic control for individuals with type 2 diabetes.
Cardamom – Cardamom has a sweet-spicy flavor and is found in many foods from the middle and near east. It boosts metabolism and increases fat burning efforts by the body. It has been used in holistic and natural medicine for millennia in India.
Cinnamon – Cinnamon has multiple health benefits that can aide in weight loss efforts. It helps with blood sugar regulation and can assist people with type 2 diabetes. It also functions as a metabolism booster and can reduce bad cholesterol and overall cholesterol levels. One significant metabolic aspect is with glucose metabolism, which increases by 20 times, making it extremely effective for individuals attempting to lose weight or those with diabetes.
Have you tried using spices as additives to control your weight? Which spices work the best for you? Do you have a favorite recipe that uses one or more of these spices?
– The Alternative Daily
