If you're trying to lose weight and finding it difficult to shed those stubborn pounds with diet and exercise, herbs might be the answer. Herbs may help reduce food cravings, help you burn more calories, and help increase your energy level so you can get the most from your workouts. Some herbs can have serious side effects, so it is a good idea to consult your physician before deciding which weight loss herbs are best for you.
Green Tea
Most people have heard of green tea's ability to help with weight loss. Green tea contains polyphenols--chemical substances that have antioxidant properties--which are believed to be responsible for boosting metabolism and helping to burn more fat. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, more testing needs to be done to confirm this. Currently, the tests that have been conducted have only used caffeinated green tea, so the increase in metabolic function could be due to the caffeine. The University of Maryland Medical Center warns against using green tea for weight loss if you have a sensitivity to caffeine or an anxiety disorder.
Guggul
Guggul is an herb that is often used in ayurvedic remedies. It has been shown to help the body metabolize fat and improve thyroid function, according to John Douillard, Ph.D., director of the LifeSpa School of Ayurveda. A study conducted at the University of Nebraska and Beth Israel hospital in 1999 revealed that participants who took 750 mg of guggul a day in combination with exercise lost an average of six pounds over six weeks; those who only exercised lost half to one pound.
Gymnema Sylvestre
Gymnema sylvestre comes from a plant that grows in India and Africa and is thought to help people lose weight by reducing the craving for sweets. The molecules in gymnema sylvestre are similar to glucose and are registered by the taste buds as sugar, making the body think that you've already had sweets. A 1983 study published in the journal Physiology & Behavior showed that participants who took a dose of gymnema sylvestre consumed fewer calories when offered snack foods than those who didn't take it.
Added on 07/21/2010
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