Index
Last Updated on June 28, 2024
Spices have been used for medicinal purposes and for their ability to add flavor and aroma to meals for hundreds – maybe thousands – of years. One of their less well-known benefits is their effect on accelerating weight loss.
Spices come from plants and are filled with healthy nutrients and antioxidants to boost your immune system. They are a great tool to maintain health and help accelerate fat burn!
We’ve compiled the spices that are easiest to find in your local supermarket, with the highest weight loss benefits.
Black pepper
Black pepper is probably the easiest spice to find in your local supermarket. In addition to being easily accessible, it’s also very useful against inflammation and digestive troubles. And it promotes weight loss by preventing the formation of fat cells.
The bioactive compound called “piperine” in black pepper (which gives black pepper its unique flavor) helps reduce body weight even with no changes in food intake.
So why not consider seasoning your grilled meats and salads with black pepper from now on?
Cayenne pepper
“Capsaicin”, the key active ingredient in cayenne pepper, is what makes it “hotter”. The hotter a pepper is, the more capsaicin it contains.
And that’s important for weight loss because capsaicin increases thermogenesis (your body’s ability to produce heat from burning calories).
In simpler terms: hotter pepper = more capsaicin = more calorie burn
Cayenne pepper may also help decrease levels of hunger and increase your level of satiation (feeling of fullness). About ¼ teaspoon taken daily is enough, but if you can’t tolerate that much, you can reduce the amount and work up gradually.
Turmeric
Turmeric is an indispensable spice with numerous health benefits. A chemical called “curcumin” in turmeric is useful both in fighting inflammation and helping weight loss. If you’re trying to lose weight, you could consider consuming turmeric daily.
Try to eat turmeric with black pepper. The bioactive compound in black pepper, known as “piperine”, boosts the absorption of curcumin.
You can prepare yourself a delicious, anti-inflammatory and diet-friendly sweet paste by mixing turmeric, black pepper, and a spoonful of honey.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is an aromatic spice that controls sugar cravings and blood sugar levels, and makes you feel fuller for a longer period.
It’s rich in antioxidants called “polyphenols” and can mimic the effects of insulin. Many studies have shown that it’s also useful in weight loss by reducing some digestive enzymes to slow the breakdown of carbohydrates.
You can add cinnamon to your granola or smoothie, mix it into yogurt, or put it in your tea. You can also mix it with savory flavors like meat or chicken as well.
Ginger
Ginger is a spice made from the rhizome of the flowering ginger plant. It helps to decrease fat absorption in the body and decreases the appetite by controlling blood sugar levels.
You can add ginger to your tea, salads, fish, fruit, and more besides. Meals containing ginger help you to lose weight and burn belly fat thanks to its thermogenic (fat-burning) properties.
In addition to its diet-friendly features, ginger also helps combat gastrointestinal problems.
Things to consider when consuming spices
Although these spices make it easier to lose weight, they may not have the same effect on every person. If you’re not used to adding spices to your meals, try them one at a time instead of mixing them. Gradually increase the amounts of spices that seem to be good for your body’s needs. If you experience an allergic reaction, consult a doctor immediately.
If you’re aiming to lose weight, don’t just rely on spices. A balanced and healthy diet combined with regular exercise are the main components of a weight-loss approach.