| Using
Herbs for Weight Loss
by Mary Desaulniers
In this world of extreme makeovers
and desperate diets, there are two definitive actions
that bring about effective long-term weight loss—(1)
a high nutrition and high protein, low calorie meal
plan and (2) consistent, regular exercise routine. Forget
about magic pills that melt the fat away or sauna wraps
that steam away inches. There are, however, herbs for
weight loss that can supplement—not replace—
healthy eating and exercise. These herbs can help increase
the body’s digestive and metabolic efficiency
and make easier the process of long-term health and
weight management.
The principle behind weight loss
is that energy intake must not exceed energy expenditure.
What you eat must have fewer calories than what you
put out in day to day activities. A body composed of
lean muscle (built from protein and exercise) will use
more calories than an unexercised body. There is every
reason to maintain a solid exercise regimen and high
protein consumption because you need both to turn your
body into a fat-burning machine.
Some herbs that can help weight
loss and make this process more efficient are Green
Tea, Flaxseeds, Psyllium and Chromium.
Green Tea is not only a powerful
anti-oxidant but a fat-burner as well. According to
a study published in the American Journal of Clinical
Nutrition (January 2005), consuming green tea rich in
catechins leads to a lowering of both body fat and cholesterol.
These compounds enhance nervous system activity at the
level of the fat cell, causing it to release more fat.
In another recent study, one group of subjects was given
green tea extract (with 150 mg of caffeine) and 375
mg of catechins three times a day.
A second group was given just 150
mg of caffeine alone and a third group was given a placebo.
These subjects spent three 24 hour periods in an energy
chamber during which they received their green tea,
caffeine or placebo 3 times a day. Results show definitely
that the green tea group burned the most energy—by
almost 5 percent more when compared with those who received
the placebo alone and 3.2 percent more than those who
received the caffeine alone. In addition, fat burning
was increased in the green tea group.
Researchers speculate that a special
antioxidant compound in green tea called EEG may trigger
fat oxidation and thermogenesis (fat burning). What
is also interesting is that the maximum fat-dissolving
capacity of green tea comes from the tea in concentrate
form, which provides the benefits of 5-6 cups of tea
in a single dose of tea powder. Green tea is an herb
that has demonstrated effectiveness in encouraging weight
loss.
Flaxseeds provide essential fatty
acids which are building blocks the body uses to make
fats. The body must get various kinds of fats ( fish
oil, flaxseeds oil) not only to ensure proper health
but to stabilize blood sugar level. Stabilized blood
sugar means stabilized appetite. Unusual hunger and
food cravings develop in people who do not consume sufficient
essential fats. These people often turn to a high consumption
of carbphydrates ( bagels, donuts, chips) because their
bodies are on a frantic search for the missing nutrient—essential
fats. Moreover, the body has an intelligence of its
own; when it is deprived of fats, the body will lower
its metabolic rate, store fat as well as make fat. A
body deprived of essential fats will turn into a fat-producing
machine. Flaxseeds are therefore another form of herbal
tools for weight loss.
Psyllium is a soluble fiber that
comes from the small reddish black seeds of the “Plantago
Psyllium” plant. Psyllium seeds not only help
ease constipation, they are effective in lowering cholesterol
and promoting weight loss when used in conjunction with
exercise and healthy eating. Psyllium helps stabilize
sugar in the blood which also controls food cravings.
The bulk in psyllium adds to the sensation of fullness
and satiety when it is taken in its recommended dose:1-3
tsp of powdered psyllium dissolved in water taken 3
times a day before meals. In a British study, women
who took psyllium with water 3 hours before a meal consumed
less fat and fewer calories during the meal.
Chromium is a trace mineral found
in whole grains, potatoes, prunes, nuts and brewer’s
yeast. It seems to help the body use insulin more effeciently
so that normal blood sugar levels are maintained. Chromium
also helps the body break down protein and fat. In a
recent study, people consuming 400mcg of chromium picolinate
a day lost 6 pounds over 3 months while another group
receiving a placebo lost only 3 pounds. The most significant
aspect of the study was that the weight lost by those
taking the herbal supplement chromium was in the form
of body fat, not muscle.
While all four herbs have demonstrated
that they can help promote weight loss, they are by
no means magic pills and should be taken in conjunction
with a solid nutrition and exercise program.
Copyright 2006 Mary Desaulniers
A runner for 27 years, retired schoolteacher
and writer, Mary is helping people reclaim their bodies.
Nutrition, exercise, positive vision and purposeful
engagement are the tools used to turn their bodies into
creative selves. You can visit her at http://www.GreatBodyat50.com
or learn how she lost her weight at http://www.greatbodyproteinpower.com
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