6 Spices that Support Weight Loss

We all know that in order to achieve your weight loss goals you must eat a healthy diet that consists of fresh, whole foods. Did you know that the seasonings you might use in your everyday cooking could be leveraged to give yourself an extra weight loss boost?

Spices have numerous benefits for our bodies, from boosting the immune system to aiding digestive issues. These 6 spices are also excellent additions to your diet if you are trying to lose weight.  These are not magic pill or magic powders, however.  These spices on their own, without healthy eating, exercise and a commitment to healthy, will not help you lose pounds.

• Garlic

Garlic is a wonderfully aromatic spice and used in all types of dishes. If you are a big fan of garlic you’ll be happy to know that studies show promise that garlic boosts weight loss. One study featured in Nutrition Research and Practice showed that middle-aged women’s weight loss was improved when a garlic supplement was added to their exercise regimen.

To get the most from garlic as a weight loss supplement you can take concentrated garlic supplement pills or an aged garlic supplement. Garlic has so many other health benefits that making an effort to include this spice in more of your cooking is an excellent idea.

• Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a delicious spice that is synonymous with fall and winter. Some nutritionists claim that cinnamon is also the newest “skinny spice” for those who are trying to lose weight or simply maintain a healthy weight.

While studies haven’t been done on weight loss and cinnamon specifically, they have been done on cinnamon’s effect on insulin levels. This study shows that cinnamon is effective at regulating blood glucose levels which in turn positively affect weight loss and prevent weight gain.  Regulation of blood sugar helps you to be less hungry and helps to keep your energy levels from dropping and spiking.

• Cayenne

Even if you aren’t a fan of spicy foods, you might want to make an exception with cayenne. A study featured in the British Journal of Medicine had participants take a capsaicin capsule and found that it increased weight loss. Capsaicin capsules contain only the active ingredient in these red peppers which makes it ideal for those who can’t stand spicy food.

If you are a fan of the cayenne heat, you’ll be happy to know that eating cayenne in its natural form tricks your body into burning even more calories since you can taste the heat from the spice. This study supports that belief.

• Ginger

Ginger is an extremely popular spice in Asian countries but is also fairly popular elsewhere in the world. This root has long been known to treat digestive issues, nausea and even give pain relief to those suffering from arthritis. Ginger has also been proven to help those who are trying to lose weight.

The journal Metabolism featured a study that showed a decrease in appetite in participants who drank a hot ginger tea or drink after a meal. Not only did the subjects feel fuller after their meal but were less likely to eat afterwards. Ginger is also suspected to increase the number of calories you burn much like cayenne, since it is a “hot” spice.

• Cardamom

Cardamom is a spice in the clove and garlic family. While very common in Indian dishes, Americans don’t seem to use this spice often as they should. Cardamom is useful for those trying to achieve weight loss because it is believed to boost the metabolism.

Cardamom is also useful for those who are transitioning to a weight loss diet since it has calming effects on the stomach, similar to what ginger does. This spice also is excellent for treating halitosis, sore throats and coughs.

• Black Pepper

Black pepper is easily one of the most popular seasonings and a staple for anyone who cooks. Despite helping to give bland foods a better flavor, black pepper is proving to be an excellent spice for those who are trying to lose weight or prevent weight gain.

A study done in China and featured by the American Chemical Society is showing that piperine, the active ingredient in black pepper, can help block the growth of new fat cells. You can either just add more black pepper to your foods but find a supplement that includes piperine. Supplements that contain piperine often also contain curcumin.

Spices don’t just make our food taste better but also can have some amazing health benefits. Trying out these 7 spices in dishes is an excellent way to improve weight loss or simply prevent weight gain. There are many other spices and herbs that boost your health so don’t be afraid to experiment.