Nothing feels better than looking fit and feeling in shape. This combined with the knowledge that being overweight or obese subjects us to a myriad of health problems; are the main reasons why everyone is out looking for ways they can lose weight. But achieving weight loss goals is one of the most challenging things for many weight loss enthusiasts.
10 Natural Supplements That Promote Weight Loss
Even while observing a weight loss-friendly diet and exercising your guts out 4 of 5 days a week, losing weight can be an uphill process, whose challenges can make you abandon your goals in the middle of the journey, if not the beginning. And if you guessed right, this is where weight loss supplements come in!
But while many weight loss supplements on the shelves may work, not all of them provide the said benefits as advertised. If anything, some of them are known to cause adverse side effects to the user. Well, this is especially the case with synthetic weight loss pills, powders, and liquid formulas. The good news is that there are many natural supplements on the market that are known to promote weight loss without causing adverse side effects.
Some of them even provide a wide range of other health benefits, and this has become known to many people. At this point, you’re probably thinking, which exactly are these natural supplements? Starting with a brief description of what natural supplements are, here are 10 natural supplements you should know about that promote weight loss.
1) Cinnamon
Cinnamon is one of those spices that come with many health benefits. Among these, include its ability to help boost weight loss specifically by helping regulate blood sugar while reducing cholesterol and fighting the effects of eating high-fat meals. Simply mix cinnamon powder with a glass of hot water with/without honey or sprinkle it onto your smoothies/cereals for breakfast for a boost in weight loss. However, you may want to combine this spice with other supplements and activities for more amplified weight loss results.
2) Garcinia Cambogia
Garcinia Cambogia is one of the best natural supplements to include in your weight loss regimen. According to Earl Hailey of Patch MD (https://www.patchmd.com/benefits-of-garcinia-cambogia.html), the Malabar tamarind – a tropical fruit native to Indonesia – has been shown to have numerous beneficial effects on the body, including those that improve weight loss. It’s known to specifically work by suppressing appetite, reducing (unhealthy) food cravings, stabilizing blood glucose, and increasing energy. It has also been shown to help improve cholesterol levels, alongside providing other benefits such as improving bowel movements, reducing joint pains, promoting mood, and enhancing mental concentration.
3) Green Tea Extract
Thanks to advancements in the herbal medicine and nutraceutical arena, this concentrate of green tea come in the form of a pill or powder. It contains high levels of caffeine and compounds such as polyphenol epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which are powerful natural fat burners. Studies actually show that when used in combination with caffeine, green tea can help burn at least 65 more calories a day compared to using caffeine alone.
4) Turmeric
This flavorful and colorful regular kitchen ingredient is also a powerful supplement when it comes to weight loss. Turmeric contains a compound known as Curcumin, which is known to provide a wide range of health benefits. In addition to boosting overall weight loss, turmeric has been shown to be effective in reducing belly fat and other unwanted fat in various areas of the body. However, further research may be required to prove turmeric’s effectiveness in boosting weight loss, especially since in most studies that have been conducted, the concentration of Curcumin used is often higher than the amount you can get from turmeric alone.
5) Caffeine
Even though it is present in many commercial (caffeinated) drinks on the shelves, caffeine is naturally present in coffee, cocoa, and green tea. It is one of the most common ingredients in commercial weight-loss products, specifically due to caffeine’s ability to enhance metabolism, thus helping the body burn more fat by using it as fuel. Unless the doctor says otherwise, taking two to a few cups of coffee a day can go a long way in boosting your weight loss journey.
6) Fenugreek
Yet another popular household spice, fenugreek is an extract of a popular legume that is scientifically known as Trigonella foenum-graecum. It is rich in fiber, which suppresses appetite by increasing the feeling of fullness in the user. This means that taking fenugreek regularly can reduce the number of calories consumed per day, which is good for your weight loss regimen.
7) Yohimbine
Native to the West and Central Africa, Yohimbe (Pausinystalia Yohimbe) is the plant from which Yohimbine is extracted. Despite being a powerful aphrodisiac, it also promotes weight loss. The substance specifically does so by blocking adrenaline receptors known as alpha-2 adrenergic receptors, thus boosting the hormone’s effects of promoting the breakdown of fat in the body to produce energy. A considerable level of yohimbine’s effectiveness in curbing appetite has also been shown in animal study models.
8) Ginger
The rhizome spice has for many years been used as a home remedy for countless health issues. Among the many benefits of ginger, it has been found to help reduce belly fat and overall body weight. It specifically does so by boosting metabolism and enhancing the body’s ability to burn fat while reducing appetite and decreasing fat absorption simultaneously. Ginger also contains anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anti-cancer properties, not forgetting its ability to regulate cholesterol, fight indigestion, and ward off various kinds of pain.
9) Ginseng
Popular in Chinese medicine, Ginseng’s health benefits are known to the world. Well, there are various types of Ginseng, including American, Korean, and Chinese Ginseng. Multiple studies have shown that Ginseng is a powerful herb that considerably promotes weight loss by reducing the absorption of fats in the intestines and promoting healthy gut microbiota.
10) Apple Cider Vinegar
This is yet another great natural product you can include in your weight loss regimen. Apple cider vinegar is known to contain a wide range of appetite-suppressants, including vitamins, organic acids, minerals, and enzymes. It is also packed with high fiber contents that give you the feeling of fullness throughout the day so you don’t have to struggle with cravings for snacks and unhealthy foods.
ALSO READ: An Easy Guide to Protein and Muscle-Growing Food
Weight loss is a journey that most people struggle with, and diet is one of the most important areas to keep in check if you want to achieve your end goals. As much as synthetic supplements that work are available, most of them don’t leave to fulfill the promised benefits. Needless to reiterate, some of them cause adverse side effects in the users, which is why most weight loss enthusiasts are turning to natural supplements.
All the same, most of the above-mentioned supplements can be found in the form of pills, powders, and shakes, or even smoothies, which makes it important to ensure that the product is FDA-approved and liaise with your doctor before purchasing, let alone consuming one for weight loss and other purposes.
