How Spices Aid in Weight Loss

Spices do more than just add flavor and complexity to everyday dishes. These popular cooking ingredients are loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that improve health and well-being. Certain spices are renowned for their healing properties too! But some health experts believe that spices can actually boost weight loss.

According to Jaclyn London, M.S., R.D., senior clinical dietitian at Mount Sinai Hospital, spices with anti-inflammatory properties and certain flavor profile can limit a person’s total calorie consumption. But what spices can help you lose weight? How do these spices boost weight loss to begin with? In today’s post, we are listing down spices renowned for boosting weight loss:

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is commonly used to add flavor to drinks or baked goods. But did you know it can help diabetics lose weight? Cinnamon regulates blood sugar level in the body.

When the body’s blood sugar level drops, it will trigger the production ghrelin – the hormone that activates hunger. Just taking half a teaspoon of this spice can lower bad cholesterol in the body and normalize blood sugar level. Cinnamon also improves the body’s ability to break down carbohydrates.

Cardamom

Cardamom is just as effective in flavoring Indian foods as it is boosting weight loss. This spice contains thermogenic properties. It raises the body’s temperature, increases the metabolic rate and speeds up the burning of calories. Cardamom also aids in digestion, helping the breakdown of food more efficiently. Take it as a tea or spice up your favorite dishes with it, you get the same weight loss benefits of cardamom.

Cayenne

Just like cardamom, cayenne contains thermogenic properties too. This popular spice will increase the body’s temperature, triggering profuse sweating. This flushes out toxins in the body. Cayenne also boosts the body’s metabolic rate. This spice contains capsaicin, a plant-based compound that prevent new fat cells from forming. It also suppresses the appetite.

Cumin and Turmeric

Here’s another reason to love curry: cumin and turmeric – when taken together – trigger rapid weight loss. While both spices have their own weight loss benefits, it seems that they are more effective in cinching the waistline when used together.

Cloves

This spice is often used in baked goods or in meat dishes. But it also works great in helping burn off excess fat! Cloves work the same way as cinnamon. They increase the body’s metabolic rate, suppress the appetite and speed up weight loss. They also regulate the body’s blood sugar level to prevent the production of ghrelin. In turn, cloves help stabilize the body’s insulin level to prevent complications related to diabetes.

Ginger

Among the hundreds of spices in the market right now, ginger is the most effective in accelerating the metabolic rate. In fact, an Australian study concluded that ginger heats up the body, enabling it to burn off stored fat. The spice also aids in digestion, treats inflammation and reduces belly fat! It can also suppress appetite and improves satiety. Ginger tea is also an excellent replacement for store-bought sports drinks. It energizes the body better, allowing you to take on intense workouts with ease.