5 herbs that can help you lose weight

Herbs and spices not only add flavours and aroma to your meal, they are loaded with nutrients that can help to keep you healthy and also aid weight loss. Our pantry is packed with different kinds of herbs and spices, we just have to use them efficiently to boost the metabolism and speed up the fat-burning process. Some herbs can also help to fight cravings and prevent unhealthy munching. Here are 5 herbs that you must add to your diet when trying to shed kilos.

Black pepper is a common household spice, derived from the dried fruit of Piper nigrum, a flowering vine native to India. This spice contains piperine, which is responsible for most of its health benefits. The thermogenic effect of the spice can help to enhance metabolic performance and prevent fat accumulation in the body. It can also help you burn fat quickly and increase satiety. You can either chew black pepper directly or can make black pepper tea to reap the benefits of this spice.

Popularly added to food to make it spicy, cayenne pepper can also help to boost your metabolism and increase the fat-burning process. This common spice gets its heat from a compound called capsaicin. This compound may also help to suppress your appetite and promote weight loss. According to a small study, taking capsaicin supplement increases the levels of fullness and decreases total calorie intake. You can add cayenne pepper to your food or consume 1 teaspoon of it before each meal.

Cinnamon is an aromatic spice obtained from the inner bark of trees in the Cinnamomum genus. Rich in antioxidants, this spice can help to suppress hunger and prevent you from munching on unhealthy foods. This spice has also shown to reduce some of the bad effects of eating high-fat foods. Its effect on blood glucose levels can also help your body lose weight and maintain overall health. Sprinkle some cinnamon on top of your oatmeal or cottage cheese to increase the fat-burning process.

Fenugreek seeds also known as Methi dana have a strong flavour and they belong to the legumes family. The yellow seeds contain 45 per cent fiber (mostly insoluble) that can help to slow the digestion process of carb and fat, making you feel fuller for a longer time. As per a small study carried out on 18 people, supplementing with 8 grams of fenugreek fiber daily increased satiety and reduced hunger. You can soak a teaspoon of fenugreek seeds in a glass of warm water overnight and drink it in the morning or add the seeds to your food.

Turmeric is a golden spice that gives a vibrant yellow colour to the food. But it is also loaded with anti-inflammation properties that can support your weight loss. Turmeric contains curcumin, an important compound present in the yellow spice that is responsible for its potent health benefits. Curcumin is known for its fat-burning property that one might need to speed up the weight loss process. According to a review study, 1,600 people revealed that curcumin intake can help to reduce weight and waist circumference.