Eating the right to lose the extra weight is mandatory. However, it is often associated with eating salted and peppered chicken and fish kind of a diet. But, not many would know that excluding spices from the diet would rather be a mistake if you wish to lose weight.
Spices not only add taste to the food, but they also come with their own set of benefits, which makes it beneficial for weight loss. Adding spices to your food is one of the healthiest ways of adding flavor and taste to the food without worrying about any calories, sodium, sugar, and junk.
Spices for weight loss is one of the easiest, and yet the most looked over remedies for weight loss. One of the most obvious reasons that make spices for weight loss the compelling idea is that when you add flavor to your healthy and otherwise bland food, you are more likely to stick to it for a longer duration. According to researches, if a person does not like what he eats, the probability of him sticking to a diet is reduced significantly.
Certain herbs and spices have been seen to boost metabolism. Consequently, they also end up burning more fat in the weight and hence, lead to weight loss.
Did You Know?
- Cinnamon, a common spice used in many recipes, has been known to bring down the blood sugar levels and to have a robust anti-diabetic effect.
- Sage contains healing properties. It also improves the functioning of the brain and helps in building a stronger memory.
Which Spices for Weight Loss and How to Use Them?
Mostly popular for adding aroma and flavor to the food, certain spices come with several benefits, one of them being weight loss. So, here is a list of such spices along with their benefits.
1. Turmeric for Weight Loss
A 2009 study noted the benefits of turmeric for weight loss with the help of an experiment conducted on mice. The study conducted at Tufts University found that mice who were fed with curcumin, an ingredient found in turmeric, had lost more weight than those who weren’t.
Turmeric(1) is considered to be a warm spice that shoots up the body heat and eventually results in boosting the metabolism. In addition to being a useful spice for weight loss, turmeric also helps in fighting conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease.
Also, the consumption of turmeric can put a check on the hormones during the menstrual cycle. You can add turmeric to stews and or even add a pinch over roasted vegetables or nuts.
2. Cinnamon for Weight Loss
This spice has been known for putting a balance on the blood sugar levels and curbing the appetite for in-between meal snacking. It can also make you full for a longer duration. Adding a pinch of cinnamon over your healthy bowl of oatmeal is a good idea. You can also increase the intake of cinnamon by adding it to your yogurt or cottage cheese or by having a cup of freshly brewed cinnamon tea.
Interesting Facts about Cinnamon[u5]
- There are two types of cinnamon—Cassia, and Ceylon, and the second type is considered to be dangerous.
- Cinnamon can keep the bugs away. Thus, it is also an environment-friendly spice. Add a few drops to your sunscreen or moisturizer.
3. Cayenne for Weight Loss
Just like turmeric, cayenne is also a warming spice and can shoot up the body temperature. By merely adding cayenne to your food, you can burn up to 100 calories per meal. You can alternatively add a pinch of cayenne to roasted nuts, scrambled eggs, or some healthy homemade dips.
4. Cumin for Weight Loss
A study conducted on overweight women showed that adding just one teaspoon of cumin to any one of your meals can burn the body fat three times faster. Cumin(2) can be easily added to everything, including soups, dressings, stews, marinades, bread, and dips. Cumin is also a favorite among bakers.
[Also Read: 5 Benefits of Cumin for Weight Loss]
5. Ginger for Weight Loss
Just like cinnamon, ginger is also highly beneficial in controlling blood sugar levels. This means ginger can be your savior after a carbohydrate or sugar-rich meal. Ginger also contains the same fat-burning properties as turmeric and cayenne. You can use freshly grated ginger and sprinkle it over your fruit salad, tea, baked fish, or sautéed vegetables.
[Also Read: Natural Remedies for Weight Loss]
6. Garlic for Weight Loss
Eating garlic can be directly associated with the burning of body fat. A study was conducted on mice, and it showed how the mice who were given garlic with their diet lost more weight in 7 weeks than the mice who weren’t fed garlic. Although there are no studies to show the same effects of garlic on humans, adding it to your diet will cause no harm.
7. Black Pepper for Weight Loss
Just like ginger and cumin, black pepper is also loaded with fat burning spices properties. Besides, black pepper also effectively stops the formation of new fat cells in the body. Thankfully, black pepper can be added to any food. Just sprinkle a pinch of grounded black pepper to yogurt, cottage cheese, and even on your oatmeal.
8. Cardamom for Weight Loss
Cardamom also contains thermogenic properties, which means it can also increase the temperature of the body and boost the metabolism. Cardamom is one of the most commonly used spices in Indian cuisine. It is added with cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and ginger to brew a cup of hot tea in India. Alternatively, you can also add cardamom to baked foods, coffee, and meats like a lamb.
There is no short-cut to reach perfect body weight. The perfect blend of a healthy diet and regular workout can help you achieve your goal. However, you can always add a dash of your favorite spice to your healthy meal bowl to boost the weight loss process.
