10 Herbs to Help You Lose Weight in 2013

If you’ve decided that 2013 is the year that you will lose unwanted weight, then consider using herbs as part of a well-rounded weight loss program.

Herbs are food. We cook with them to add distinct flavors to food. They contain vitamins and minerals. Many herbs are helpful to people trying to lose weight. Since herbs aren’t medicine and they’re not drugs, you can take herbs whenever you want to. Herbs that are used to depress appetite and those that are used to balance sugar are best taken in between meals.

There are four major areas in which herbs can help with weight loss:

• Appetite suppressants cut hunger by expanding once in the stomach, changing the mood of the consumer, or satisfying taste so that hunger is lessened.
• Cathartics cause bowel movements or cut calorie consumption by interrupting the full digestion of food.
• Diuretics cause the body to get rid of water through excess urine.
• Stimulants cause the body to burn more calories

Here are 10 herbs that can help you shed unwanted pounds:

1. Alfalfa helps the body to digest food and acts as a diuretic. Alfalfa contains saponin which helps to make fat more soluble and can help in maintaining blood vessels.
2. Cinnamon lessens bad cholesterol levels, while leaving good cholesterol alone. Cinnamon’s effect on blood sugar makes it a help against obesity. Cinnamon can be taken as a supplement, used in powder form or in stick form.
3. Flax seed is a bulk laxative that helps to allay hunger.It is a great source of protein and fiber. Flax expands up to five times once you eat it. If you take flax a half hour before meals it will help you eat less.
4. Hawthorn is a berry that thins the fat in your blood and improves circulation. It helps clear out old, undigested food that gathers in the stomach, stimulates the adrenal glands and improves the function of the thyroid.
5. Parsley is a diuretic. Look for healthy, dark green leaves and search out recipes for making parsley juice which can lessen your appetite and cut food cravings. Parsley juice can also oxidize the blood and keep your blood sugar normal even though you are on a weight loss program.
6. Senna is an all natural laxative that stimulates the colon, causing an increased metabolism of fat.
7. Green Tea has antioxidants that help the body to burn fat very quickly.
8. Aloe Vera is known as a detoxifying treatment, but aloe vera juices can help with weight loss because they improve digestion and cleanse the dietary system within a few days of ingestion.
9. Siberian Ginseng can stabilize blood sugar and lessen the need to eat sugar and sweet foods. It is an energy-building herb which helps during work outs.
10. Red pepper will stimulate your need for water. By adding it to appropriate dishes, you will increase your water intake and keep fully hydrated.

There are many other herbs that can help you lose weight. Visit a health food store and have a knowledgeable staff person introduce you to the benefits of including herbs in your weight loss program.

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