TOP TEN HERBS FOR FAT LOSS

WHAT IS OBESITY?

Obesity is a disease which is associated with excessive accumulation of fat in the body. Most of the time, being overweight is a cosmetic concern but it has various health hazards also. It is a medical problem which leads to various health issues like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart problems and various types of cancers. Body mass index is an indicator which tells whether a person is overweight or obese. It is calculated by dividing weight of a person in kilograms by the square of his height. But losing weight is an uphill task. However, with regular physical exercise and healthy diet, a person can lose weight. There are various medications and weight loss procedures for its treatment.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF OBESITY?

There are various reasons for the occurrence of obesity. Following are the causes:

• Having a genetic predisposition to obesity
• Increased intake of food rich in fats and sugars
• Lack of physical activity
• Hormonal imbalance
• Any metabolic disorders
• Obesity can occur at any age but with increasing age the chances increase due to various hormonal and metabolic changes in body
• Not having an adequate sleep
• Getting pregnant
• Cigarette smoking
• Alcohol intake
• Stress

COMPLICATIONS OF OBESITY

Following are the complications which are associated with obesity:

• Diabetes
• Stroke
• Heart diseases
• Cancers of various parts such as breast, ovary, colon, rectum, esophagus, liver, gallbladder, kidney, prostate, etc
• Intense heartburn
• Osteoarthritis
• Sleep apnea

HERBS WHICH HELP IN REDUCING OBESITY

Some of the herbs which are helpful in reducing obesity are:

1. GINGER

Ginger is an underground stem whose scientific name is Zingiber officinale. It is a spice which has been used in Indian cuisine since times immemorial. It contains an active ingredient called gingerol which increases metabolism of body. It reduces fat absorption and makes the stomach feels fuller. It thus helps in reducing weight.

2. FENUGREEK

Fenugreek is called methi. It is used as a seed or as leaves. It controls appetite and burns excessive fat. When a person eats less food, the accumulated fat starts burning and thus helps in reducing fat.

3. CINNAMON

Cinnamon is a spice which is present in near about every kitchen. This spice increases body metabolism, maintains blood sugar level and lowers bad cholesterol level in blood. It thus reduces weight and fights obesity.

4. GARLIC

The active ingredient present in garlic is allicin. Allicin increases digestive fire and restores sugar level in blood. It also increases immunity of body and has anti-tumor properties. Garlic reduces fat deposition in body and thus good for weight loss. It is having anticancerous properties.

5. GREEN TEA

Green tea contains antioxidants called catechins. Catechins make metabolism faster. Green tea also contains caffeine which stimulates burning of fat. It suppresses appetite or food cravings and increases hormone production which helps in burning of fat.

6. BLACK PEPPER

Black pepper has an active ingredient called piperine. Piperine inhibits creation of fat cells. It also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It increases digestion power and thus helps in proper digestion of food. It is thus very beneficial in reducing weight.

7. TURMERIC

Turmeric contains curcumin which is the main ingredient. It decreases level of cholesterol in blood and reduces inflammation of the body. It helps in fatty acid oxidation and thus increases calorie expenditure. Therefore, it is very helpful in reducing body fat.

8. CAYENNE PEPPER

Cayenne pepper is rich in capsaicin. Capsaicin increases burning of fat and reduces appetite. It also inhibits the formation of fat cells. Thus it is helpful in burning fat.