Who says that diet foods have to be all plain and bland in taste? The way they are prepared can make a whole lot of difference when it comes to appealing to your taste buds. We all know that processed foods must be avoided and raw naturally grown whole foods should be consumed in weight loss. Choosing the right kind of spices is also important to match your food preferences.
The myriad spices available in the kitchen not only add flavor to your food but also come with several health benefits. Here are the best spices to include in your food to increase your metabolism and aid in fat loss.
1. Ginger
Ginger is known to boost metabolism by 20% thereby speeding up the calorie-burning process greatly. Adding it to a dish and consuming it can help in fighting obesity. Having antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, this spice can reduce discomfort in the intestines. It is also shown to have active appetite-suppressant properties so that you don’t overeat.
This amazing spice helps in improving gut health, removing toxins from the colon, and melting fat. You can use ginger alongside honey to balance the strong flavor of ginger, boosting the immune system. It also helps in controlling blood sugar levels and aids in preventing spikes in glucose levels post a sugar or carb-rich diet.
2. Turmeric
Turmeric is a bright yellow aromatic powder that has been used as a medicinal herb in India for centuries. It has a compound called curcumin which gives it its bright color and helps in melting fat. Research conducted by Tufts University in 2009 suggests that turmeric helps in burning your body fat by increasing body heat and boosting metabolism. It is also known to fight arthritis and symptoms related to obesity and metabolic disorders. This spice helps in lowering bad cholesterol levels in the blood and in reducing inflammation. It aids in weight loss, improves the gut, and prevents microbial infections.
3. Cinnamon
Cinnamon helps in suppressing appetite, lowering bad cholesterol, and accelerating the metabolic rate. The warm water helps in getting rid of toxins, supporting better bowel movement, and preventing bloating. It has some properties that can help curb your cravings.
With both sweet and strong flavors, Cinnamon helps in boosting metabolism and regulating blood sugar levels. You can reduce blood sugar, LDL, cholesterol, and triglycerides. This makes cinnamon ideal for type 2 diabetes. It can also boost glucose metabolism, improving blood sugar regulation.
4. Cardamom
Cardamom or elaichi is a thermogenic spice, meaning it helps in burning fat for fuel to heat the body. It also boosts metabolism and aids the fat-burning process. It prevents bloating and flushes out body toxins.
5. Black pepper
Black pepper is a spice rich in piperine which is responsible for giving it its characteristic flavor and preventing fat cell formation. This will help you in losing weight. Consider using it along with cayenne pepper to boost the fat loss efforts. When taken daily, it can give you a toned body and help maintain good gut health.
6. Cumin seeds
Cumin or jeera is a popular spice that helps the body gain the required energy. It has digestive properties which make it effective for weight loss. Good gut health can be maintained and toxins can be flushed out.
7. Cayenne pepper
Cayenne pepper is a pungent hot red powder that is loaded with a compound called capsaicin that helps produce body heat, fight obesity, and reduce craving. This eventually reduces body fat. It is known to burn 100 calories per meal.
8. Coriander
Coriander is an aromatic spice that is rich in healthy fats, antioxidants and minerals like zinc, calcium, potassium, copper, and magnesium. It aids digestion and absorption and maintains bowel movement. This enhances the metabolism and burns calories.
9. Fennel seeds
Fennel seeds are used as a culinary spice and have medicinal uses also. Having a sweet taste, it helps in proper digestion. It is loaded with dietary fiber, vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals. The dietary fiber prevents fat absorption by binding the fat molecules. The antioxidants help in flushing out toxins and in preventing bloating. The constipation problems are relieved as it absorbs water throughout the digestive system.
10. Fenugreek seeds
Fenugreek seeds or Methi dana is used for treating obesity due to stress or inflammation, constipation, and cholesterol. It helps in boosting metabolism and also flushes out toxins from the body.
11. Parsley
The world’s most popular garnish Parsley is more than just a seasoning. A study by Malaysian researchers suggests that the antioxidants present in it improve the metabolism of the liver. As the liver is essential for digestion and metabolism and stores body nutrients, a damaged or fatty liver can lead to slow metabolism and lead to weight gain. So use parsley to boost your liver.
12. Mustard seeds
Mustard seeds are a sharp-tasting spice with metabolism-boosting properties. The researchers from NCSU found out that homobrassinolide (a type of plant compound found in mustard) can stimulate muscle cells, increasing lean muscle mass.
Another study finds that mustard has melatonin and stimulates beige fat (group of fat cells that burn calories) and helps in regulating weight control.
13. Ginseng
Ginseng is a plant tuber with several tonic and medicinal properties. A study reveals that it can be used for treating diabetes as well as regulating cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Ginseng boosts metabolism and keeps energy levels high all over the day. By drinking ginseng tea, you can fight the major causes of weight gain.
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