Herbal Supplements for Losing Weight

More and more people are turning to natural herbal supplements and herbs in order to try to help with losing weight. There are various processes and mechanisms by which these various supplements and herbs are thought to aid weight loss. These include adding increased bulk to your diet, raising metabolic activity and increasing fat burning, eating nutritionally rich foods, and mood enhancement.

For many, stress, overwork, tiredness and a sedentary lifestyle result in gaining weight. In 2002, over 60% of adult Americans were overweight and 25% of this group were obese. Overeating, eating the wrong kinds of foods, and eating out exacerbate the problem, and obesity has quickly become one of the most pressing health problems we now face as a society.

If you want to help your weight loss using herbs and herbal supplements, consider using a balanced preparation that also includes a quality B complex supplement to increae your energy levels.

Natural Herbs Used for Weight Loss

Bitter Orange (Citrus aurantium) - This herb works in a similar manner to ephedra. Both herbs contain beta blockers which have been shown to cause body fat loss, as well as increase metabolic levels in those who combine exercise and caloric restriction to lose weight. Bitter orange should be taken with caution if you suffer from heart disease or have high blood pressure.

Cayenne (Capsicum minimum, Capsicum annuum, C. frutescens) - Thought to help weight loss based on the concept of the heat of the plant matter.

Hoodia gordonii (Hoodia gordonii) - The San Bushmen have traditionally used this herb, which they have named Xhoba, to suppress the appetite when on a long trip. Hoodia has recently become the most popular herb for appetite suppression in the US. The active compound in Hoodia is called P57. There are multiple varieties of Hoodia, but only Hoodia gordonii contains P57. The exact mechanism that P57 uses is still being investigated, however, what is known about it is that it affects the brain to suppress appetite. It also aids weight loss by reducing blood glucose, which reduces the amount of insulin circulating in the blood, which, in turn reduces the amount of fat stored.

Ephedra (Ma huang) (Ephedra sinica) - Numerous clinical studies have reported its weight loss benefits, but there are safety concerns with using this herb.

Green Tea (Camellia sinensis) - Green Tea has caffeine and has been reported to aid weight loss amongs other health benefit claims. Additionally, it is a very rich source of antioxidants.

Guarana ( Paullinia cupana)- This herb has gained a reputation for helping to lose weight via increased metabolism. It is thought to function in a similar manner to caffeine.

Guggul (Commiphora mukul) - Guggul is believed to alter the metabolism, possibly lower cholesterol, and therefore could help weight loss.

Yerba Mate (Ilex paraguariensis) - This herb is from Paraguay, South America and is thought to increase the metabolism.

Spirulina (Blue-Green Algae) - This natural herb is believed to be helpful in a weight-loss diet because its high nutritional density helps to satisfy hunger.

St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) - This herb is known to be a natural mood lifter, and therefore may indirectly aid with losing weight.

Benefits and Properties of Fenugreek

Fenugreek is a an herb which which has been used throughout history in order to help promote good health and wellness. Recent research has found that the active compound 4-hydroxyisoleucine can aid in maintaining healthy glucose levels and in correcting metabolism of sugars. The body’s ability at managing and balancing correct blood sugar levels could be the single most critical variable affecting your overall health and longevity, and the one which is most impacted directly by diet and lifestyle.

However, today’s high-glycemic carbohydrates and sugar-heavy food (combined with low levels of activity) have created a serious obstacle to people being able to maintain their body’s intricate glucose/insulin balance. The resulting stress and deterioration of cells has dire consequences for both the body and mind. As a supplement to your diet, Fenugreek is an excellent tool to help improve blood sugar levels, and therefore, your quality of life.

Fenugreek has an extended history of folk use across Asia and the Middle east as an anti-diabetic, to treat stomach ulcers, to promote lactation, and as an herb to treat a variety of skin conditions. Much of the research on fenugreek has had a focus on its cholesterol-lowering, blood lipid-lowering and anti-diabetic properties. These properties seem to be directly linked to the presence of soluble fibers, primarily galactomannans. Galactomannans have also been shown to have fat-sequestering properties, which causes them to bind to dietary fat and reduce its absorption by the body. Additionally, the anti-diabetic properties of fenugreek have been linked to the presence of a novel, free amino acid, 4 hydroxyisoleucine.

4-hydroxyisoleucine is an amino acid derivative that aids insulin production in the pancreas. Research has shown that supplementing your diet with fenugreek lowers fasting blood sugars and improves after-meal glucose tolerance substantially. 4-hydroxyisoleucine operates by two different mechanisms: It stimulates insulin production for people who want to raise their glucose metabolism and aid in the reduction of glucose resistance and the uptake of glucose, which reduces overall blood glucose levels.

A number of research studies have shown 4-hydroxyisoleucine plays an important role in promoting insulin and in regulating glucose. 4-hydroxyisoleucine promotes the secretion of insulin, thereby reducing the amount which blood glucose is elevated. Elevated blood glucose levels after eating can lead to an increase in the production of body fat.

What are the Benefits of Green Tea Extract?

The benefits of green tea extract have been studied and documented extensively because of their possible role in strengthening the body's immune system, and combating both heart disease and cancer.

Green tea extract is made from the leaves of the tea plant, Cammelia Sinsenis. It is composed of chemicals known as catechins, of which ECGC is the most plentiful. ECGC is thought to have the most therapeutic value.

Reducing LDL Cholesterol

Research has shown that green tea extract reduces the levels of low density lipoproteins (LDLs) in the blood. LDLs are responsible for the accumulation of plaque in arteries that may lead to heart disease.

Promoting Weight Loss 

Studies have shown that green tea increases thermogenesis, the production of body heat, which helps to burn more calories and fat.

Defending Against Cancer

Research suggests green tea's role of neutralizing free radicals, the chemicals that damage cells in the body. Green tea may also limit cell replication, which is a primary attribute of cancer cells.

Promoting Overall Good Health

Green tea contains strong antioxidants which can strengthen the body's immune system and help guard against illness and disease.

In order to ensure that you are receiving the maximum benefits of green tea extract, you should make sure you get a supplement which contains standardized herbal extract of pure green tea. Numerous green tea extract products sold do not use a standardized extract, because it is more expensive to produce. But be aware that these products may not contain sufficient quantities of active ingredient to offer the benefits of green tea.

Some Benefits of Grape Seed Extract

Grape seed extract is one of the most powerful antioxidant supplements you can buy. Antioxidants are chemicals which act to reduce oxidation which occurs within the body. The natural extracts from the plant contains procyanidolic oligomers, also known as PCOs. Researchers have found that PCOs strengthen blood vessels and also help to stimulate and improve blood circulation.

 This antioxidant has been found to be about 20x stronger than Vitamin C and almost 50x stronger than Vitamin E, and is even stronger than Beta Carotene. Grape seed extract functions as an extended antioxidant that can remain in your bloodstream for up to three days.

In the late 90's it was first found that grape seed extract acts as a preventative against skin cancer. It was also found that grape seed extract may help to protect against prostate cancer. It is also widely believed that grape seed extract may serve to aid in slowing the aging process.

In other research studies, grape seed extract was found to possibly reduce the effect of cellulite. It has also been reported that it may help lower cholesterol, which in turn may lower blood pressure levels.

Grape seed extract is usually taken in capsules or tablets. Take it with a full glass of water and, if you have a sensitive stomach, you may take it with or without food.