Looking for the best fat burning herbs and spices that make you easily stick to your diet while helping you burn body fat?
Most people who start their weight loss journey complain about diet food being so plain and boring.
So, If we can make our meal plans tasty then the reason we hate dieting would no more exist.
Simple, right?
This is where spices and herbs come into place.
They are the best way to add flavor to your food without any extra calories, sugar or sodium.
Which plays a crucial role when you’re trying to shed pounds.
Many herbs and spices have been shown to fight food cravings and boost fat burning.
Yes, it’s no secret that what you’re putting on your plate plays a central role in weight loss.
But, what you keep in your spice rack may be just as important.
If your idea of the perfect weight loss meal is plain chicken or fish with a salad and brown rice.
Then, you’re missing out on some major ingredients that have been proven by science to help the body burn fat.
Herbs and spices.
Below, we have compiled a list of 30 best fat burning herbs and spices that have the power to burn fat and make you slim in no time.
Best Fat Burning Herbs And Spices
Does your diet stop at the sight of cupcakes, pizza or cheeseburgers?
You started your diet weeks ago but your weighing scale does not show any significant change?
To be honest, that’s the case with most of us.
Although there is no magic pill that will melt excess weight overnight, some fat burning herbs and spices can help you in your quest to reach a healthy weight.
Some of them work by reducing water weight, while others have a thermogenic effect and increase metabolism.
A few of them can even reduce your feelings of hunger making the weight loss process much easier.
But, like anything else, herbs and spices must be used with care and in conjunction with a healthy diet to experience the desired effect while minimizing the risks of unwanted side effects.
What Herbs and Spices Help You Lose Weight?
Ancient cultures looked to cure illnesses naturally.
Their trial and error revealed some herbs and spices that help with symptoms of sicknesses, insomnia and helped to heal minor injuries.
Today, medical studies proved that some herbs and spices can help people lose weight and improve their health with minimum to no side effects.
That being said,
Here are the best fat burning plants and common seasonings that may do more than just make your food’s flavor pop.
Use them to flavor your meals, and even your shakes.
In particular, the following fat burning herbs and spices can rack up your metabolism, so go crazy with them!
Cayenne Pepper For Weight Loss
Cayenne pepper is a type of chili pepper that contains capsaicin, which has been shown to spike up metabolism and reduce hunger and calorie intake.
Capsaicin is what gives Cayenne pepper its signature heat and provides numerous health benefits.
Research show that capsaicin can slightly boost metabolism and reduce hunger, increasing the number of calories you burn throughout the day.
Another study found that taking capsaicin capsules increased levels of fullness and decreased total calorie intake.
Another study in 30 people showed that eating a meal containing capsaicin reduced levels of ghrelin, the hormone responsible for stimulating hunger.
Which makes Cayenne pepper one of the best fat burning herbs and spices.
Basil For Weight Loss
Basil is anti-inflammatory, reduces water retention, bloating, and functions as an adaptogen (a substance that helps your body adapt to stress).
Consumption of Basil leaves every day will help increase your metabolism. Thus, it also helps to burn a lot of calories at a faster pace.
It converts the food into energy and enhances nutrient absorption from food in the body.
Black Pepper
Adding a few pinches can turn dull dishes into lip-smacking.
Black pepper is loaded with Vitamins A, C, and K, minerals, healthy fatty acids and works as a natural metabolic booster which makes it a storehouse of uncountable health benefits, including fat loss.
It also contains piperine, the compound that gives pepper its pungent flavor.
One study suggests that the piperine in black pepper battles the unwanted body fat by blocking the formation of new fat cells.
Turmeric For Fat Burning
This brightly colored yellow spice may help turn your body into a powerful fat breaking machine.
Turmeric is known for providing flavor to the curry. One of its components is curcumin, a type of phytochemical known as a polyphenol.
Studies show that phytochemicals, which are the chemicals found in plants, appear to help you reduce body fat.
A 2009 study from Tufts University found that mice fed with curcumin lost more fat than those on the same diet with no curcumin.
This “warming spice”, turmeric increases body heat, which, in turn, can boost metabolism.
Cinnamon For Weight Loss
This classic holiday spice has been shown to balance blood sugar, helping to curb food cravings and keep you feeling full for longer.
While you might already sprinkle some cinnamon in oatmeal, you can increase your daily intake by mixing the spice in cottage cheese or plain yogurt (and many more things!).
Cinnamon, on the other hand, helps you lose visceral fat and supports weight loss.
The antimicrobial and antiparasitic properties of cinnamon make it one of the healthiest and fat burning spices of all time.
Dandelion
Bitter herbs (chamomile, gentian, or dandelion root) taken as liquids or teas before eating stimulate gastric secretions and promote fat and cholesterol breakdown.
It also enhances the elimination of fatty acids through the digestive system.
Testing the impact of dandelion extract in mice revealed similar results, prompting researchers to recommend further study on the possible anti-obesity effects of dandelion.
Psyllium
Found in foods like flaxseeds and cereals. Psyllium is a bulking agent that helps to reduce hunger and encourages the elimination of waste.
Also, psyllium fiber help to suppress appetite. It expands to form a gel-like substance in the gut, which may help you feel fuller for longer and promote weight loss.
Hibiscus Tea For Weight Loss
Hibiscus tea, the vermillion colored hibiscus flower extract, helps in weight loss by getting rid of excess water in the body.
One study found that consumption of hibiscus extract for 12 weeks resulted in lower body weight, less abdominal fat, and a lower BMI in overweight/obese people.
It contains phaseolamin an enzyme that inhibits the production of amylase. The latter helps to break down carbs into sugar molecules.
Therefore, by limiting its production; phaseolamin reduces carb absorption by the body which promotes fat loss.
Yerba Mate
There are several reasons why Yerba Mate is associated with weight loss.
First, It contains phytonutrients that help boost mood, keeps the energy levels high, suppresses appetite and aids weight loss.
Also, like all caffeinated beverages, Yerba Mate boosts the metabolism and makes it use more energy (helping the fat burning process).
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is a stemless plant that has fleshy leaves.
It has laxative properties and when consumed in small quantities may aid in digestion.
Aloe Vera has also antioxidants that help detoxify and clean your body, boosts metabolism, and vitamins that help in the proper functioning of the body.
Garcinia Cambogia
Garcinia Cambogia is a popular weight loss supplement.
It is derived from a tropical fruit of the same name, also known as the Malabar Tamarind.
Many high-quality human studies have tested the weight loss effects of Garcinia Cambogia and most of them prove that the supplement can cause a small amount of weight loss.
It does this by impacting blood fats and the production of new fatty acids which may lower high levels of fat in your blood and reduce oxidative stress in your body.
The main reason for these effects may be that Garcinia Cambogia blocks an enzyme called citrate lyase, which plays an important role in the production of fat.
By inhibiting citrate lyase, Garcinia Cambogia speeds up the fat breaking process which may reduce blood fats and lower your risk of weight gain.
Garlic For Weight Loss
This fat-burning herb comes with magical healing properties.
Garlic is responsible for boosting energy levels that burn body fat, keeping you fitter.
It is also known to boost your metabolism and suppress your appetite helping you lose weight efficiently.
Recent research has shown that this garlic contains a unique compound called allicin that can melt the fat in your waistline.
Green Tea
Undoubtedly green tea is always the best herbal tea for weight loss.
Although it contains caffeine in lesser amounts when compared to coffee, it helps stimulate fat burning and better muscle performance.
Green tea is also an excellent appetite suppressor that will curb cravings and make you eat less if consumed before meals.
Cumin
Cumin or Jeera is another popular fat burning spice used in almost every recipe in Indian cuisine.
It can help in burning calories faster by increasing the speed of metabolism and improving digestion.
This is why it is an effective agent for weight loss.
Rosemary
Rosemary is full of antioxidants, which have anti-inflammatory properties.
It is a rich source of lipase -The enzyme responsible for breaking down the fat molecules-.
Rosemary also contains fiber, which prevents fat absorption and keeps you full for longer hours.
Fenugreek Seeds
Early research shows that a Fenugreek Seed extract can reduce daily fat intake in overweight people when taken by mouth.
It is widely used to treat inflammation, obesity, and helps to lower cholesterol.
Oregano
Oregano is a perennial herb that belongs to the same plant family as mint, basil, and rosemary.
It is a fat burning herb that contains carvacrol a powerful compound that may help boost weight loss.
One animal study showed that carvacrol may help decrease weight and fat gain by altering fat synthesis in the body.
However, Human-based studies on the effects of oregano and carvacrol on weight loss are still very limited.
Ginseng
Ginseng, which is often used in traditional Chinese medicine, may stimulate weight loss, delay fat absorption and speed up fat breaking process.
It can be categorized into several different types, including Korean, Chinese and American, all of which belong to the same genus of ginseng plants.
Many studies have suggested that this powerful plant could aid weight loss.
One small animal study showed that ginseng fight obesity by altering fat formation and delaying intestinal fat absorption.
However, large-scale studies are needed to examine ginseng’s impact on weight loss in humans.
Cardamom For Weight Loss
Cardamom made from the seeds of a plant in the ginger family is used worldwide in both cooking and baking but may also support weight loss.
One animal study found that cardamom powder helped reduce stomach fat in rats on a high-fat, high-carb diet.
Mustard Seeds
Mustard seeds are one of the best fat burning herbs and spices because they are low carbs and calories and are rich in vitamins such as vitamin B12, folate, thiamin, and niacin.
Simple changes such as adding mustard to your food could boost your metabolism and help you lose belly fat.
While eating mustard alone is not going to make you reach your weight loss goals, adding it to a balanced diet can give your body an extra fat burning boost.
Mint For Fat Loss
Lowering cortisol is one of the best things anyone can do for both fat loss and overall health.
Mint will help you accomplish that by reducing stress and raising alertness.
It can be a great ingredient in salads or desserts or can be used to flavor ice water.
Studies also suggest that you can get its benefits by chewing sugar-free mint chewing gum.
Moreover, chewing mint can help to stimulate the enzymes that aid in digestion and can even help to relax the muscles in the digestive tract.
Saffron
With fewer hunger cravings from this safe fat burning herb and spice, men and women alike experience less anxiety around their diet.
Saffron is used in a variety of the Mediterranean, Indian and middle eastern dishes.
It acts as a powerful appetite suppressant, reducing your total food consumption.
Chia Seeds For Weight Loss
High-fiber diets have been linked to weight loss. And, since chia seeds are rich in fiber, they can temporarily suppress appetite by making a person feel fuller for longer.
Moreover, each serving of chia seeds contains only 139 calories, making them a low calorie, nutrient-dense snack.
Forskolin
Forskolin is an entirely natural, herbal extract from the roots of the plant Coleus forskohlii used for thousands of years to treat many health problems.
But, it was the discovery of its amazing weight loss benefits that propelled Forskolin into the public eye.
By helping to promote the breakdown of stored fats and increasing metabolism, Forskolin can help you lose body fat and increase your lean body mass.
It does this by encouraging the production of cAMP, Elevated levels of the latter increase intracellular metabolism and overall activity effectively help you reduce body fat.
While there are many natural Coleus forskohlii supplements in the market we highly recommend you to opt for Forskolin 250 that contains the recommended fat burning dosage 250 mg of pure and powerful Coleus Forskohlii extract.
Lemon Zest
The zest or the peel of the lemon is known to be nutrient-rich. And, it is commonly added to many food recipes for its unique sharp citrus flavor.
Lemon zest helps to boost metabolism by reducing the absorption of sugar
It contains policosanol. A compound that is useful for fat burning process and helps to regulate cholesterol levels promoting a healthy weight loss.
Hoodia For Weight Loss
Hoodia made serious gains in popularity a few years ago as one of the powerful fat breaking spices and herbs when its beneficial properties became more well-known by the general public.
Now, the dust has settled a little, but pure Hoodia is still an effective weight loss aid with serious backing.
It reduces cravings and allows you to cut calories without feelings of deprivation.
Damiana
Damiana has a variety of uses, especially as a weight loss aid. This could be because of its effects on the digestive system.
A recent study showed that pairing Damiana with other herbs helps to delay gastric emptying, which provided a sense of fullness for a longer period after eating.
Gymnema
Gymnema said to balance blood sugar levels, block sugar absorption, and stop sugar cravings. A major contributor to some people’s weight concerns.
By blocking sweet receptors on your taste buds. Gymnema Sylvestre may cause you to eat fewer sweet foods and consume fewer calories which promotes fat burning.
Kelp
Kelp isn’t only a nutrient-dense food that’s low in fat and calories. Some studies have suggested that kelp may also have a powerful effect on weight loss and obesity.
Kelp is rich in iron and alginate (a component needed for thyroid hormones that affect metabolism). Which is crucial to block fat absorption.
Green Coffee Bean
A natural compound in the green coffee bean, chlorogenic acid, has been shown to increase fat absorption and stop weight gain.
A study of green coffee bean extract showed that those supplementing with green coffee bean not only lost weight, but their body fat percentage declined
By reducing the absorption of fat and glucose in the gut, and lowering insulin levels to improve metabolic function. Green Coffee Bean is one of the best fat burning herbs and spices.
How To Safely Lose Weight With Herbs and Spices?
Yes, fat burning herbs and spices can provide a burst of health benefits with minimal risk to no side effects.
Just don’t go overboard. And, make sure to pair them with nutrient-rich foods and a balanced diet to help boost weight loss even more.
If you take herbal supplements, it’s important to stick to the recommended dosage on the package to prevent adverse effects.
Let’s take the Forskolin as an example.
By taking the Forskolin 250 supplement; you are taking nothing but 250 mg of pure and powerful Forskolin extracted from the root of the Coleus Forskohlii plant.
Which is the same dosage used in the studies, and the same dosage professional trainers recommend to get optimal results.
Any less and you won’t get any results, any more and you could get side effects such as stomach cramps.
Always consult your doctor before using health supplements.
Additionally, be sure to include soluble fiber in every meal, (Dried beans, oats, citrus fruits, apples, strawberries, and potatoes).
Also, make sure you eat enough protein and drink plenty of water to help your body flushes out the toxins.
Final Thoughts – Best Herbs And Spices To Lose Weight
You can find herbs and spices almost anywhere. And, you should use as much of them as you can in your meals to get their maximum benefits.
If you haven’t been using them you should be thinking about it now.
These spices are an easy way to help you stay slim. Because they add more flavor to food without adding extra calories like fats and other flavorings.
Besides adding a punch of flavor to your favorite foods. Many herbs and spices have been shown to increase metabolism, enhance fat burning and promote feelings of fullness.
Diversifying your spice rack is a simple and easy way to increase weight loss with minimal effort.
Herbs and spices are a cook’s favorite ingredients because they add a unique flavor to meals.
According to research, you are unlikely to commit to a particular diet plan if you find your cuisines distasteful, regardless of how disciplined you are.
Therefore, by combining these fat burning herbs and spices with a balanced diet (here is our top recommendation) you won’t only improve your food flavor. But, you will also lose stubborn fat!
