Herbs are the best way to add flavor to food for no extra calories, sugar, sodium, or other junk, which is critical to do when you’re trying to lose weight. Many herbs can actually boost your metabolism and help your body burn fat more quickly.
Turmeric
According to a 2009 study by Tufts University, turmeric can help your body burn fat. In the study, there were two groups of mice, one was fed curcumin while the other wasn’t. The results were that the group of mice that had curcumin lost more weight than the other group that did not have it. Turmeric is a warming spice, it increases the body heat which can boost your metabolism and provide other health benefits.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is said to curb hunger cravings, control blood sugar level and make you feel fuller for longer. You can add cinnamon to your oatmeal, mix it in yoghurt or put it in your tea. It is also a great addition to meat and chicken.
Cayenne pepper
Cayenne pepper raises the body temperature which boosts your metabolism. The higher the metabolism, the more calorie you burn. Adding this spice to your meal can help you burn up to 100 calories per meal. You can sprinkle cayenne pepper on nuts, soup, eggs and dips for that extra kick.
Cumin
Adding one tablespoon of cumin seeds to all your primary meals every day can help you burn three times more fat, says a recent study conducted on overweight women. Also, cumin adds great flavour to your food. You can add it to almost everything, including soups, dressings, veggies, pulses and bread.
Ginger
Ginger helps to control blood sugar level, which means it can prevent a spike in your glucose levels after taking a carb or a sugar rich diet. Same like turmeric and cayenne pepper, ginger also has thermogenic (fat-burning) property. Add it to your tea, salads, fish, fruits and more.
Rosemary
Rosemary helps to increase your metabolic rate. It also aids digestion and weight loss. These green pointed leaves are to be soaked in boiling water for a few minutes. The strained water can be consumed lukewarm at any time of the day but not empty stomach.
Cardamom
Cardamom, also called elaichi, is a popular Indian spice with a unique flavour. It is thermogenic in nature and that is why it helps you in losing weight. It also prevents the formation of gas, which makes you feel bloated and uneasy. You can add a pinch or two of cardamom powder to your food to lose weight faster.
Black pepper
How can we not mention black pepper while talking about Indian spices! Cousin to cayenne pepper, black pepper is rich in piperine, which gives black pepper its unique flavour. This one ingredient prevents the formation of fat cells and thus, helps you to lose, and later maintain, that weight. One can combine black pepper and cayenne pepper for better weight loss results!
