Spices – The Secret To Easy Weight Loss
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Losing weight is a Herculean task. But, what if we told you that there are a few secret ingredients that can help people lose weight easily? If you have tried every possible trick under the sun to lose weight and failed, this article should give you some hopes. Haven’t you heard it before that having spicy and hot foods can up your metabolism rate and quicken the process of fat burning?
Before we tell you about them, let us ask you a question. Have you wondered what makes Indian food so unique? Well, yes, the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of Indian foods are the spices. Spices not only lend flavor to the foods but also offer a whole lot of other benefits. Spices and herbs make food taste good. Would you stick to a diet if it tastes bad? Not at all! So, here’s a way to religiously follow your diet plan and, at the same time, have some tasty food, courtesy spices. They not only give your metabolism the much-needed boost but also help burn unwanted fat. And there are numerous scientific studies to back this claim.
Before that, a little more about weight and fat. How your body stores energy from the food that you consume and the rate at which you use up that energy determines how heavy you are. When you eat, your body tries to digest that food by breaking it down.
Watch this video to know how fats are formed in the body:
Ginger
If you crave to have a drink post a heavy meal, we suggest you grab a mug of ginger tea. This is because ginger can prevent the spike of glucose levels in your body. It also possesses thermogenic properties that help the body burn fat faster.
Cinnamon
We all love cinnamon flavored tea, muffins, and what not! But did you know that this sweet-spicy tasting bark comes with wholesome goodness? From fighting type 2 diabetes and lowering your cholesterol levels to treating Alzheimer’s and fighting cancer, cinnamon is the go-to spice for all your health problems.
Black Pepper
If you are on a liquid diet and gulping down gallons of soups and detox drinks, it helps to add pepper powder to them to speed up the weight loss process. Black pepper not only burns fat but also prevents new fat cells from being formed.
Cumin
According to a study, this humble spice can burn three times more body fat than any other weight loss ingredient. You could add it to your soups, baked stuff or even use roasted cumin as a salad dressing.
Turmeric
How many times have you screamed at your mom for adding turmeric in her preparations? Well, there’s a good reason why she did that. A study conducted by Tufts University in 2009 found that this yellow spice may actually burn that stubborn fat on your body. Turmeric ups the heat in your body, thereby helping burn fat. Add a pinch of turmeric to your fried rice, stir-fried vegetables, stews or even soups. Curcumin, an active ingredient in this yellow spice, makes it a strong antioxidant and lends it a powerful anti-inflammatory effect. It’s good to add turmeric to your food as it can heal internal damages too.
Cayenne
This spice has the same effect as turmeric as it increases your body heat. It is the best stimulant that helps in breaking down your food, ultimately aiding digestion. Cayenne is a rich source of vitamins A, B, C, and E. Good digestion and better metabolism obviously mean your weight will be under control.
Cardamom
According to Ayurveda, the primary cause of weight gain is indigestion. To put it in layman’s terms, when your body is unable to break down food, it leads to indigestion, which slows down your body’s metabolism rate. What can you do about this? Have cardamom! This not only cuts cholesterol but also burns excess fat in the body. This sweet-bitter green spice also fights water retention by increasing the urine output. You can add cardamom to your desserts and also your daily cuppa.
Garlic
This herb can add flavor to your food like no other. From pasta and pizza to salsa and soup, the strong flavor can make you want to overeat. But did you know that garlic can actually aid weight loss? The next time you cook, make sure you add garlic and see the difference.
Coriander Seeds
Yes, these seeds lend a good flavor to Indian foods. They are also rich in potassium, iron, vitamins A, K, and C, folic acid, magnesium, and calcium. Besides, they aid digestion and help you lose water weight.
Here’s a recipe with this magic ingredient that can help your body get rid of water weight:
Soak a few spoons of coriander seeds in a glass of water for a couple of hours (at least 180 minutes). Boil it till the quantity of water is reduced to at least 50 percent. Strain the concoction and let it cool. Drink this two times in a day, and see a visible difference in your weight.
Mustard Seeds
If you have consumed Indian food, you must have surely noticed the presence of black mustard seeds in most foods. A rich source of calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, protein, fiber, and selenium, these humble seeds are low in calories and carbohydrates too. Do add them to your weight loss meal plan as they help boost metabolism and fasten the fat burning process.
Now that you know the natural ways to lose those extra pounds, what are you waiting for? All you have to do is to use these spices in your cooking.
Have we missed out any spices in this list? Feel free to mention them in the comments box below.
Watch this video to see how spices can help you lose weight.
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