The Use of Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Supplements for Weight Loss

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Article Title:

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The Use of Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Supplements for Weight Loss

Article Description:

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Information on medicinal herbs and herbal supplements that can be

helpful to lose weight naturally.

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595 Words; formatted to 65 Characters per Line

Distribution Date and Time: 2007-01-22 13:12:00

Written By: Thor Sturluson

Copyright: 2007

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The Use of Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Supplements for Weight Loss

Copyright © 2007 Thor Sturluson

The Herbal Resource

http://www.herbal-supplement-resource.com/herbs-for-weight-loss.html

Being overweight is a growing problem throughout the

industrialized world. Although there are still countries with

populations that are severely malnourished and under-fed, most of

the developed countries are dealing with the opposite problem.

There are over a billion overweight adults worldwide. Obesity

rates around the world are reaching epidemic levels. Being

overweight or obese may lead to many chronic diseases such as

type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, stroke and

even some forms of cancer.

With these bleak statistics it is no wonder that people

everywhere are seeking help with weight loss and weight control.

The important point to remember is that there is no product,

pharmaceutical or otherwise, that will make fat melt off the body

without some effort on the part of the person using it. Exercise

and sensible eating is the best long-term course of action for

permanent weight loss. The use of herbal products may help boost

metabolism and support weight loss efforts without many of the

damaging side effects of drug treatments or surgical procedures.

Increasing metabolism, converting fat to energy, and increasing

overall energy expenditure is the mechanism employed by

thermogenic and stimulant herbs to aid in weight loss. Cayenne

is a hot pepper with capsaicin that stimulates the body's

digestive process and boosts metabolic rates. It raises the core

body temperature and helps improve circulation as well. Citrus

Aurantium is another herb that may improve thermogenesis (the

conversion of fat to energy.) Kola nut may also help mobilize

fats for energy and acts as a stimulant as well. Cardamom is

another thermogenic herb that may aid digestion too. Ginseng has

long been touted for its stimulating effects and this may lead to

an increase in metabolic rate. Green tea is another supplement

that falls in this category. It serves as a stimulant, boosting

the metabolic rate and overall energy expenditure. The caffeine

in green tea acts as a stimulant, but the supporting minerals

help to counter some of caffeine's negative effects. And

finally, kelp, or seaweed, helps to regulate thyroid function

which increases metabolism.

Appetite control is another area important for weight loss.

" Hoodia " , Hoodia gordonii, is an African herb that has been

used by bushmen there for hundreds of years. It is gaining

popularity worldwide as science catches up with the

bush-medicine. It acts as an appetite suppressant by acting on

the brain centers that control hunger. Nettles also work to

suppress hunger by feeding the cells at a deeper level and

reducing cravings. Garcinia cambogia contains hydroxycitrate

which not only reduces hunger but has thermogenic effects as

well. Flax seed also serves to reduce appetite by expanding upon

consumption and the essential fats found in their oils have been

found to have many beneficial properties. Fiber supplements are

also helpful in controlling appetite as they add bulk to foods.

Blood sugar control is another significant area in weight loss.

Cinnamon is an important supplement in the control of blood

sugar. Gymnema sylvestre also supports the body through blood

sugar control, which helps lower cravings for sugar and reduces

insulin insensitivity.

The supplements mentioned above are generally safe in reasonable

doses. Supplements to be avoided include ephedra (and

supplements containing ephedra), herbal diuretics and laxatives.

These herbal treatments are dangerous and the side effects

include dehydration, malnutrition, dangerous arrythmias and even

death. It is important to start with one or two herbs and

evaluate their effectiveness before adding others. This also

helps determine the culprit for any side effects. When using any

herbal supplement for weight loss it is wise to consult your

physician before beginning.

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Thor Sturluson is a biologist and an amateur herbalist

living in Copenhagen Denmark. For further information

on herbal supplements for weight loss and how to use

medicinal herbs to lose weight please visit this link:

http://www.herbal-supplement-resource.com/herbs-for-weight-loss.html