Something can only be as stubborn as a belly fat! Despite including ample amount exercise and a proper diet, it doesn’t seem put an end to the companionship with the body. An excessive amount of belly fat undermines the confidence and self-esteem in men. In women, the belly fat takes a toll as they are endlessly put under the scrutiny to conform to the standard societal definition of beauty. However, as much as the belly fat weighs heavy on how one looks from the outside, it is a greater health concern – regardless the gender. What to do then?
The solution lies in mother nature! As nature is loaded with several herbs and spices that can help you shed the excess amount of belly fat without exhausting the body.
What is belly fat?
Belly fat (visceral fat) is the fat that builds up deep within the abdomen and around the internal organs. It’s different from subcutaneous fat, which is the fat just below the skin that you can pinch. Belly fat can be a health concern because it’s linked to a higher risk of serious health problems, including cardiovascular disease, dementia, breast cancer, and colorectal cancer.
Belly fat can refer to both subcutaneous fat, which is located just below the skin, and visceral fat, which is located deep within the abdomen. While some belly fat is normal and healthy, too much belly fat can increase the risk of health problems. While subcutaneous fat makes your belly appear soft and round, and can make your clothes feel tighter, visceral fat aka ‘active fat’, surrounds your internal organs like your liver, stomach, and intestines and is more dangerous to your health. It can increase the risk of conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes.
Most people are fed up of belly fat and look for ways to tone it down.
Herbs and spices to shed belly fat:
If you are tired of trying different diets and if the workouts aren’t bringing you desirable results, maybe it is time to look elsewhere. If you are looking for natural ways to shed belly fat, there are herbs and spices that can improve metabolism, fix hormonal issues and aid in burning belly fat. Here is a list of herbs and spices that are going to be your best friend during this journey.
Black pepper: A common household spice derived from the dried fruit of Piper nigrum, a flowering vine native to India, black pepper contains a powerful compound called piperine, which supplies both its pungent flavour and potential weight-lowering effects.
Cayenne pepper: A type of chili pepper, known as cayenne pepper, is popularly used to bring a spicy dose of flavour to many dishes. It contains the compound capsaicin, which gives cayenne pepper its signature heat and provides numerous health benefits. Capsaicin can slightly boost metabolism, increasing the number of calories you burn throughout the day and may also reduce hunger to promote weight loss.
Oregano: A perennial herb, belonging to the same plant family as mint, basil, thyme, rosemary and sage, oregano contains carvacrol, a powerful compound that may help boost weight loss. Carvacrol supplements were also found to directly impact some of the specific genes and proteins that control fat synthesis in the body.
Turmeric: A spice revered for its flavour, vibrant colour and potent medicinal properties, most of turmeric’s health benefits are attributed to the presence of curcumin, a chemical that has been studied extensively for its effects on everything from inflammation to decreasing belly fat and promoting weight loss.
Cinnamon: An aromatic spice made from the inner bark of trees in the Cinnamomum genus, cinnamon is rich in antioxidants and offers several health benefits including increasing weight loss. It’s especially effective in stabilizing blood sugar, which may help reduce appetite and hunger. Cinnamon may also decrease levels of certain digestive enzymes to slow the breakdown of carbohydrates.
Cumin: A spice made from the dried and ground seeds of Cuminum cyminum, a flowering plant of the parsley family, cumin is well known for its distinct nutty flavour but also packed with health benefits, including the potential to accelerate weight loss and fat burning.
Cardamom: A highly prized spice, made from the seeds of a plant in the ginger family, cardamom is used worldwide in both cooking and baking but may also support weight loss.
Ginger: Widely recognised for its digestive benefits, Ginger stimulates gastric enzymes, accelerates emptying of the stomach, and reduces feelings of hunger, contributing to a slimmer waistline.
Triphala: A traditional herbal blend composed of three fruits – Amalaki, Bibhitaki, and Haritaki – Triphala supports digestion, detoxification, and weight management by promoting healthy elimination and metabolism.
Ashwagandha: As an adaptogenic herb, Ashwagandha helps the body adapt to stress, which can contribute to weight gain. By reducing cortisol levels, Ashwagandha supports healthy weight management, including the reduction of abdominal fat.
Apart from intaking these herbs and spices, to reduce belly fat, you can try aerobic exercise, like walking, running, swimming, or dancing, can help. You can also try strength training, Pilates, or yoga. If you sit most of the day for work, try to move around as much as possible. You can take breaks to walk, use the stairs, or do stretching exercises at your desk.
Aerobic exercise like brisk walking, jogging, running, biking, swimming, and playing sports. For best results, aim for 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity cardio exercise. Weight training can help you build lean muscle mass and increase your metabolism.
One should also be mindful about their breakfast as it plays a vital role in shedding belly fat. What you eat for breakfast can set the course for your entire day. It determines if you’ll feel full and satisfied until lunch, or if you’ll be heading to the vending machine before your mid-morning snack. Eating a high-protein breakfast may help cut cravings and aid in weight loss.
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