5 Powerful African Herbs for Weight Loss
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When encountering a point in life in which the desire to lose weight is present, the only way to ensure success is to thoroughly evaluate eating habits and exercise levels, and adjust them accordingly. In short, this means burning more calories than are taken in. Know there are a number of herbs and supplements available to help with the weight loss journey—all of which can serve difference purposes like curbing cravings and boosting the metabolism. Take a look at these 5 powerful African herbs for weight loss even when it seems to be a struggle.
1. Hoodia Gordonii
Pure Hoodia is known and backed as an effective weight loss aid. It is used by hunters within the desert regions of Africa because it helps to reduce cravings while allowing the user to cut down on calories without feeling starved. There are quite a few weight loss supplements on the market that use the Hoodia name, so be advised to check that it is genuine before ingesting. A chemical called P57 in hoodia is the component thought to be responsible for the appetite suppressant effects.
2. Gymnema
Native to Africa, this herb has been used for many centuries as an Ayurvedic medicine. It has been said that the herb balances blood sugar levels and is recommended for those who have diabetes. It works to block sugar absorption, thus blocking sugar cravings. The sugar cravings are a huge contributor to the weight battles that many people face. The Hindi name (gurmur) literally means destroyer of sugar, so it’s easy to see why this is recommended for losing weight. While blocking the absorption of sugar, it can also increase the amount of insulin in the body, as well as increase the cell growth in the pancreas—which is where the insulin is made.
3. Irvingia Gabonensis
Irvingia extract can be found in most health food stores, and it is suggested to be taken twice daily in 150mg increments. It is to be used as a supplement in addition to eating right and exercising to see the best results. Once study set up a single diet and exercise plan for two groups of individuals. One group was given an Irvingia supplement twice a day, and the other group was given a placebo. The group that took the supplement lost 28 pounds from their body weight, and the placebo group only lost 1 pound. Those who took the supplement also saw a drop in cholesterol as well as fasting glucose simply in a matter of 3 months.
4. African Mango
Extract from these mango seeds, when ingested, can significantly reduce body fat, body weight and waist circumference. Additionally, it can have a positive impact on the overall health of the heart like bringing LDL cholesterol to normal level, leptin levels and blood glucose levels normalizing too. All of these factors were changed without altering a normal diet or exercise routine. Other studies have shown individuals losing about 8 to 10 pounds without altering their lifestyle changes as well. There have been no adverse effects reported, so why not give it a try.
5. Aframomum Melegueta
This African herb can be used for an increase in energy expenditure as well as a loss of brown adipose tissue—this tissue is known to be very difficult to reduce, because it survives with significant circulation. This perennial plant is indigenous to Western Africa, but is also cultivated in Northern Africa and the Caribbean as well. The seeds taste similar to that of pepper, so it has become a popular spice in many dishes. Sometimes the seeds of the plant may be called grains of paradise (not to be confused with capsicum), and some people even take it as a stimulant.
In the end, burning more calories than those that are taken in is what leads to weight loss. When entering a weight loss journey, consider using one of these herbs to aid in the areas in which there is a struggle. If cravings are the downfall, work to curb that. Either way, any of these hard working African herbs would be a great complement to a diet and exercise regimen put in place for weight loss.
