Delicious Calorie Killers: 9 Spices That Will Help You Lose Weight
Season the dish! Because with the right spices, every dish will not only taste much better, but these 9 spices will even help you lose weight.
This is quite an unusual message when it comes to weight loss, but very appealing: you need to eat more! Of course, we’re not talking about fast food or sweets, but something else that’s very tasty: spices!
Because dried roots, herbs, flowers, or leaves not only add a unique aroma to every dish. In addition to their properties as flavor providers, they also offer a wealth of beneficial ingredients, some of which even have healing effects. And the best part is, they have secret abilities that help with weight loss. We’ll show you what they are and how.
How do spices help with weight loss?
There are different types of support for the body. Some spices, for example, stimulate metabolism and therefore fat burning. Spices are also exceptionally good for another reason: their taste not only stimulates taste receptors but also suppresses appetite.
Or it would be better to say: they enhance the feeling of a hearty meal. By not consuming extra calories, you satisfy your need for more food and thereby eat less. Some spices also help regulate blood sugar levels and eliminate food cravings.
Which spices help with weight loss?
So, are you curious now? Then we don’t want to keep you in the dark any longer. So, head over to the spice rack, and these spices will help you lose weight:
1. Turmeric – a popular fat burner
Far Eastern medicine has relied on the healing power of turmeric root for centuries. Research also shows: it supports digestion, keeps the gastrointestinal tract in good shape, has anti-inflammatory effects, and stimulates the elimination of toxins from the body. Just that alone would be enough to regularly consume turmeric.
But that’s not all: this exotic spice is a main fat burner and is said to even prevent the formation of new fat cells. It also speeds up metabolism and has a detoxifying effect. You can also purchase the miraculous remedy in its original form as a root in Asian stores or health food shops. Alternatively, you can add the ground version to your spice rack. You can not only use it to make turmeric morning coffee but also enhance Indian and Asian dishes or season rice and vegetables with it.
2. Cinnamon supports stable blood sugar levels
The smell of cinnamon always reminds me of Christmas. This aroma can be felt all year round. Cinnamon is obtained from the dried bark of the cinnamon tree of the same name. The spice is extremely rich in antioxidants and protects your cells from aging.
Cinnamon is particularly significant for maintaining blood sugar levels. According to studies, regular consumption of the spice improves your body’s insulin effect and significantly reduces food cravings. One of the problems is the constant spikes and drops in blood sugar levels. If it stays stable, you will eliminate sudden cravings for sweets and thus a lot of calories.
This makes cinnamon a real fat killer that can be used to improve porridge, muesli, smoothies, or coffee. Cinnamon also adds a special nuance to savory dishes.
3. Black pepper – a spicy universal
Pepper must be on every spice shelf, and it will surely find a permanent place on yours as well. That’s a good thing. Black pepper adds the necessary heat to every dish and is a real universal ingredient as it goes well with everything.
Its slight spiciness is enough to rev up metabolism. With energy reserves, your body generates heat – ideally by utilizing fat deposits in the abdomen, thighs, etc. Studies show that pepper makes it difficult for new fat cells to settle comfortably there. This is one reason to add more spices.
By the way, it’s always best to do this in fresh form, which means: stay away from already ground powder. Instead, use whole peppercorns, which you then grind in a mill or mortar. The essential oils responsible for the fat-burning effect have a short lifespan. It would be a shame not to take advantage of them.
4. Cumin fights annoying fat deposits
The smell of cumin reminds of “A Thousand and One Nights.” However, it can do much more than just inspire fairy-tale dreams. According to studies, the spice has a real fat-burning effect. The plant compounds within it, called phytosterols, melt fat deposits and are said to be responsible for blood lipid levels and reducing bad cholesterol.
Cumin also soothes the stomach and intestines, making many foods more digestible, and has an antibacterial effect. Cumin pairs especially well with North African and Arabic cuisines. Furthermore, it is part of many spice blends like garam masala or curry. By adding cumin, you’ll give your dishes a slightly exotic character. It goes well with stews, soups, or couscous, as well as with vegetables or meat.
5. Cloves reduce belly fat
The active ingredients of dried clove flowers help to eliminate water retention. Fluid accumulation over time becomes noticeable in the belly, thighs, and buttocks. Studies show that cloves help prevent obesity.
Cloves also have genuine healing properties. The ingredient eugenol has anti-inflammatory and bactericidal effects. The spice is also particularly rich in antioxidants and thus is one of the best defenses against free radicals. They are used in spicy stews, soups, and sauces, as well as in sweet dishes or warming drinks.
6. Chili peppers accelerate metabolism
Hot, even hotter, that’s chili pepper. As soon as your mouth starts burning, beads of sweat occasionally form on your forehead. But chili actually warms up your metabolism a bit and makes it run at full speed. This increases energy expenditure, allowing you to burn more calories.
You’ll notice that the “warming” should be taken literally when a nice warmth spreads through your body after spicy food. By the way: in ground form, chili pepper is called cayenne pepper. The effect remains the same.
7. Coriander, the spice against bloating
Some love it, some find it absolutely inedible. Opinions vary, especially when it comes to coriander greens. Besides the leaves, the seeds are also edible. In the spice shop, you can find both whole and ground forms. If you often experience bloating, you should definitely grab it.
Coriander is a truly valuable tip that helps avoid bloating and restore digestion. In Ayurvedic medicine, people have revered this miraculous herb for a long time. It not only alleviates gastrointestinal disorders but also promotes detoxification by removing heavy metals from the body. Studies show that coriander helps prevent blood sugar spikes.
The taste of the seeds is bitter-spicy, leaving a slightly sweet aftertaste. If you enjoy a richer taste, roast the seeds in a dry pan before grinding. You can use whole coriander seeds in curries or use the ground spice to add sophistication to vegetables, stews, soups, sauces, salads, and even desserts.
8. Cardamom, a natural appetite suppressant
In most cases, cardamom is used only in dough for cookies or gingerbread. The aromatic seeds are essential because they give Christmas cookies a special flavor. But Christmas is too short a time, and cardamom is too beneficial to be used as a spice for only a few weeks a year.
The essential oils contained in it suppress appetite, allowing you to save some calories. Studies show that cardamom has an anti-obesity effect. This spice from Ayurvedic cuisine also stimulates metabolism and is effective against unpleasant gastrointestinal disorders like bloating or cramps. In Eastern stews, tagines, couscous, or sauces, cardamom adds a very distinctive flavor.
9. Oregano improves digestion
Oregano is more than just a classic universal Italian spice. The herb contains many beneficial essential oils. One of them is thymol. Oregano is known for its digestive effects, and studies prove its anti-obesity effect. It naturally improves bile and liver function. Good digestion is also important for weight loss.
From a health perspective, oregano is a true universal weapon. It not only supports the health of intestinal flora but also has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects and is a real remedy in the fight against coughs or sore throats. Oregano – how could it be otherwise – is present in almost every Italian or Mediterranean dish. Tomato sauce or Bolognese always fit well. However, you can also brew dried leaves like tea or add them to green smoothies.
Spices are not only pleasant in taste but also help with weight loss. Certainly, one or two cycles of physical exercise are also beneficial, and healthy eating overall is certainly helpful. Nevertheless, the trick with seasoning is the cherry on top that makes your success in weight loss even more likely. Our motto: Little effort, big effect!
So, head over to the spice rack!
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