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Plants That Can Help You Lose Weight

Written By UNDER MAINTENANCE on Tuesday, March 29, 2011 | 12:08 AM

1 The West African Herb That Helps Support Optimal Leptin Sensitivity in Overweight People


Once you’ve got eating for your Nutritional Type and adequate exercise covered, there’s something else that may help you quiet your excessive “let’s eat!” messages.

An extract from a West African herb called Irvingia gabonensis may help support optimal leptin sensitivity in overweight people.And by promoting your body’s ideal sensitivity to leptin, you can better know when your body has eaten enough food.In a recently published study, Irvingia demonstrated positive effects upon leptin blood levels and resulted in weight loss and inches off the waistline. 

Over a 10-week period, one double-blind study group received 150 mg of Irvingia extract twice daily while maintaining the same diet and exercise level. This group lost an average of 28 pounds whereas the placebo group lost less than three pounds.

The Irvingia group also maintained healthy blood glucose, cholesterol, and LDL levels that were already within the normal range, and experienced a significant reduction in C-reactive protein levels. Plus, there was a significant reduction overall of circulating leptin and a significant increase in adiponectin.



2 It All Started in the Kalahari Desert in Southern Africa…


Long hunting trips through the vast desert have long been a way of life for the San Bushmen, one of the world's oldest and most primitive hunter-gatherer tribes.

To survive in the scorching environment, the Bushmen depended on a spiny succulent plant growing wild in the desert.

In addition to the much-needed moisture, they discovered an unexpected side effect when they consumed this plant.

Their appetites diminished!

For the San Bushmen, this provided a clear advantage. They could focus on the task at hand – hunting and gathering food to take back to their tribes.

This miraculous plant was Hoodia Gordonii. However, it wasn't until the 1960s that scientists began taking a closer look at this plant and its traditional use as an appetite suppressant.


3 Fucoxanthin – The Gift From the Sea


A natural carotenoid (natural pigments found primarily in plants and algae), Fucoxanthin exists naturally in brown seaweed, a type of kelp. Preliminary animal research performed in Russia and Japan suggests that fucoxanthin may help burn fat.

Also, here's a huge plus for you and others searching for an effective yet natural option that doesn't disrupt your activities and sleep. Fucoxanthin revs up your metabolism without stimulating your central nervous system.Although it's not fully understood how fucoxanthin works, it appears to target a protein called UCP1 that increases the rate at which belly fat is burned.

Evidence is emerging showing that the fucoxanthin component is a powerful antioxidant that can protect your cells from free radical damage. It also may support your:


Cardiovascular health


Healthy immune response


Maintenance of healthy cholesterol and triglyceride levels that are already within the normal range


Maintenance of healthy blood pressure levels that are already within the normal range


Healthy liver function


4 An Ancient Source with Modern Applications - Pomegranate


The pomegranate has been a staple of Asian diets since ancient times. The rich ruby fruit was mentioned in Egyptian papyrus scrolls dating back to 1550 BC. And in ancient Greek myths, the pomegranate represented life and regeneration.


Its traditional use dates back more than 3,000 years. Modern science is actively rediscovering its potential for a more healthful life.Recent studies reveal a surprising host of benefits for consuming pomegranate.

Pomegranates contain powerful antioxidants that help quench free radicals in your body. One study suggests that pomegranate shows triple the amount of antioxidant activity of either green tea or red wine. 

Other studies suggest that pomegranates contain bioflavonoids to help maintain healthy capillary walls.


Research suggests other benefits from pomegranate:


Contributes to tissue health


Supports heart health


Supports healthy blood lipid levels that are already within the normal range


Supports the immune system


Helps maintain proper oxidative balance in your body



5 The Ancient Spice Revered for its Health-Promoting Qualities


Sought after for more than 5,000 years by the ancients of China and India for its health-promoting properties, ginger remains highly in demand by spice traders. 

Today, it continues to be a component of a full half of all traditional herbal products.

Research suggests that it may have the ability to help offset some of the less desirable effects of a high-fat diet. 

With 12 different antioxidants, ginger provides powerful free radical protection. 

In addition, ginger…


Supports optimal cell division


Supports cardiovascular health


Promotes a healthy immune response


Supports digestive system health


6 The Indian Fruit that May Help Assist Your Battle of the Bulge



Garcinia Cambogia (also known as "gambooge") is a small fruit resembling a miniature pumpkin. Naturally found in India and parts of Asia, it has a long and popular history as a condiment. The dried rind is used as a flavoring in many dishes.

Preliminary research suggests that its biologically active compound, hydroxycitric acid (HCA), can inhibit the body's ability to store lipids and fatty acids.This natural extract may also inhibit conversion of excess calories to body fat.

And it may suppress appetite by signaling your brain that enough food has been eaten, possibly through its effect on neurotransmitters.


7 The Wonders of Apple Cider Vinegar



Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has been used for centuries as an energizing tonic and elixir.

ACV is a completely natural product resulting from a two-step fermentation process of apples, from which it retains all the nutritional benefits of the apples plus gaining the extra acids and enzymes from fermentation. While the research is only preliminary, there are four suggested ways ACV may help you lose weight: 

#1. ACV May Increase Satiety 

The same hormonal reflex that sends a "full" message from your digestive system to your brain  is also triggered by ACV. Scientists think that satiety – or feeling "full" – occurs more quickly with acetic acid (the 'sour' part of ACV). 

A preliminary Swedish study suggested that higher intake of ACV before meals was associated with significantly lower glycemic responses and an increased satiety score. 

#2. May Suppress Appetite 

Preliminary evidence suggests that pectin, the water-soluble fiber in apples and ACV, may absorb water and make your stomach feel a little full before beginning your meal.

#3. May Improve Digestion 

Improving your digestion means fats stay in your digestive tract for a shorter time, with less absorption of those fats into your system. A number of other health benefits you may receive from ACV include:


Helps support bone health through minerals (calcium, magnesium, silicone, plus a number of vitamins).


Helps maintain healthy lipid levels that are already within the normal range.


Helps maintain healthy heart and circulatory system.


Support healthy immune response.


Aids in normal detoxification of your body.



8 Cayenne – The Fiery Catalyst that May Help Burn More Calories


The powder from the cayenne pepper has been honored as both a food and for its health-promoting properties for over 9,000 years.


A substance in cayenne pepper, capsaicin, gives cayenne its hot and spicy taste.

Some animal and human studies suggest that cayenne may increase the body's production of heat for a short time. 

This increase in body heat may possibly burn more calories and increase metabolism. 

Additionally, research is ongoing about whether cayenne can help regulate blood sugar and break down carbohydrates after a meal.

What else might both ginger and cayenne do for you? They're reported to:


Support cardiovascular health


Support digestive health


Help regulate normal detoxification


Help promote a healthy immune response


Provide energy

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