Diet and physical activity are the basis of weight loss - but apart from that, it is worth using various clever metabolism accelerators. And you certainly have some of them in your kitchen. Discover 6 spices that are the most effective at helping you burn fat and accelerate weight loss.
Spices, especially those with a spicy taste, are a valuable support for people who want to quickly lose a few unnecessary kilograms. In most cases, this is due to capsaicin: a substance present in sharp, expressive spices that affects the process of thermogenesis and speeds up the metabolism.
Capsaicin also increases the rate of calorie burning by up to 10 percent. Thanks to this, you can afford a little more during the diet, or simply achieve the desired effect faster.
But not only spices rich in capsaicin are helpful in losing weight, but also those that regulate digestive processes, reduce appetite, improve the functioning of the intestines or prevent the storage of sugars.
Here are the spices that best help you lose weight.
Chili
Powdered chili pepper is a rich source of capsaicin Even a small pinch of this spice added to a meal gives energy and warms up, affects the resting metabolism (increases the thermogenesis process, i.e. energy conversion into heat), also increases - and prolongs - the feeling of fullness after even a small meal.
It's very spicy, so it's best to start with really small amounts, and gradually increase the dose as your taste buds get used to it.
Cinnamon
You can sprinkle cinnamon on coffee, muesli, porridge, add to compote or fish dishes. You can also use it to prepare a slimming drink (mix a teaspoon of cinnamon with a tablespoon of honey and dissolve in 125 ml of warm water at a temperature of up to 39 degrees C - warmer destroys the valuable enzymes contained in honey) and drink it every day before breakfast.
Why is it worth it? Cinnamon regulates the carbohydrate balance and blood sugar levels, it also increases the sensitivity of cells to insulin, and also stimulates enzymes involved in metabolic processes. To get rid of excess kilos, it is enough to use half a teaspoon of cinnamon a day, used in any way.
Ginger
It can also help you lose weight, as it facilitates digestion - the oil contained in the ginger rhizome stimulates the secretion of saliva and gastric juice, it also acts as a cholagogue. It also has a warming effect and improves metabolism.
As some scientific studies suggest, one of its ingredients - gingerol - accelerates the burning of fat deposited on the stomach and in internal organs.
This spice can be added to salads, rice, fish and meat dishes, and you can also prepare a slimming drink from fresh ginger root: peel a small piece of the root (approx. 5 cm), cut it, then boil half a liter of water , put ginger in it, cook for 15 minutes, covered - then cool, drain, add 2 tablespoons of honey (you can also add a little milk to taste) and drink it twice a day.
Black pepper
This is one of the most popular spices in the world. Black pepper is mainly used for culinary purposes, but there are also other types of it - including white, red and green pepper. The alkaloid piperine is responsible for the sharp taste of pepper and its slimming properties.
Piperine increases lipolysis (fat burning), increases the secretion of digestive juices, slightly increases body temperature, accelerating metabolism, also supports the processes of protein absorption and building muscle tissue. In order not to lose these valuable properties due to high temperature, it is best to sprinkle pepper on the food at the very end of cooking or baking.
Turmeric
Has a distinctive ginger-like odor and strong flavor, is also responsible for the yellow color of some dishes - such as rice - and gives a yellow tinge to curry mixes. Turmeric improves and accelerates digestion, as it stimulates the secretion of pancreatic enzymes and gastric juice, suppresses appetite, has a beneficial effect on the liver, also has choleretic properties, stimulating the secretion of bile involved in the digestion of fats.
See gallery 4 photos
Basil
This aromatic spice greatly improves digestion - essential oils contained in fragrant basil leaves stimulate intestinal peristalsis, facilitate the absorption of nutrients from food, and also stimulate the secretion of gastric juice. However, it should not be used in excess, because the herb of basil is also effective in the case of lack of appetite.
Basil should be added to salads (e.g. caprese) and soups, and also to lemonade. Since basil soothes intestinal spasms and helps reduce gas, it's worth italso add to flatulent dishes, such as dishes with the addition of broad beans and beans, fatty cheeses or meat dishes
