(HealthyResearch)- by Lisa Druxman, Wellness Contributor
Weight loss can be difficult to achieve, but the process becomes even harder the older we get. Our metabolism slows down and our bodies just do not handle fats and foods as well as they once did. Unlike fad diets, certain foods and natural essential oils and herbs can be an effective aid in losing weight (and usually in a healthier way). Below are a few you might want to consider.
Grapefruit (or Grapefruit Essential Oil)
Grapefruit (or its essential oil) can be a good weight loss aid. It can help with appetite suppression and metabolizing fat. Grapefruit is known to decrease your insulin levels and that can decrease the amount of sugar that is stored as fat.
Many people eat some grapefruit every day, adding it to their daily breakfast or lunch and even drinking the juice throughout the day. You do not have to eat an entire grapefruit to lose weight, though. Grapefruit essential oil works in the same way, activating enzymes within the body that will help break down fat and increase metabolism.
Cinnamon (or Cinnamon Essential Oil)
Cinnamon mimics the biological activity of insulin, thereby increasing the metabolism of glucose and helping to prevent an increased storage of fat, which can help you lose weight over time (especially if you exercise regularly). Cinnamaldehyde is the active compound in cinnamon that is responsible for cinnamon’s fat burning characteristic. A 2012 study in the Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology reported that mice who were given cinnamaldehyde lost “belly” fat and mice who were not given cinnamaldehyde did not lose any “belly” fat.
People with high blood sugar often do what they can to lower the glycemic index of their foods. Sprinkling a bit of cinnamon on certain foods or drinks is one easy way to do that. Cinnamon can help decrease a meal’s glycemic index, which is always a good thing when it comes to your health.
Ginger
Ginger has been known to help suppress your appetite and make you feel more satiated. It contains compounds called gingerols, which are known to reduce sugar cravings. In addition, they help your body absorb the vitamins and minerals you consume which supports your body’s metabolism, and, in turn, can help your body burn fat.
Try one or all of these and see where your weight loss journey takes you. You’ll feel better and become healthier along the way.
Thank you to our friends at Wellness.com for contributing this piece.
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