People who are trying to lose weight should opt for natural remedies rather than fad diets. A few simple tweaks in your diet can make all the difference.
Drinking lukewarm water with honey or lemon helps increase your metabolism. Cayenne pepper can also help you cut down calories.
Hibiscus tea can help you lose weight as it contains phenolic compounds (non-essential dietary components found in vegetable foods that aid in reducing fat), flavonoids, and anthocyanins (natural blue, red or purple pigments that fight obesity). It also helps reduce excess water weight.
1. Fenugreek seeds
Fenugreek seeds, known as methi dana, are one of the finest strategies for weight reduction. It boosts metabolism, improves digestion and flushes out toxins. It contains soluble fibre which reduces cholesterol, lowers blood sugar levels and stifles appetite. It also helps ease menstrual cramps.
To make a methi dana drink, boil water and add a spoonful of methi dana along with ginger and cinnamon stick. Drink this on an empty stomach every morning.
Methi dana is rich in vitamin B6, protein and iron. It also contains natural soluble fibre galactomannan, which is known to promote gut health by feeding good bacteria. It also reduces the absorption of dietary sugar, which is beneficial for diabetes patients. Its high potassium content may help control blood pressure levels.
2. Oolong tea
All teas come from one plant called Camellia sinensis if it isn’t from this plant then it is not a tea. This plant has formed beneficial chemical compounds known as polyphenols and these are the same antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables.
Drinking oolong tea helps in losing weight and promoting overall health. It can help reduce cholesterol levels, improve digestion and even aid in reducing fat absorption.
Oolong tea is a great beverage to have before a workout as it increases energy and boosts metabolism and fat burning capacity. It can also help control hunger and curb cravings for sugary foods and alcohol. In a study, 102 diet-induced obese subjects ingested 2 g of oolong tea four times daily for 6 weeks and they were able to lose 1-3 kg of body weight (1).
3. Cucumber
Cucumber is one of the easiest vegetables to incorporate into a weight loss plan. It is low in calories and contains high amounts of water and fibre, which aid digestion and help reduce excess fat. Cucumbers are also a great source of potassium, vitamin C, folate, and vitamin K, all of which support healthy weight loss.
Try juicing cucumbers to create a refreshing detox water drink that can help you lose a few extra pounds while keeping you hydrated. You can also add cucumbers to smoothies for a refreshing taste and a boost of nutrients. Remember, however, that if you want to lose weight naturally, it is important to exercise regularly and consume a balanced diet. In addition to eating healthy, it is important to drink plenty of water and eat fruits and vegetables to maintain your health.
4. Bottle gourd juice
Bottle gourd or lauki as it is commonly known has amazing health benefits. It is a water-rich vegetable with a high concentration of vitamin B and fibre. It is also rich in a range of minerals and nutrients including iron, magnesium, potassium, and zinc.
Drinking bottle gourd juice on a regular basis helps reduce acidity and improves the gut microbiome. It is also low in sodium and therefore is great for people with hypertension and heart disease. It is alkaline in nature and hence prevents acidity by reducing inflammation, improving immunity and promoting a healthy metabolism (6).
It is a good remedy for constipation as it is very high in fibre and water. It adds bulk to the stool and results in smooth bowel movements.
5. Bitter guard
Bitter gourd is a natural weight loss agent that works effectively without any exercise or diet restrictions. It is a potent herbal ingredient that helps you burn calories, lower blood sugar levels and boosts your metabolism. Peoples Rx offers bitter guard in single herb caplets and in a polyherbal formula called GlucoCare both manufactured by Himalaya Herbs, a leading GMP-certified supplier of Ayurvedic herbs.
Pre-clinical trials have shown that bitter gourds and their extracts are effective against fatty liver and obesity-associated metabolic syndrome (5). They also prevent the development of oxidative stress in the liver caused by chronic alcohol consumption and high-fat diets. It is also rich in fibre which keeps your digestive system healthy and boosts metabolism. It is loaded with iron, magnesium, potassium and vitamin C.
