Plantain has been shown in studies to effectively contribute to weight loss when used in conjunction with a prescribed dietary regimen. When Plantain, with its high mucilage and fiber content, was added to the diet, it has been conjectured that it works by filling and coating the stomach, which limits caloric intake by reducing the absorption of fats, as well as providing a feeling of fullness and reducing the appetite. (Click here for more informationon Plantain)
Kelp nourishes the thyroid gland and so maintains healthy metabolism and glandular function. When obesity is a directresult of thyroid disorders, Kelp may be of some help in weight control by stimulating the thyroid because of its high iodine content. Many nutritionists assume that by stimulating thyroid function, Kelp increases metabolism and the rate at which the body uses energy and consequently decreases fat deposits. There have been some reports that Kelp has also reduced cellulite deposits and has reduced water retention. Kelp promotes a healthy-functioning and balanced system throughout the body, building immunity and generally improving glandular functions overall (also aiding digestion and respiration). (Click here for more information on Kelp)
Magnolia Bark has recently been recognized as an efficient fat burner and could be helpful in the fight against obesity. It is said that the magnolol and honokial in the herb effectively inhibit the body's production of cortisol, the substance that liberates fat from adipose cells and thus suppresses fat storage, particularly in the abdominal and belly area. Magnolia Bark is also believed to have antiseptic, antibacterial, anti-fungal, antispasmodic, expectorant, and anti-inflammatory properties. (Click here for more information on Magnolia Bark)
Korean Ginseng has been known to increase physical and mental endurance, reduce cholesterol, and increase energy. It is commonly taken to enhance physical performance, prolong life and increase sexual potency. Long before scientists researched its benefits, Chinese herbalists prescribed it to normalize blood pressure, improve blood circulation and prevent heart disease. Korean Ginseng is considered an "adaptogen" in that it normalizes body functions during stressful or other situations that would alter those functions, helping the body to adapt and return to an overall sense of well-being. (Click here for more information on Korean Ginseng)
Irish Moss is thought to help reduce the appetite by virtue of its ability to absorb moisture, increasing its volume and filling the intestinal tract with a mucilaginous, bulking-type material, increasing the feeling of "fullness" and also aiding in the elimination process of waste through the G.I. tract. Among many other qualities of Irish Moss, nutrition is at the top of the list. It is a superior nutritive, and like all gifts from the sea, Irish Moss carries all the positive qualities and rich elements that the oceans produce. (Click here for more information on Irish Moss)
Gymnema may help with weight control because of its ability to block the passages through which sugar is normally absorbed, and therefore, fewer calories are assimilated. Both sugar and Gymnema are digested in the small intestine, but the larger molecule of Gymnema cannot be fully absorbed, and the remaining sugar is eliminated as waste. It is thought that up to fifty percent of dietary sugar calories absorbed may be blocked with the use of this herb. (Click here for more information on Gymnema)
Green Tea is a powerful stimulant that increases energy and may be useful in weight loss programs. It also has a stimulating effect on the brain that may increase alertness, perhaps because of its caffeine content. Green Tea is reported to lower total cholesterol and blood pressure. It stabilizes blood lipids and may therefore be of value in an overall cardiac care regimen. In recent lab studies, Green Tea prevented an increase in serum cholesterol, even when on an artery-damaging diet. (Click here for more information on Green Tea)
Grapefruit Seed is often called the "Fat Melting Fruit." Grapefruit Seed contains the whole spectrum of the vitamin-B group, with a particularly high content of biotin, which is responsible for the utilization of dietary body fats, facilitating the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins (and the utilization of other B-complex vitamins). (Click here for more information on Grapefruit Seed)
Gotu Kola's compounds shrink tissues and increase glycosaminoglycan production, so fat calls are not further displaced when the connective tissues under the skin that hold deep-level fat cells break down and are no longer able to hold fat in place. In addition, when blood circulation in the veins of the legs is improved and capillaries are strengthened, varicose veins may be prevented. It is considered an overall tonic for rejuvenation and natural repair and helps combat fatigue and depression. (Click here for more information on Gotu Kola)
Glucomannan appears to help weight loss efforts by expanding greatly to many times its own weight and occupying calorie-free space in the stomach, which makes people feel full and satisfied, and thereby reduces the appetite. By picking up and removing fat from the colon wall, it is thought to be beneficial for obesity as it efficiently moves fat from the body. (Click here for more information on Glucomannan)
Ginger Root is said to increase the absorption and efficacy of other herbs and drugs that are taken with it. It has been used to cleanse the body of toxins through the skin by stimulating and increasing perspiration and has also been useful in breaking fevers. It is slightly diuretic and further cleanses the body by strengthening kidney function and increasing kidney filtration. Ginger's anti-inflammatory properties are said to help arthritis, bursitis, and sprains. Ginger helps to retard the production of cholesterol by the liver and has been known to reverse the increase in triglycerides and LDL cholesterol. (Click here for more information on Ginger Root)
Garcinia is said to decrease the rate of dietary carbohydrate conversion into fat and cholesterol. It appears to interfere and slow the rate of action of a liver enzyme (ATP citrate lyase) that is needed to convert dietary carbohydrates into fat (and to store it), which may cause more fat to be eliminated from the body. Researchers claim that the herb causes a decrease in body fat, as well as fat buildup in the liver and adipose tissue. By enhancing the body's production of glycogen, Garcinia is thought to promote sustained energy, as well as suppress the appetite. In addition, Garcinia may cause the body to use existing fat stores for energy during prolonged exercise. It is further believed to suppress the appetite and thus reduce food consumption, because the hydroxycitric acid (HCA) content appears to raise the amount of serotonin in the body - the neurotransmitter that is also thought to affect the appetite. Further supporting Garcinia's reputation as a weight loss supplement, the herb may stimulate the central nervous system and increase metabolism (which helps to burn fat). It is also believed to elevate the body's production of heat, which may also potentially increase caloric burning. (Click here for more information on Garcinia)
Cayenne speeds up the metabolism of fat and may reduce weight gain due to a high fat diet by increasing the liver enzymes accountable for fat metabolism and decreases fat deposits in the liver caused by high fat diet. As a cardiovascular stimulant, Cayenne helps to regulate the heart and blood pressure. It improves blood circulation and is thought to normalize both high and low blood pressure. It apparently increases heart action without increasing blood pressure, and Cayenne (Capsicum) reportedly significantly lowers serum cholesterol and triglycerides. Cayenne acts as an anti-inflammatory and is an overall tonic that is said to build up resistance to illness, sore throats, sinus infections and colds. Cayenne is called a carrier or catalyst herb that increases the efficacy of almost every other herb or herbal combination. (Click here for more information on Cayenne)
