Herbal Remedies for Obesity

Obesity is a condition defined by an inordinate accumulation of body fat which may lead to an elevated likelihood of developing various health problems, such as diabetes and certain types of cancer. Excessive consumption of dietary calories and reduced physical activity are commonly billed as the main causes of obesity, treatments for which include dieting and exercise.

Certain herbs are known capable of treating obesity, now rampant virtually everywhere, regardless of age and race. Such herbs include:

Aloe vera extracts are capable of enhancing digestion, cleansing the digestive tract as well as lowering excess blood lipid levels, thus demonstrating its efficacy in treating obesity.

A supply of iodine itself, bladderwrack is purported to enhance the body's metabolic rate, as a result encouraging weight loss at a quicker rate. It is also a known cure for goiter, a disease attributed to a lack of iodine

Brewer's Yeast aid in weight management by lowering LDL levels (bad cholestrol) and at the same time enhancing HDL levels (good cholestrol). To what extent does Brewer's Yeast stimulate weight loss, it is still unascertained.

Capsicum, found in cayenne pepper, supposedly suppresses hunger, raises the body's metabolism rate and effectively burns off body fat as well.

Chickweed (stellaria media) aids in the emulsification of body fat cells, consequently making dissolving and removal of body fat much easier.

Chitosan, a type of chitin derived from the exoskeletons of crustaceans and from bacterial and fungal cell walls as well, is hypothesized to carry electrical charges which aid in binding with bile and fatty acids, promoting body fat excretion.

Coconut oil contains lauric acid, a medium-chain fatty acid, which is delivered to the liver directly to be converted into energy. MCFAs is usually not stored as body fat, unlike other dietary fats (long-chain fatty acids), which the body is unable to process as easily as their medium-chain counterparts, explaining its preference to store it simply as body fat.

Known by most simply as a common garden weed, dandelion is found to have a diuretic effect (stimulate urination) as well as the potential to burn off fat and boost the body's metabolism.

Encapsulated ephedra as a diet pill are known for its role as appetite suppressants, excess body fat burners, energy boosters and muscle mass builders, all leading to an effective shedding of weight.

Fenugreek, whose leaves could be used as a herb and seeds as spice, proves beneficial by dissolving fat within the liver and reducing blood sugar levels as well.

It is suggested by studies on green tea that the herb is able to elevate the rate of burning out body fat, discourage excess weight gain and promote the reversal of established obesity.

Guarana, commonly found in Brazil, contains twice as much caffeine as could be found within a coffee bean. Caffeine is identified as a stimulant for the process known as lipolysis, which releases fat into the bloodstream to be taken up as fuel during physical activity. Guarana seed extracts are also found to induce weight loss at a much higher rate than what caffeine alone could attain.

Also known as Indian Bedellium and Commiphora Mukul, guggul, a resin from the guggul tree, is found able to lower body cholestrol and triglycerides levels efficiently.

Licorice aids in regulating blood sugar levels by lowering cravings for sweets.

Yohimbine, the chemical compound contained within the Yohimbe bark, is purported capable of reducing appetite, elevating the body's metabolism and the rate of burning off fat.