The real secret to losing weight is not attained through magical drinks or concoctions but through regular exercise and healthy diet. But if this is a fact, then why are there researches linking various tried and tested herbs used for weight loss? Could it be that there is a chance that a real weight reducing elixir does exist?

In reality, there are herbal remedies that “support” you in reaching your weight loss goals. If used in combination with proper eating and exercise, it can assist your weight loss process. But before you run off to the nearest store to stock on these herbs, it is worth to know how the body drops those pounds. Carbohydrates, protein and fat are stored energy in the body and the unit used to calculate the potential energy in these elements.

Fat will only be converted to usable energy when your body spends more energy than what you ingest. The more energy you use compared to what you take in will cause the body to use store fat as energy, shrinking its cells. Other factors like environmental and genetic factors influence this process, varying from one person to another.

Here are 10 herbs that you can use to accelerate and guarantee optimal weight loss as you journey towards your fitness goal.

1. Cinnamon Tea

Your blood sugar is directly affects your weight as it influences your hunger and vigor. Balanced blood sugar levels lowers your chances of indulging on too much food resulting to the use of fat as energy instead of storing it. According to recent preliminary studies, cinnamon contributes to better blood sugar management giving you a normal appetite. It also helps by improving your metabolism since it helps reduce triglycerides, LDL and total cholesterol.

2. Rose Petal water

Rose petals are mild diuretics that encourage the kidneys to expel more sodium through urination. Excess salt in the body takes water from the blood decreasing the water needed in our circulatory system. Diuretics encourage people to hydrate more allowing them to maintain their body flushed clean of toxins.

3. Ginseng

It is widely taken to fight fatigue and boost energy in both men and women. These qualities of this herb makes it a perfect addition to your weight loss regimen since without energy, it is very difficult to gather your momentum to do those rigorous exercise routines. In addition to this, it is also linked to better management of blood sugar which also influences your appetite and energy.

4. Sage

Stress has a serious impact in our daily lives and no one is immune from its ill effects. The threshold to handle stress varies from person to person but exposure to constant stress has damaging effects which can build up and affect anyone mentally and physically no matter how well they handle it.

The body reacts to stress by releasing cortisol hormones that is part of the body’s fight-or-flight response.  Cortisol affects a person’s blood sugar level, promoting overeating eventually causing energy to be stored producing fat.

Another bodily chemical known as neuropeptide Y is released when the body experiences stress increasing the growth of fat. One good way to lower stress is to consume sage which has calming effects on the mind and body. Lowering stress can help greatly in lowering the chances of fat production thus making your weight loss goal more achievable.

5. Gugul Herb Extract

It is a herbal medicine suggested by Ayurveda for weight loss and other health conditions. Recent medical studies have supported the positive effects of this herb. The resin of the Commiphora mukul tree contains plant steroids that are believed to have anti-angiogenic and cholesterol-lowering properties. But the fat burning effects of the Gugul herb lies on its effects on the thyroid glands to increase the metabolic rate of the body.

6. Hibiscus Tea

Infused with flavonoids, nutrients and other minerals, the flowers of the Hibiscus helps in limiting the process of absorbing carbohydrates and fats in the body.  Instead of allowing the absorption of carbohydrates and fats, the hibiscus breaks them down so that the body flushes them out.

7. Yerba mate

A traditional drink in South America, this herb is widely enjoyed as a beverage similar to coffee. Just like coffee, it energizes the body with caffeine. It also increases the body’s metabolism and the rate at which it burns calories.

8. Grape Fruit

According to researches this fruit contains fat burning properties and its flavonoid content Naringenin balances the blood sugar levels to stop metabolic syndrome that can hasten your accumulation of fat.

9. Kelp Seaweed

This secret herb comes from the land of the rising sun – Japan.  It is used often and is present in their diet which can be seen in their people. The iodine content of Kelp keeps the thyroid glands stimulated affecting your metabolism which means you can burn calories at a faster rate.

10. Cayenne Pepper

The spicy appeal of cayenne pepper is what helps fight obesity. It lessens calorie intake and minimizes fat tissue. It also combats the buildup of fat by promoting helpful protein process within the body.