The Best Herbal Supplements for Weight Loss

What are the best herbal supplements for weight loss?

There are a number of weight loss supplements that can help with weight loss. This paper recently walked through a comprehensive review of 14 different herbal weight loss supplements, the clinical trials supporting their use, as well as their mechanism.

Of these 17 plants, researchers were able to identify 4 key mechanisms that make these herbs particularly useful for weight loss:

1) Block fat absorption

2) Block the formation of new fat cells

3) Improve cholesterol

4) Appetite suppression

Some of these herbs were found to be incredibly effective for weight loss, over 50 times better than placebo! Others had a very modest impact.

How do these herbs work to promote weight loss through these 4 pathways? Some herbs are able to block enzymes produced by your pancreas which are responsible for fat absorption. These pancreatic lipases typically breakdown fats in your stomach and intestines as you digest them and lead to fat absorption. However, by blocking their absorption, your body will simply excrete these calories!

Other herbs are able to block your body’s ability to form new fat cells, called the inhibition of lipogenesis and adipogenesis. These herbs stop your body from creating new storage for additional fats.

Some herbs can act as carriers for cholesterol. As your liver naturally processes fats and breaks them down into smaller molecules to be absorbed, lots of smaller cholesterol molecules are formed and can coat the inside of your blood vessels as they accumulate. This process, of cholesterol accumulating in your arteries– is responsible for heart disease, vascular disease, high blood pressure, and many other conditions. These herbs can act as scavengers and pick up the leftover cholesterol in your blood vessels!

Lastly, some herbs have natural appetite suppression properties. These properties work by blocking your appetite signaling mechanisms in your brain and stomach– such that smelling food and being around others who are eating is less of a stimulus for you to seek food.

Incorporating these foods into your normal diet is the best way to consume them, as any supplement or extraction advertising a higher potency is likely altering the natural form of the herb and decreasing its medicinal properties.

What are the best herbs for each of these categories?

1) Block fat absorption: Green Tea

Green tea has been shown in multiple studies to have properties of blocking pancreatic lipase enzymes. It is about 22.4 times more effective than placebo as an herbal supplement for weight loss. This study investigated its ability, particularly for mate tea. This study also showed inhibition of pancreatic cells in mice fed a high fat diet.

2)  Block new fat cells forming: Broccoli

Amongst many herbal supplements for weight loss, broccoli has been proven to be 28.6 times more effective than placebo. Broccoli contains many flavonoids and phenols, as well as antioxidants which make it effective at blocking the formation of new fat cells. This study showed the improvement of obesity and fatty liver disease with broccoli. Broccoli, as an herbal supplement, was also experimented with in this study.

3)    Improve cholesterol: Tamarind

Tamarind is a great herbal supplement to decrease cholesterol and improve your lipid profile. In many studies, it has been shown to be up to 1100 times more potent than placebo. This paper showed its potential as an herbal supplement and had stellar results!

4) Decrease appetite: Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a great herbal supplement that can be used for appetite control. In studies, it has been shown to be 17.5 times more potent than placebo. It has no toxicity, even at high doses, and it makes for a delicious snack!

If you are interested in learning more about prescription medications used for weight loss or meeting with one of our providers, you can learn more on our website: https://app.joinmochi.com/eligibility?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=blog_post Our providers are board certified in obesity medicine and have decades of experience with GLP-1 medications, phentermine, and many others.

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