Obesity And Herbalism

Since obesity is higher than ever before, there is a larger demand for researchers to find “quick fixes” or concoctions to help combat this. Obesity often leads to heart disease so companies are looking more at ways to help people lose weight. One of the ideas they are looking at is herbalism and its remedies.

Herbalism is the practice of traditional medicine using plants and plant extracts. Herbalism also encompasses the use of bee and fungal products, as well as shells, certain minerals, and some animal products. An herbal remedy is a concoction of herbal ingredients used to treat sickness, disease, and even psychological disorders. Many of the medicines we use today, like aspirin, have a long history in herbalism.

Among the many remedies for weight loss is the newest on the market, the acai berry. Many ads claim the acai berry is successful for rapid weight loss. To date there are no studies to back this information up. Dr. Oz, Oprah Winfrey’s famous physician, has even suggested it but also recommends that people do research. The acai berry, harvested from the acai palm tree twice a year, is a good dietary supplement, but because there is no research to back up its exact benefits, one must use caution and moderation in consuming it.

One of the most commonly known herbs recommended for weight loss is ginseng. Ginseng is what is known as a food stimulant. What that means is that is helps speed up the way in which your body processes food. Ginseng also has the added benefit of boosting your energy which, in turn, could lead to more exercise and added weight loss.

The trumpet tree or Tabebuia impetiginosa has also recently been discovered as an herbal weight loss remedy. Extracts from this tree can actually delay the absorption of fat by the body’s cells in animals. The body still processes the good nutrients and more of the bad fat passes through into waste. BY doing this, it is also reducing the levels of triglycerides in our bodies, which is normally stored in fat cells. Lower levels of triglycerides leads to a lower risk of heart disease and diabetes.

One of the least known herbal remedy is honey. Few people realize the many benefits of honey. In weight loss, honey actually gets the extra fat moving along so it can be used up in energy. Honey has 22 amino acids and many minerals that are necessary for it to be metabolized by our bodies. These amino acids and minerals are what help prevent obesity. Many people believe that drinking a teaspoon of honey mixed with lemon juice helps to speed up your metabolism in the mornings and helps to prevent cellulite. One teaspoon of honey and one teaspoon of cinnamon dissolved in a cup of boiling water is also touted as helping with weight loss.

Whatever route one decides to take in trying to lose weight, research is always advised. Following ads on television, the internet, or magazines is never recommend without knowing what you are getting in to. Many of these herbal remedies are new and so little is known about them scientifically. Do your research, find something you like, and then speak with your doctor.