5 herbs that cut fat, and can help lose belly flab

Weight loss is a cumbersome, and complicated process that depends on multiple factors like age, metabolism, activity level, etc. While diet remains one of the key elements of weight loss, following the right one is of paramount importance. While we pay a lot of attention to what we eat, we often ignore the way our food is prepared, and the right ingredients we should add, to aid weight loss. Do you know that some herbs and spices too, can help in weight loss? Use these in your food everyday for maximum benefits...

The good old haldi, known for its antibacterial properties, can burn fat too! Its main active ingredient, curcumin, helps your body burn fat by increasing heat in your body, which boosts your metabolism. This process is called thermogenesis. Turmeric also reduces inflammation and can help lower cholesterol, making it easier for you to lose weight and keep your body healthy. You can add turmeric to almost anything (which normally we do), and even add a pinch to your milk before sleeping.

Ginger controls blood sugar, which means you’re less likely to have cravings after eating sugary or carb-rich meals. Ginger also helps your body burn fat in a similar way to turmeric. It can make you feel full, so you eat less, and it also helps with digestion. Try adding fresh ginger to any sabji you make, or the good old adrak chai.

Cayenne pepper is a type of chili pepper that contains capsaicin, the compound that makes it spicy. Capsaicin raises your body temperature, which helps you burn more calories and fat. It also helps reduce hunger by lowering the hormone that makes you feel hungry. Sprinkle cayenne pepper on toasts, soups, or roasted nuts to give your meals a spicy boost and help with weight loss.

Fenugreek or methi is rich in fiber, which helps you feel full for longer and reduces your appetite. Studies show that eating fenugreek can lower the amount of fat you eat and help control your blood sugar. You can add fenugreek seeds or leaves to curries, dals, or even make fenugreek tea.

Cumin or jeera helps speed up weight loss by boosting your metabolism and helping your body burn more fat. Research shows that adding just one teaspoon of cumin to your meals each day can help burn up to three times more body fat. While most of our sabjis and daals use jeera, you can also dry roast, grind it and add to soups, stews, or sprinkle it on roasted vegetables.