Herbs To Boost Metabolism

Herbs and, more recently, supplements have always been cherished as a simple way to boost the metabolism or slow it down. People often get confused over what is meant by boosting or slowing down the metabolism but in most cases the desired result is to lose weight. Boosting the metabolism will mean that your metabolism uses more calories so the pounds won't pile on. Slowing the metabolism means that the body doesn't need as many calories so the person won't eat as much. In both cases they hope to lose or at least stabilize their weight. This article will discuss herbs that boost metabolism or slow it down in this context.

The current wonder supplement that doesn't so much boost the metabolism but convinces the brain that the body is not hungry is hoodia gordonii. The active ingredient is called P57 and it is sourced from the hoodia cactus plant native to Southern Africa. It was initially used by Bushmen tribes in the Kalahari desert as an appetite suppressant. There have been many reports on the plant and much anecdotal evidence suggest that it is effective in suppressing appetite with no side effects. Much hype has created products that claim to use hoodia gordonii but in fact have little or no P57 in the product. It seems to work but only if you are using the genuine article.

Green tea is also touted as a weight loss herb. It is known to increase the metabolism because it has polyphenols (epigallocatechin gallate or EGCG). This substance is thought to increase the amount of energy that the body needs to process food and increases fat oxidization. Green tea contains caffeine that is also touted as a weight loss supplement but has side effects if taken too much.

Another herb that has a large amount of caffeine as it's active ingredient is Guarana. This a plant that is native to Brazil. It is generally regarded as safe according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It is thought to curb appetite and can be taken as a powder or capsule form but is more commonly associated with energy drinks.

Speaking of energy drinks, a popular ingredient that is common in these drinks is Taurine. This is an amino acid that has a number of effects on the body. The purpose of Taurine in energy drinks is to decrease muscle fatigue thus giving more energy. Increasing muscle is a good way to increase metabolism. Studies in mice and rats have shown that Taurine can prevent weight gain and decrease blood sugar levels.

Cayenne Pepper has an active ingredient called Capsaicin. This is thought to increase the metabolism of dietary fats and suppress appetite. It can be found in supplement form but is just as easy to use in cooking. It makes food hot in a spicy sense and is used in many popular cuisines throughout the world.

Of course, taking these supplements and herbs won't have a dramatic affect on your weight or metabolism unless your diet is balanced and provides the right amount of calories for your age, sex and physical activity. Exercise is also important in boosting the metabolism and should be taken as often as possible.

Find out more about how to speed up your metabolism at http://www.metabolismmadeclear.com Adrian Whittle writes about food, nutrition and metabolism, including symptoms of slow metabolism.