Sunday, January 13, 2008

How to Boost Metabolism with Herbs

Introduction

Do you have a sluggish metabolism? There are many reasons why your metabolism can slow down. These include aging, stress, poor diet, lack of exercise and genetics.

The good news is that there is hope. You can help your metabolism by consuming herbs that help speed it up. These are gentler on the body than weight-loss supplements which typically overload your body with caffeine. The problem with those supplements is that the caffeine can harm your metabolism even more. Try these tips instead!

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

  • Green tea (loose tea or bags)
  • Kelp
  • Mate
  • Ginger
  • Cinnamon
  • Cayenne pepper

Steps

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Step One

Green tea works because it is a thermogenic agent which means that helps you burn more calories above and beyond what you'd normally burn. If you are sensitive to caffeine you can use caffeine-free tea and it will still be just as effective.
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Step Two

Kelp helps boost your metabolism because it contains iodine which is essential for the thyroid. This works especially well if you have a thyroid that is not functioning properly. You can either purchase kelp granules or use kelp (either the flakes or the whole plant) in the food you eat.
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Step Three

Mate is another herb that people use for energy and since it has only a small amount of caffeine, it is good for people who are sensitive to caffeine. Most supermarkets sell mate tea, or you can visit your local health food store. You can find the tea online as well.
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Step Four

Ginger, cinnamon and cayenne pepper are all herbs that have a thermogenic effect just like green tea. However, they should only be used in small amounts. Try to cook every day with at least one of these herbs. For example, you can sprinkle a small amount of cayenne in a stir fry, make a marinade with ginger or sprinkle some cinnamon in some oatmeal.

Tips & Warnings

  • Exercise and eat right to help your metabolism even more.
  • Find new ways to cook with herbs to add variety to your diet and increase the nutritional value of the food you eat.
  • If you have a serious health problem, you may want to consult with your doctor or nutritionist before making changes to your diet and lifestyle.

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