Herbs for Weight Loss

These days, if you are overweight the scientific evidence is pretty clear. Do whatever it takes to lose the excess if you want to live long and well. Being of normal weight will not only lead to a healthier lifestyle, but it will also literally reverse or prevent future health problems.

There is a long list of dieting options available. There are exercise programs, exercise machines, dietary supplements, dietary food and drinks, diet pills. There are even soaps which claim to help you lose pounds while you bathe.

One option is to incorporate herbal remedies to improve your body's physiology and help it lose weight. Herbal weight loss products are a great safe option for people who want to lose weight the natural way. Here are some herbal weight loss options that you might want to consider:

1. Herbal Weight Loss Products:

There are a lot of herbal weight loss products available on the market. You can check out the Internet and you will find a lot of herbal weight loss pills and products.

Be careful, however, as most herbal products do not go through a very strict research protocol. That being said, if you do the reading and education yourself there are lots of options that are safe and very effective.

Here are some ingredients and chemicals which make up some herbal weight loss products that you should watch out for, as they might have harmful effects to your health:

> Senna. This is a herbal laxative. Senna is a main ingredient in weight loss teas, and it works by stimulation of the colon. The downside effect of this herb is dehydration. It can also lead to colon problems and can become addictive. Some people, when addicted, are unable to perform bowel movements without it, so watch out. If the herbal weight loss product has senna in it remember to drink lots of water and follow the instructions.

> Chromium picolinate. This is a compound found in herbal weight loss products. Chromium is a nutrient which helps regulate blood-sugar level. However, this ingredient, when taken in high doses, may cause damage in the chromosomes. It can also lead to dehydration. Look for the amount per dosage; it should be small.

> St. John's wort. This supplement increases the production of a chemical in the brain. If not used properly, it may cause eye and skin sensitivity, mild gastrointestinal distress, fatigue and itching. Most products avoid this herb, but if you find it in the ingredient list make sure it is in the micro dosage.

Although a lot of herbal products claim to be safe and natural, it is better to scrutinize the ingredients and research about the effects of the product itself before going for these herbal dietary pills. True health does not come from your doctor; it comes from you taking the time to research and educate yourself on how to become healthy.

2. Organic Food:

In Kelowna, BC, organic food has found its way to more homes and restaurants. Organic food devotees believe that consuming organic goodies help their bodies as well as the environment.

A person who buys organically raised eggs and vegetables claim to be healthier, and they are not spending money on doctors and prescriptions as these keep them healthier and away from the hospital. This could also be an option for weight watchers, as organic food is known to be kinder to your weight than chemically-processed food products. Organic food just simply does not have the chemicals and as a result your body doesn't respond so negatively.

3. Green Tea:

Studies show that intake of green tea, or green tea extracts burns extra calories. Also, green tea with caffeine can increase fat burning by up to 40%, thereby reducing fat.

This is one good option for those who want to lose weight. In one study, people who took green tea were found to lose 2 to 3 times more weight than those who did not drink green tea.

These results show that green tea is a natural product for the treatment of obesity. Thus, it also makes for a healthier dietary option, not to mention the good effects that it has on the body as compared to caffeine. A cup of tea gives an immediate energy lift without the side effects of caffeine.

4. Immortality Herb:

This herb, whose scientific name is Gymnostemna Pentaphyllum, is known to have the following benefits

> increases healthy blood flow
> reduces artery blocks
> aids healthy blood pressure
> increases the rate of fat burning

5. Apple Cider Vinegar

There are pills and food supplements whose main ingredient is apple cider vinegar. Here are the benefits of taking this herbal option:

> weight loss
> improved cholesterol level
> improved high blood pressure
> helps prevent rheumatoid arthritis

There are lots of other options but the above herbs seem to affect weight loss more, and will help you keep your goal of losing the weight you want.

Dr. Alan Jenks is a best selling author and health and wellness specialist. Get his free natural weight loss Tips at http://www.thedoctoristhin.com