Spices That Help You Lose Weight

As you have probably heard before, variety is the spice of life. What you may not know is spices might just be the variety that may add life to your diet and help you reach your weight-loss goals. There are specific spices that are believed to have a thermogenic effect on the body--which means they increase the amount of heat your body produces in order to digest them, and that temporarily boosts your metabolism.

The Power of Cinnamon

Cinnamon doesn't just make your latte taste better. According to a 2003 study published in Diabetes Care, cinnamon has been shown to improve the glucose and lipids of those diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Cinnamon has been shown to reduce blood sugar levels as well as reduce overall cholesterol levels including LDL the "bad" cholesterol. Because cinnamon helps reduce insulin levels, it may also be helpful in losing weight, especially in the abdominal area where fat is more sensitive to high insulin levels.

Fire It Up With Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper is another spice that may help boost your metabolism 4. The main ingredient is capsaisin, which is what makes hot peppers spicy. Like cinnamon, cayenne pepper and other hot peppers, which also includes tobasco sauce, cause the metabolic rate to rise and give you an additional fat-burning ability 1.

Shake On Some Paprika

Paprika helps promotes weight loss as well. According to Foodie Goodie Magazine by Ayushveda.com, paprika not only boosts your metabolism, but this red spice that is usually reserved for decorative effect, may also help reduce your appetite and lower your blood pressure 4. Paprika can be sprinkled on other foods besides deviled eggs. Try it on fish, chicken or maybe even add a sprinkle of color to your mashed potatoes.