Five Great Ingredients With Natural Weight Loss Properties

If you’re one of the millions of people around the world who have ever tried to lose weight, then this article will be of interest to you. In it, we’ve rounded up 5 common ingredients that have natural weight loss properties. By bringing these ingredients into your kitchen and incorporating them into your diet, you can facilitate a lifestyle that encourages ongoing weight loss.

So without further ado, let’s take a look at 5 natural weight loss ingredients –

1. Cayenne pepper

This spicy seasoning is made from dried and ground cayenne peppers and brings a kick to any dish. It’s popular in Cajun cooking, Mexican cooking, and many more cuisines. It’s also used frequently in chilli sauces, thanks to the high and natural spice levels.

But did you know that cayenne may also be beneficial in a weight loss context?

This is thanks to its thermogenic properties: Thermogenesis is a natural process through which your body temperature increases. Often this process is in response to cues like stress, low temperature, or other situations where your body requires more energy.

In a weight-loss context, this slight increase in heat translates to your body burning more calories than it would otherwise. And with daily caloric expenditure being a key factor in determining weight loss, any increase in the amount you burn each day tips the scales in your favour.

2. Konjac fibre

This fibre, also known as glucomannan) occurs naturally in the root of the elephant yam, and when extracted, can be made into a fine powder. When you add the powder to the liquid, it absorbs some of it, expands, and forms a gelatinous texture.

While the gelatinous texture is useful for thickening sauces and similar cooking components, it’s the expansion that holds an interest in a weight-loss context.

And here’s why –

When you eat something containing konjac fibre (or take an appetite suppressant with glucomannan), the fibre expands slightly in contact with the liquid in your stomach. This expansion pushes against the fullness receptors in your digestive system and helps you to feel full sooner than you would have otherwise.

This means you feel the need to eat less overall and ingest fewer calories at mealtime.

And again: With caloric intake determining weight loss, reducing intake with a natural ingredient is a great way to get results!

3. Caffeine

Do you enjoy a nice, strong cup of black coffee in the morning? Or maybe you like to have a latte in the early afternoon? Or even a cup of organic matcha green tea!

Whatever your preference, any hot drink containing caffeine may hold the keys to unlocking a little extra weight loss from your diet.

This is because caffeine, the humble chemical that gives us that little kick when we have a coffee, is another thermogenic ingredient.

That’s right: Just how cayenne pepper may boost your body temperature slightly and promote the burning of a few extra calories, caffeine may do the same.

Now, we don’t advocate drinking cup after cup of coffee to boost your internal temperature a little bit. Caffeine, when consumed in excessive amounts, can cause all sorts of negative side effects, from jitters and restlessness to anxiety and mood disturbances.

We will say, though, that having a cup or two of coffee a day may give your daily caloric expenditure a little upwards nudge, which in the pursuit of weight loss, is always helpful.

4. Turmeric

This vibrant yellow spice, also known as the Golden Goddess in some cultures, is popular for all sorts of claimed health benefits. As well as being renowned for reducing swelling and inflammation, turmeric is thought to have thermogenic properties, too. (Another one!)

So, if you’re not a fan of high spice levels or the caffeine buzz, incorporating turmeric into your cooking could be a good way to get the thermogenic effect without the negatives.

And with such a versatile ingredient, you won’t struggle to find a place for it.

Turmeric goes well in tons of different curries, sauces, stocks, and broths. Its colour and taste are both distinctive, meaning that it lends itself well to all sorts of dishes from an array of cuisines. If you’re an inquisitive chef who likes to try new things in their kitchen, then you’re in for a treat with turmeric.

5. Ginger

This iconic root packs a powerful punch and has noted weight loss effects. Ginger has been used in folk medicine around the world for a long time thanks to its vibrant heat, and its ability to ease all manner of digestive complaints. In fact, just one glass of ginger water a day is linked to a stronger digestive system, and fewer symptoms like nausea and indigestion.

And while ginger water may not sound particularly appetising, the ingredient is versatile enough that you can ingest it in many other ways. Why not boil up some water, and add honey, lemon, and ginger? As well as being a fantastic remedy for colds and sniffles, this drink delivers ginger in a far more tasty fashion.

Or if you’re looking for something to chew, why not try candied ginger peel? This snack may be something of an acquired taste, but once you acquire it, we’re sure you won’t look back.

There you have it!

Losing weight doesn’t need to involve strict diets, and foregoing your favourite foods. It doesn’t need to involve taking the fun out of eating, and it certainly doesn’t require you to sacrifice your kitchen creativity!

The ingredients above are just five of many that have natural weight loss properties, and we heartily encourage you to keep looking for more. Cooking for weight loss can be a fun and creative endeavour, where you can unleash your culinary skills to achieve great things. So whether you add a little extra cayenne spice, an extra spoonful of turmeric to your next curry, or something else entirely, we hope you enjoy bringing this weight loss mindset into your cooking.