The superfoods in this article not only have weight loss attributes, but also supreme health benefits that make them ideal members of any healthy weight loss regimen.

chili

The active ingredient in chili called capsaicin is a thermogenic agent that helps speed up metabolism and burn calories and fat. That is why capsaicin is found in many natural weight loss formulas. Capsaicin is also believed to be an appetite suppressant. Two studies led by the same Japanese researcher (Yoshioka et al., British Journal of Nutrition; 1998, 1999), revealed the ability of cayenne pepper to increase the metabolism of dietary fats in women and demonstrated modest reductions in appetite. .

In addition to weight loss properties, capsaicin has been shown to relieve pain, sinusitis, psoriasis, migraines and arthritis, improve circulation and stomach conditions, and inhibit cancer cell growth.

Bee pollen

Bee pollen, around 40% protein with an amazing composition of nutrients, enzymes and phytochemicals, is a virtually complete food. In addition to a plethora of health benefits, it is said to boost metabolism, speeding up calorie burning, and its high lecithin content can help burn fat from the body.

Bee pollen also works as an appetite suppressant as it contains the amino acid phenylalanine which is known to affect the area of ​​the brain that deals with feelings of hunger and satiety. Unlike the man-made chemical derivative of phenylalanine called phenylpropanolamine that is used in commercial weight loss products, phenylalanine is not addictive and has no negative side effects. Bee pollen also satisfies the appetite and eliminates cravings because it is so rich in nutrients.

coconut oil

Dr. Weston A Price, the Darwin of nutrition, writes: “Replacing the fats you eat now with coconut oil may be the smartest move you can make to lose excess body fat…You can lose body fat unwanted fat by eating more saturated fat (in the form of coconut oil) and less polyunsaturated fat (processed vegetable oils).One of the notable things about coconut oil is that it can help you lose weight.Yes, there is a dietary fat that can actually help you lose unwanted pounds Coconut oil can literally be called a low fat fat.

Coconut oil is unique from animal saturated fats in that it is made up of medium-chain fatty acids that are directly absorbed and used immediately for energy. Raymond Peat MD, author of Coconut Oil and Its Virtues, concludes, “The anti-obesity effect of coconut oil is clear in all animal studies and in my friends who consume it regularly.”

Coconut oil has also been found to benefit a myriad of conditions including diabetes, chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia, digestive disorders, thyroid imbalances, and viral, bacterial, and fungal infections.

Nettles

Nettles contain serotonin, a mood-enhancing neurotransmitter that has a calming influence. Serotonin also plays a role in the feeling of fullness one experiences after eating, thus it works as an appetite suppressant. It is for this reason that serotonin supplements have been designed to combat food cravings and help you lose weight.

Studies have shown a direct relationship between obesity (due to overeating) and decreased brain serotonin levels. This is certainly one of the reasons why nettles have a traditional reputation for enhancing weight loss. The late naturalist and wild food collector Euel Gibbons states that “nettle is very effective in shedding extra pounds.”

Nettles are incredibly rich in minerals and cleanse and detoxify the body. They are also great for skin, hair and nails as they contain the beautifying mineral sulfur.

Chocolate

Cocoa (also known as plain chocolate) contains chemicals that increase serotonin levels in the brain and, as such, has appetite-suppressing properties. Serotonin levels are increased in part due to the amino acid tryptophan in cocoa, as well as the action of inhibitors of the enzyme monoamine oxidase (MAO inhibitors). These decrease our body’s ability to break down serotonin, so more of this neurotransmitter stays in the brain, creating feelings of fullness for longer.

Cocoa is also exceptionally rich in antioxidants, has potent aphrodisiac properties, healthy minerals and mood-enhancing compounds such as PEA, the ‘love chemical’.

Pure unrefined chocolate does not contain any of the detriments of commercial products such as sugar, hydrogenated fats, milk, additives, agrochemicals and solvents.

Green Tea

A study published in the December 1999 issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, led by Dr. Dullo of the University of Geneva, indicates that substances in green tea extract may actually promote weight loss. Men who received a combination of caffeine and green tea extract burned more calories from fat than those who received caffeine or placebo alone.

Scientists believed that the catechin flavonoids in green tea may alter the body’s use of norepinephrine, a chemical transmitter in the nervous system, to increase the rate of calorie burning. They concluded: “Green tea has thermogenic properties and promotes fat oxidation beyond that explained by its caffeine content per se.”

Green tea also lowers cholesterol, reduces the risk of stroke, protects against cancer, prevents cavities, and has anti-inflammatory action.

Omega 3 Fish Oil

Omega-3 oils support numerous bodily processes and are particularly good for the immune system and the heart, as well as arthritis, skin conditions, premenstrual tension, mental function, improving memory, and reducing depressive symptoms. Omega 3 oils also play a role in burning fat within the body and as such can help with weight management.

This is due to its effects on insulin, reducing levels in the body. Insulin promotes the use of fat for storage and reduces the use of fat for fuel, therefore lower insulin levels mean more conversion of fat for energy rather than storage.

The best sources of Omega-3 oil are fatty fish such as sardines, salmon, and mackerel. Plant sources include flaxseed (the richest plant source), walnuts, pumpkin seeds, leafy green vegetables, evening primrose oil, wheat germ, and spirulina.

I would also recommend a mostly raw food (plant based) diet and an alkaline diet for healthy weight loss.