Are you still adapting to the new way of “stay home” lifestyle? Isn’t it difficult, not to go to the gym and still manage to keep yourself fit? Well, no worries. Even being home, Ayurvedic herbs and spices can boost your body’s metabolism, and keep a check on your weight.
It’s understandable, dealing with work from home, kids being around all the time, and running household errands, you might be hardly getting any time to take care of your health and fitness.
Working for hours, sitting at the same place, can cause you to put on weight and many other lifestyle diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
To keep those problems at bay and boost your metabolism, take the Ayurvedic approach.
Ayurveda - " The Science of Life "
Ayurveda science considers the functioning of the human body holistically. Ayurveda is known to be the oldest healing science which means “The Science of Life”.
Ayurveda science of self healing, emphasizes on maintaining the balance of body, mind, and consciousness.
Ayurveda Body Type
According to Ayurveda, your body is based on three types of energy or functional principles. These concepts are derived from Sanskrit, which are:
Vata – The energy of movement
Pitta – The energy of digestion and metabolism
Kapha – The energy of lubrication and structure.
The central concept of Ayurveda is governed by the theory, that you are healthy if there is a balance between these three fundamental elements or Doshas called – Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.
Absence of proper cellular function due to an excess or deficiency of these elements is the cause of your disease, according to Ayurveda. The toxins present in your body can also be the reason for the disease.
In Ayurveda, the metabolism of your body is governed by the Pitta Dosha. “Pitta Dosha” is represented by the ‘fire’ element in your body. It governs digestion, absorption, nutrition, assimilation, metabolism, and body temperature.
So, to keep your body’s metabolism work perfectly, you need to ensure that the Pitta Dosha is in balance.
How does Ayurveda help in boosting your metabolism
How often you have noticed, that your friend eats much more than you but remains slimmer. While you keep sweating in the gym, you still can’t lose weight. Envious, isn’t it? It’s all because, of your body’s metabolism.
Metabolism is the rate at which the calories you consume, are broken down to produce energy. In other words, the faster the metabolic rate, easier is the absorption of calories in your body and easier to burn fat.
Digestion and Metabolism
The science of Ayurveda believes that, proper digestion of food is the key to your good health. When your digestive and metabolic process doesn’t function adequately, it creates a metabolic waste called Ama.
Ama is a term denoting a product that is an undigested form derived from food. It gets absorbed into your system without proper assimilation. Consequently, Ama causes a host of health issues, including inflammation in your body.
According to studies, metabolism tends to decline, as you grow older. Sluggish metabolism leads to the accumulation of body fat, lethargy, loss of appetite, chronic fatigue, and unexplained weight gain.
You can increase your body’s metabolism by adopting these simple remedies. Augment your diet with some of these Ayurvedic herbs and spices from your kitchen, and you are good to go. It will keep the Pitta Dosha in check and give a boost to your body’s metabolic rate.
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Some health benefits of consuming Ayurvedic herbs and spices
Ayurveda science emphasizes prevention and encourages you to maintain your health through close attention balance in your life, right-thinking, diet, lifestyle, and the usage of herbs.
Health Benefits Of Ayurvedic Herbs And Spices
- Help in weight loss
- Purify the blood and detoxify the body
- Improvement in digestion
- Help fight cancer
- Boost mental health
- Help retain glowing skin
- Improvement in vitality
- relieves cough and cold
How Ayurvedic herbs and spices help in boosting metabolism
Adapting to the new “stay home” lifestyle, starting your fitness regime, staying home, would be a good idea.
- Exercise regularly or practice yoga, and eat a balanced diet to boost your body’s metabolism.
- You give a significant boost to your metabolism, as you burn fat and build muscles.
- However, with a sluggish metabolism, you need to put an extra effort from your side.
- To speed up your metabolism, adding a few herbs and spices in your diet may bring the world of a difference.
Ayurvedic Herbs and spices for boosting metabolism
According to Ayurvedic herbology, herbs and spices have several benefits for the mind, body and spirit. You can consume these herbs and spices by including it in your diet or use it externally as ayurvedic massage or even as aromatherapy.
Herbs and spices not only contribute to taste and flavor to your food but also boost immunity, improves digestion and metabolism. Also know how Ayurvedic herbs can be effective as a home remedy for dandruff.
What Should You Eat to Boost Metabolism
Let’s see what herbs and spices you need to include in your diet, and, how it helps in boosting your body’s metabolism.
Here are some herbs and spices you must incorporate in your daily routine for a healthy lifestyle.
1. Ginger
Ginger is known to be used widely in the Asian kitchen for cooking and in preparation of Ayurvedic medicine for ages. Ginger has been known to exert a powerful therapeutic and preventive effects, for the treatment of hundreds of ailments.
- Studies believe, that there is evidence for the effectiveness of ginger as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory agent, anti-nausea compound, anticancer agent, and effective against many other diseases.
- Ginger contains certain compounds like gingerols and shogaols that stimulate your biological activities when you consume it.
- It is one of the well-known Ayurvedic remedies for cough.
- Gingerols in ginger also help in stabilizing your blood sugar levels.
Ginger for weight management
- Due to its ability, to stimulate digestion and suppress appetite, ginger is believed to help in promoting weight loss.
- A study has shown that people who consumed ginger, stayed fuller for a long time as compared to those who didn’t.
If your goal is to lose weight, ginger can give you the best results when used in combination with other ingredients.
Here are some ginger combination drinks or tea which will help you lose weight.
Ginger- lemon tea
Ginger and lemon both help in suppressing hunger will stop you from munching now and then and thus help you lose weight. Ginger will also add a distinct flavor to your drink.
How to use:
- Boil a cup of water and add some grated ginger to it. Boil it for some time.
- Once the mixture cools down, squeeze a lemon to it and your Ginger- Lemon tea is ready.
- To attain the maximum goodness, have it for 2 to 3 times a day.
Ginger Green Tea
It’s no more a secret that green tea helps in weight loss by boosting your metabolism. When ginger is added to your green tea, its weight loss benefits increase even more.
How to use:
- Add grated ginger to green tea, while brewing it.
- Drink it 2-3 times a day to promote weight loss
2. Cinnamon (Dalchini)
In addition to its culinary uses, cinnamon is also used as Ayurvedic medicine.
- It is believed to be a remedy for respiratory, digestive, and gynecological ailments.
- Studies have demonstrated its several health effects, like anti-inflammatory properties, anti-microbial activity, antiparasitic, antioxidant, and wound healing properties.
- Additionally, cinnamon may also help you lower your blood glucose, cholesterol, and blood pressure.
The aromatic sweet and spicy herb helps increase your digestive fire and your body’s metabolism, thus helping in weight loss. Since it has a warm quality, you should consume it in a moderate quantity.
Cinnamon Tea
Incorporate this flavorful cinnamon in your diet to complement a healthy diet and weight loss regime Here is the simplest way to add cinnamon tea for boosting your metabolism.
How to prepare cinnamon tea:
- Boil a cup of water with a cinnamon stick added, till the flavor gets infused in it.
- Add 1 teaspoonful of raw honey and a dash of lemon to it and your cinnamon tea is ready.
3. Aamla
Amla, also known as Indian gooseberry, is widely used in Ayurveda, usually as juices and powders. It is also predominantly found in the Indian kitchen as pickles and murabba.
Amla being high in Vitamin C, iron, and calcium helps in keeping your immune system strong and improves your skin and hair health too.
Amla is also a well known ayurvedic remedy for constipation. Consuming amla regularly, which helps you keep issues related to digestion at bay. It also treats constipation.
Amla juice is known to be the best to consume for weight loss.
Amla juice is loaded with nutrients and fibers. So, start your day with this juice on an empty stomach to keep your digestive system on track and accelerate your metabolism.
- Since amla juice is rich in fiber, it will keep you fuller for long and hence will curb binging unnecessarily.
- The alkaline nature of amla helps in cleansing and strengthening your digestive system.
- Consuming amla juice will help you prevent diabetes, and diabetes-induced weight gain, by keeping your blood sugar levels regulated.
All these benefits of amla will help in regulating your body’s metabolism. The faster the metabolism, the faster you use up all your calories, and burn fat.
How to use:
- You might not like to have an amla in raw form due to its bitter taste. Mix 2 tablespoons of juice mixed with a glass of lukewarm water and have it . This will reduce the bitterness of amla.
- Be sure to take it every morning on an empty stomach to derive its maximum benefits.
4. Turmeric
Turmeric is an indispensable spice of Indian households. It is not only preferred for its flavor and color but also its medicinal properties.
- This wonder spice has been widely researched for its immense health benefits and far-reaching impact in treating various blood-related illnesses as well as in enhancing your immunity.
- Turmeric purifies your blood and improves circulation, resulting in improved skin complexion. Due to its antibacterial properties, it becomes a perfect remedy for acne-prone skin.
- The anti-inflammatory compounds can help you eliminate the inflammation in the joints.
Turmeric for weight loss
Turmeric has proven benefits in Ayurvedic medicine. Turmeric balances all the ‘Doshas’, mainly the Pitta Dosha, due to its blood and liver cleansing properties.
Curcumin, one of the active ingredients in turmeric, kindles the digestive fire, reduces Kapha imbalance, and detoxifies your body from Aam (toxins). All these three together strengthen your body’s metabolic rate and, aid in burning fat.
Another way turmeric helps you reduce weight is by regulating blood sugar levels and preventing insulin resistance.
Turmeric Tea
The curcumin compound present in turmeric is the fat burner which will help you speed up your weight loss journey. You must include turmeric tea in your daily diet for boosting your metabolism. Do remember to complement turmeric tea with regular exercise and a balanced diet.
Turmeric-ginger tea
- Add a dash of turmeric and some grated ginger to water and bring it to boil. Once boiled, let it cool down to room temperature before sipping it.
- Drink this turmeric ginger tea daily for effective results.
Turmeric honey tea
Honey is known to have anti-inflammatory properties and suppress appetite and thus will help you lose weight.
- Boil water with a dash of turmeric. Let it cool down to room temperature and then add a teaspoonful of pure honey. Your turmeric tea is ready to drink.
5. Cumin (Jeera)
Cumin is known to promote digestion and improve bowel movements. Cumin secretes enzymes, which break down the fats, carbohydrates, and sugar in your body, keeping your gut healthy.
Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, cumin water can help you in curbing inflammation-induced obesity.
Cumin water detoxifies your body and increases metabolism, thus, assists in shedding weight.
Cumin Water with lime
- Add a teaspoon of cumin(jeera) to a glass of water and leave it overnight.
- In the morning, strain it and add some lime juice. Mix well and drink it on an empty stomach.
6. Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is one of the powerful Ayurvedic herb formulation obtained from winter cherries, often called ‘Indian Ginseng’. One of the best anti-aging herbs, Ashwagandha enhances vitality.
It helps in improving your sleep quality, maintains thyroid functioning, stabilizes blood glucose, reduces stress and anxiety, and increases your stamina. All these functions are crucial for the healthy functioning of your body’s metabolism.
How to use:
- Consuming ashwagandha in its natural form is the best way to reap maximum benefits from it, though it is available in capsules too.
- Take 1/2 teaspoon of ashwagandha powder cooked in milk and sweetened with 1 tsp of raw honey.
- Alternatively, you can add 3-12 gm of Ashwagandha powder in your meals or your tea as well.
But, do remember, that Ashwagandha may cause side effects to some. Be sure to consult your doctor before taking it.
7. Black Pepper
Adding black pepper to your regular diet is probably the easiest way to boost your metabolism. Black pepper contains a compound called ‘piperine’ that improves your body’s ability to burn calories and prevents fat accumulation in the body.
How to use:
- Add, a pinch of black pepper in your meals will help in enhancing the metabolic process of your body.
- Adding black pepper to the tomato juice or soup will further improve the body’s ability to burn calories.
- Sprinkle a little on your tea and it will do miracles to your body.
8. Ajwain
Ajwain is yet another herb that has several benefits. Ajwain seeds have strong digestive properties that improve your digestion and absorption of nutrients in your body.
When the food is not digested properly, it leads to waste and toxic build-up in your body. Consequently, your body’s metabolism becomes sluggish and makes it difficult for you to burn calories. Ajwain helps in detoxication of such deep-seated waste and toxins and thus helps in weight loss.
Ajwain also heals painful joints – it is an excellent herb to address ‘Vata’ issues.
It is an excellent Ayurvedic herb that works as a nerve stimulant and, also, heals painful joints.
How to prepare Ajwain water
- Add 2 teaspoons of ajwain to a glass of water and leave it overnight. In the morning boil it for some time before straining it. Allow it to cool down, before drinking it.
- You can also add Ajwain to your tea, to assist with weight loss.
9. Fenugreek (Methi seeds)
Fenugreek, an important kitchen ingredient, that comes from a legume family. It is known to be effective in boosting your metabolism and digestion.
It also helps in reducing food cravings and suppressing the appetite, supporting weight loss. Studies have found that consuming fenugreek daily, will increase the feeling of fullness and suppress your hunger.
It is particularly, helpful for diabetics, as the fiber-packed seeds enable the delayed release of sugar. Fenugreek seeds are instrumental in improving insulin activity, which is crucial in facilitating weight loss.
How to prepare fenugreek water
- You can include the goodness of fenugreek in your diet is by adding fresh fenugreek leaves in your meals as curry.
- You can also soak a teaspoon of fenugreek seeds in a cup of water overnight and have the water on an empty stomach the next morning.
10. Triphala
Triphala is an Ayurvedic remedy to treat various health conditions. Triphala is a blend of 3 super foods – amla, bibhitaki, and haritaki.
Consuming Triphala creates a laxative effect, which cleanses your digestive system and maintains bowel health.
Triphala helps in reducing the blood glucose level in people suffering from Type-2 diabetes and boosts immunity.
Studies believe, the antioxidants present in Triphala can increase fat burn and boost metabolism. It also helps you get rid of bloating and keeps belly fat at bay.
How to prepare Triphala water
- Add ½ teaspoon of Triphala powder to a glass of water.
- Leave it overnight. Mix well and consume it on an empty stomach in the morning.
Conclusion
You need to understand that the metabolic rate varies from person to person. You should include these herbs and spices, in addition to your fitness regime and balanced diet and not solely. Besides, you should use one or two of these and not all of them at a time.
Get in touch with a dietician or a nutritionist to learn more about various ways through which you can plan your diet to boost your metabolism.
Disclaimer: The information given in this article, is only suggestive and should not be in any case substituted with the doctor’s advice.
Krishna is a Management graduate in Human Resource. She is an avid reader, knowledge seeker, and an adoring mother of two lovely kids.