Studies show many natural herbs can support weight loss programs.
Herbal ingredients have been used for centuries to support metabolic health, appetite regulation, and overall wellbeing. Modern research now helps us better understand how specific plant compounds can influence blood sugar balance, fat metabolism, satiety, and energy expenditure, all key factors in healthy weight management.
The following herbs and plant extracts have been selected based on clinical and scientific evidence demonstrating their potential role in supporting weight loss when combined with a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.
Cinnamon
A Greek word meaning sweet wood, Cinnamon is extracted from the stem of an Asian tree species. Cassia cinnamon is often used in cooking and baking. Ceylon cinnamon has greater health benefits. Research has shown that consuming 3 grams of cinnamon significantly reduced post meal insulin levels at 60 minutes and over 120 minutes, suggesting an improvement in insulin efficiency. Additionally, studies have shown that supplementation with cinnamon significantly reduces BMI and body weight with greater impacts in doses of more than 3 g/day.
Green Tea
Green Tea has been shown to increase thermogenesis (heat production within the body) as well as fat burning. This is due to the compounds it contains - caffeine and ECGC (an antioxidant). It aids with increasing energy expenditure therefore promoting weight and fat loss.
Curcumin
Curcumin is the active compound in turmeric, a spice with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. A meta-analysis and systematic review concluded a significant effect of curcumin supplementation on body weight and BMI. Additionally
the effect of curcumin on waist circumference was significant in other studies done on overweight subjects where the dosage was more than 1000mg a day of curcumin, and for over 8 weeks in duration.
Carob
Carob refers to the seeds and fruit of the carob tree. Carob is a type of tree native to the Mediterranean region. It produces dark brown pods that contain hard seeds surrounded by fruit. The ground powder of this pod is high in fibre. Carob is used to limit feeling of hunger and food cravings and helps to increase feelings of fullness and satiety. This is thought to occur through improving glycaemic control in post meal states therefore better balancing blood sugar levels.
Fenugreek
Fenugreek is a species of plant in the Fabaceae family, where we get legumes like soybeans and peanuts from. Fenugreek extract has been shown to increase GLP-1 activity by over 40 fold as well as enhance GLP-1 signalling. Fenugreek has also been studied in those with type- 2 diabetes and prediabetes with evidence that it is able to improve overall glycaemic control.
Acacia
Consuming dietary fibre can help reduce total fat and visceral fat accumulation. Increased fibre also slows food digestion and absorption and therefore blood glucose spikes after eating. It also increases satiety and encourages fat to be used for energy production rather than be stored. Acacia is type of soluble fibre and a study into the beneficial effect of acacia in those at risk of metabolic syndrome demonstrated decreased appetite, and increased feelings of satiety, as well as decreased energy and carbohydrate consumption and fasting blood sugar levels after patients consumed 20g daily for 12 weeks.
Baobab
Baobab fruit is produced by thebaobab tree and is native to Africa. It is also rich in fibre, especially soluble fibre and has been shown in clinical research to increase natural levels of Akkermansia in the gut which plays a role in metabolic health and weight management with higher levels being found in those who are a healthy weight and lower in those who are overweight or obese.
Olive
Olive fruit extraction of the compound hydroxytyrosol has antidiabetic mechanisms relating to an increase in GLP-1 and insulin signaling. Supplementation with 15mg of hydroxytyrosol exhibited numerous health benefits including statistically significant weight
and visceral (around the organs) fat loss.
Together, these herbal ingredients offer a multifaceted approach to weight management by supporting glycaemic control, appetite regulation, fat metabolism, and gut health. While each ingredient works through a unique mechanism, their combined effects may help promote sustainable weight management and metabolic balance.
To help bring all these evidence‑based botanicals into a practical daily routine, consider adding Viridian Weight Support Complex to your routine. Made with 100% natural, evidenced based ingredients to increase feelings of fullness and satiety, Click here for more informaiton on Viridian Weight Support Complex.
As with any weight-loss support strategy, these ingredients are most effective when used consistently alongside nutritious food choices, regular physical activity, and personalised health guidance.
