Have you noticed why almost all Ms. Universe and supermodels come from Latin America? Some say it is because of the many weight loss herbs that can be found in the area like Peru, Paraguay, Uruguay, Brazil and Bolivia such as Yerba Mate (Ilex paraguariensis). Moreover, historians account that its utilization already began since pre European colonization. Earlier habitants like the Guaranis and Tupis had used it as both a medicine and an ornament. However, it is only in 1895, when Moses Bertoni, a Swiss botanist discovered the plant for its scientific value.



Any part of the plant (especially the leaves) is rich in antioxidants, phytochemicals and alkaloids such as theobromine, theopylline and caffeine. So how does Yerba Mate help us achieve a body beautiful and remove some weight?

Antioxidants (as the name implies) inhibits oxidation or loss of electron of chemical compounds. When this happens, lost electrons might bond with other chemicals thus producing the so-called free radicals. These free radicals have unknown charge which is very risky. These might lead to adipose tissue, cancer cells and cause degenerative diseases.

On the other hand, phytochemicals are plant byproducts that are very helpful in maintaining a good and healthy life. The most common example are the phenolic compounds which has an antibacterial property, which leads to good digestion.

Finally, alkaloids help in various physiological functions depending on its type. Take for example, caffeine which promotes good metabolism. Theobromine stimulates the heart to beat normally. Lastly, theophylline helps to have a better respiration.

To enjoy its full nutritional package, most of its consumers brew the Yerba Mate into tea.

However, to maximize the full potency of this weight loss herb, it must be equipped with discipline, commitment and perseverance. This also includes exercise, proper eating, sleep and rest, and good disposition in life.

Hitting two birds with one throw perhaps is the right catchphrase to describe coleus in terms of feeling beautiful inside and out. This perennial plant accentuates every interior space, bouquet or arrangement depending on the species or variety used. There are also hybrid types, which also serve as ornaments and decorations.

Aside, from its aesthetic use, would you believe that this plant is also considered to be one of the many weight loss herbs?

Among ancient Mayans and Aztecs, they used the plant in order to relax the mind. This aided them especially in performing their rituals especially those that required them fasting or abstinence.

No one can actually tell when the exact time or date that Coleus was first studied scientifically. There were only anecdotes that traced its history during British-India occupation. While some say it was brought to Europe via the Galleon trade; another source says that it was first collected for a pharmacologic screening in 1973. Nonetheless, this plant has gained attention from pharmaceuticals nowadays.

So how does coleus work? Coleus contains phytochemicals like forskohlin and other diterpenoids that breaks down fats and prevents deposition of fatty or adipose tissues. As a result it increases the metabolic process of the body and makes a person very active and alert. Thus, this plant is recommended for athletes, policemen and those who require physical fitness. Furthermore, forskohlin stimulates adenlylate cyclase. This enzyme is responsible for learning processes and activating the so-called cyclic adenosine monophospate (cAMP). cAMP in return activates other enzymes to involve other functions of the cells.

However, please take note of its other side effects such as:

• Releases of histamine and other allergic compounds.
• Increases rapid contraction of the heart muscle.
• Relaxes the arteries and other smooth muscles
• Increases secretion of insulin, which can lead to diabetes.

Slimming down, losing weight, becoming fit and staying healthy are the catchphrases of today’s health products. Some claim to be nutritional at the same time in order not to avoid adversities as much as possible. Let us take for example, guar gum. It is considered to be one of the many weight loss herbs that is eyed to be produced commercially to help those who want or need to be in a tiptop shape.



Guar gum is basically a natural byproduct of guar beans, wherein their husks are removed, the seeds are milled and screened. Normally, the gum itself is produced to be white (to off-white) powder. Some turn this powder into capsules and package it as a weight reducing medication for easier absorption.

In a nutshell, guar gum is water-soluble fiber that is a good laxative or purgative agent. Some people claim it is an alternative to papaya, which is also a good promoter of regular bowel movements and eases off constipation and stomach aches due to such. Furthermore, it scraps off excess fats and toxins in the colon. In fact, there are many clinical studies that affirm that intake of guar gum has a significant effect on preventing and lowering colon cancer.

Although guar gum sounds like an anti-obesity alternative, there are some studies also claim that this is not a good jumpstart in weight loss. It is found out that guar gum causes significant variations in our sugar levels. Some pharmaceuticals made use of guar gum as one their components (ingredients) for a weight loss drug formulation.

Other people substitute guar gum rice and other examples of go foods but in smaller proportions. They say eating ½ cup of guar gum is equivalent of 2 cups of rice already in terms of satisfying hunger and of carbohydrates.

At the end of the day, effective weight loss still remains a combination of diet, exercise, discipline, and positivism in life.

One of the weight loss herbs being eyed to be mass produced is Commiphora wightii or guggul. It is no secret that this plant can cure obesity and fat problems especially among South Asians such as Indians, Pakistanis, Sri Lankans, Hindus, etc. It is one of their so called ayurvedic medicines that help restore inner peace (well functioning physical body) and outer peace (positive disposition in life).



Furthermore, from a scientific point of view, guggul has chemicals, which can help solve our weight problem. Basically this plant contains resin, which is a group of nonvolatile organic substances - carboxylic groups that help in processing some proteins and other nutrients. Second, it has volatile oils, which is considered to be the good lipid because it does not undergo saponification or solidifies under certain temperature. Third, it has a gum that functions like a fiber material and scraps of and burns excess fat in the body.

In layman’s taking, guggul literally can help you lose weight. There are also accounts of clinical trials that can show significant effects between consuming guggul and losing weight. According to one website, 58 participants with weight issues have been consented to take this ayurvedic drug for almost a month. Hence, for that duration, a significant weight loss was shown especially those who belong to 90 kg category.

We are already talking about the healing wonder of guggul, but do you really know what it looks like? This plant belongs to the Burseraceae family, which is typically found in Northern Africa, Central and South Asia because it prefers (semi) arid climates. A full grown tree could grow up to 4 meters with thorny branches. The leaves are trifoliate, around 5cm long and 2.5 cm broad. Who knows maybe you already have guggul in your background.

Green tea is one of the most popular weight loss herbs used by more and more people. Drinking of green tea can help in burning calories. Drinking around 3 to 5 cups of green tea per day can burn around 70 calories. This weight loss herb helps in boost the metabolism. There are studies showing an increase of metabolic rate by 4% because of the green tea extracts.



Aside from increasing the metabolism, it also regulates the glucose and fat absorption inside the body. Sugar level may increase after each meal; green tea intake would slow down the rise of blood sugar. It also aids in suppressing and reducing the appetite. This is again cause by the components found in green tea that regulates the blood sugar level.

Daily intake of the favourite cup of coffee with cream and sugar would mean additional calories. Drinking too much of your mocha and frappucinno would definitely have an effect on the numbers in your waistline. Green tea is the best and healthy alternative to the usual morning brew. If you choose to substitute your cup of coffee with green tea, you will see the difference in your waistline within a couple of weeks. If you have issues with caffeine like for those with heart problems and high blood pressure, drinking green tea may not be a good idea.

It is important to note that these weight loss herbs are not magical thing. If you wish to lose weight, you need to keep everything balanced. Do not expect that your thousands of calorie intake in one day will vanish by drinking a cup of green tea. Any diet supplement does not work that way; you have to maintain eating healthy foods and combine with exercise if you wish to shed pounds and keep it off for a long time.

The therapeutic and medicinal value of Aloe Vera has been recognized for centuries already. This succulent plant is rich in natural juices and fiber, which has been the main consideration why it becomes one of the weight loss herbs being utilized nowadays.



Experts say that Aloe Vera has more than a hundred nutritional compounds, which work in synergy. To begin with, let us highlight the top ten chemicals present: amino acids, anthraquinones, enzymes, minerals, lignins, monosaccharide, polysaccharides, salicylic acid, saponins, sterols and vitamins.

The top three in the list has the most direct effect on weight loss activities.

First, amino acids are the building blocks of protein, that is very necessary for our nervous system to function well. Specifically, Aloe Vera has leucine, which regulate cell growth and even instructs our brain to decrease food intake especially in situations that are not stimulating even though the food is delectable. Another amino acid would be glutamic acid, which is again responsible for metabolic processes particularly transamination or the transfer of amino acids.

Furthermore, there are other protein builders present in Aloe Vera: alanine, arginine, cysteine, asparagines, glycine, histidine, proline, serine, tyrosine and aspartic acid. All of which contribute in reducing body mass either as fat burner, metabolism activator, transportation of essential nutrients, psycho-biological agent (like leucine), etc.

Second, the phenolic compounds known as anthraquinones help in achieving good digestion and excretion of wastes. This effect is much evident if one consumes Aloe Vera in great proportions; its purgative effect however, helps flush out toxins and excess fats within our body. Moreover, it has a microbial and anti-parasitic effect which kills hookworms, ascaris and other pests inside our body. The most visible anthraquinones in Aloe Vera are aloin and emodin. These facilitate removal of pus, blood from the wounds and into the anus.

Third are enzymes. These compounds are responsible for breaking down consumed foods in order for our food to absorb the nutrients within it turning them into fuel or store them for emergency cases.

Before, the role of alismataceae is to start the so-called food chain or web. It serves as fodder especially for grazing and herbaceous animals especially in Southeast Asia; while in North America, indigenous people consume this plant. Aside from satisfying our hunger, would you believe that this flowering plant also aids in losing weight?

In China, Alismataceae is called as Ze Xie and is considered one of the best weight loss herbs throughout time. Basically, Oriental medicine believes that Ze Xie is a natural diuretic, which means it aids in flushing out toxins, excess fats, excess water, etc. This is also the reason why people make teas out of it. Furthermore, alismataceae also produces heat so it burns down accumulated fats and at the same time stimulates the metabolic processes. However, don’t overdose, if you don’t want to feel constipated all the time.

In order to understand fully how it works, let us examine its chemical composition. First it has alisol, which is a highly acidic compound. Studies reveal that alisol A 24-acetate and alisol B, which are present in Alismataceae can be used to treat tumors and other unwanted cells such as carcinogens. Listed below are the chemical compounds, which are derivative of alisol and found in the said plant:

• Alisol A
• Alisol B
• Alisol C
• Alosol A monoacetate
• Alisol B monoacetate
• Alisol C acetate
• Epi-alisol A
• 24-Acectyl alisol A
• 23-Acetylalisol B
• 23-Acetyl alisol C

Aside from being expelling out toxins, water etc, do you also know that alismataceae can burn out fats because of its other functions? Chinese experts say that Ze Xie can also:

1. Reduce fats in the blood particularly cholesterol.
2. Prevents hardening of the blood vessels such as the main artery
3. Helps the liver in its cleaning function
4. Lower cases of fever
5. Kills bacteria as well
6. Promote milk secretion