The best spices for weight loss are those that either directly influence weight loss itself, or that aid in some way with digestion or other supportive factors to aid in shedding those unwanted pounds.

But the VERY best spices for weight loss also taste good! Best selling author David Zinczenko recommends the following list in his book, “Zero Belly Diet: Lose Up to 16 lbs. in 14 Days!” which I shamelessly plug with . But, I have to admit I haven’t read it, so buy at your own risk. It definitely has a snazzy title anyway. But, whether it’s good or not, this list of weight loss spices is outstanding, see what you think. He calls them “Zero Belly Spices.”

Here they are in reverse order, from his list of 6th to 1st.

Best Weight Loss Spices #6…

Ginger

I can hear my mother shouting, “I told you so!” right now. She loves ginger, and as it turns out so should you. Studies prove ginger helps with a variety of gastrointestinal symptoms. Here’s a few things that make fresh Ginger well worth adding to your next shopping list:

-it’s a great stomach ache remedy

-accelerates gastric emptying

-It’s delicious in marinades and salad dressings

-Ginger tea is a yummy, soothing health drink

Best Weight Loss Spices #5

Black Pepper

Now, this one surprises me as my own research (done long ago) lead me to believe that black pepper was of little nutritional value, and irritated the stomach. But, not so according to more recent scientific studies. Note though that the latest research was done using black pepper grinds crushed in a peppermill. Picture a black tied weaiter with a two foot long wooden one leaning over your table…but of course you can buy your own small pepper mill and load it up with pepper grinds yourself.  Here’s a few benefits of black pepper:

-Reduces inflammation

-Aids an upset stomach

-Contains Piperine, which may have the profound ability to interfere with the formation of new fat cells! Sweet!

-Can reduce waist size and body fat

-May reduce cholesterol

Best Weight Loss Spices #4

Cayenne

I’ve been a fan of Cayenne for years, as a matter of fact it’s been my go to pepper, and I generally find something to put it on every day. I can’t eat eggs without cayenne anymore, and every time somebody mock me for it I tell them to try it, and every one of them becomes a believer.

But not only does Cayenne add a spicy, delicious kick to lots of foods, the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that daily consumption of capsaicin, the chemical that makes cayenne hot, improved abdominal fat loss. Benefits include:

-Natural appetite suppressant. One study showed that men who ate cayenne flavored appetizers ate 200 less calories in their next meal.

-Contains capsaicin, a natural thermogenic.

Try it on grilled fish, eggs, meat, and consider buying it as a supplement from the health food store, and taking it as a pill if you can’t tolerate spicy foods.

Best Weight Loss Spices #3

Cinnamon

I have taken a teaspoon of cinnamon daily for about 5 years. I often add it to my protein shakes, and although I don’t eat much bread, when I do I toast it, and put a little honey and cinnamon on… very yummy.

Benefits include:

-Powerful antioxidants called polyphenols that have been shown to alter body composition

-Weight loss

-Menstrual aid for women with excessive bleeding

-Improved insulin sensitivity

-Reduced accumulation of belly fat

-May help stabilize blood sugar levels

-Reduces cravings

-Reduced cholesterol

-Increased circulation

-One European study found that those who took a teaspoon of cinnamon daily got sick far less often than those who didn’t

So, don’t just sprinkle cinnamon on oats, toast, apples and chocolate, but try to get a full teaspoon daily. There’s a great article here, “263 things to do with Cinnamon” that has all kinds of great ideas.

Best Weight Loss Spices #2

Coriander

Not to put too fine a point on it, but think of coriander as natures natural Pepto-Bismol. It contains a unique blend of oils that work like over-the-counter meds to relax digestive muscles and alleviate an overactive gut. Helps with:

-IBS (irritable bowel syndrome)

-Constapation

-Skin inflammation

-Cholesterol

-May aid eyesight

Use it in marinades, salad dressings, and soups.

Best Weight Loss Spices #1

Mustard Seed

According to whfoods.com, the lowly mustard seed is the healthiest food in the world! No wonder Jesus kept telling stories about it! Anyway, this one is number one for a reason. Scientists at Oxford (that means they must be super smart), claim that just one teaspoon can boost the metabolism by up to 25 percent for several hours after eating. Many studies have concluded that it also may provide the following health benefits:

-Anti-inflammatory

-Anti cancer effects

-Inhibits growth of cancers in the gastrointestinal tract

-Excellent source of selenium, which can help with the severity of asthma

-Can decrease symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis

-Lowers blood sugar

-Reduced frequency of migraines…

Actually, the list is really long, so you get the idea. Eat mustard seed, it’s really good for you.

Use the seeds or powder as a condiment (duh), mix powder with water to activate an enzymatic process that enhances it’s potency and heat, marinate chicken in it, and try it on salmon or rice. The possibilities are endless, so also use The Google to discover lots of other uses of mustard that will fit your taste.

To your health and success!

Dave Sherwin