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Comedian Covert Bailey once joked that "No diet will remove all the fat from your body because the brain is entirely fat. Without a brain you might look good, but all you could do is run for public office."

In every joke there's a germ of truth. The brain is actually about 60% fat and particularly dependent on Omega-3 fatty acids, DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), to operate efficiently. Lack of these essential fatty acids has been tied to depression, lack of concentration and memory, lethargy, allergies, dry hair and skin, arthritis and weight gain. So there's a downside to low-fat or no-fat diets unless one is very conscientious about differentiating bad fats (especially the trans-fats found in fast food) from the aptly named "essential" fatty acids.

Exercise, another "essential" element in any weight-control program, can be problematical sometimes due to inclement weather, lack of time or facilities, injury or illness. Someone once joked that you burn more calories than you consume when you chew a piece of celery. An exaggeration maybe, but it is possible to use food to boost one's metabolism and burn calories. Herbs and spices especially can play a vital role here.

Herbs that can contribute to weight loss are known as "thermogenic herbs." They work by increasing the flow of blood, oxygen and nutrients to muscle tissue, thus boosting metabolism and energy. Thermogenic herbs are also effective appetite suppressants because they direct blood flow away from the stomach, thus reducing the sensation of hunger.

The following chart lists thermogenic herbs and spices found on your grocery store shelves and in weight loss supplements. Some of the latter need to be considered prudently due to possible negative side effects.

Plantain or Psyllium

How it Works	Other Benefits	Contraindications
A teaspoon in juice or water before meals will induce a full sensation, reducing appetite.	Effective for constipation and candida albicans if used in combination with caprylic acid, bentonite and acidophilus.	Possible allergic reaction.

Cayenne & other Hot Peppers

How it Works	Other Benefits	Contraindications
Research indicates that hot red peppers can boost metabolic rate by as much as 25%.	Improves circulation, relieves gas & colic, stimulates secretion of digestive juices. Fights digestive tract infections. Beneficial for heart & cardiovascular system.	Digestive intolerance in high doses.

Chickweed

How it Works	Other Benefits	Contraindications
Primarily used topically for skin problems, this herb has a sturdy reputation as a slimmer by aiding digestion.	Used in salads, soups & stews this nutritious herb is a rich source of vitamins & minerals.	May cause diarrhea if eaten in very high quantities.

Evening Primrose Oil

How it Works	Other Benefits	Contraindications
Rich source of essential fatty acids, especially GLA (gammalinolenic acid).	Lowers blood pressure and beneficial for PMS and menopausal symptoms.	Epileptics should avoid evening primrose oil.

Dandelion

How it Works	Other Benefits	Contraindications
Root & leaf are powerful cleansing, diuretic herbs, effectively detoxifying the liver, gall bladder & kidneys.	Leaf is very nutritious as a vegetable.	None.

Bladderwrack (Kelp)

How it Works	Other Benefits	Contraindications
Boosts metabolism by increasing production of the thyroid gland.	Nutritious herb used as an anti-goiter remedy. Reputedly helpful for rheumatism.	Do not take if pregnant or breast-feeding or suffering from hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid).

Aloe Vera

How it Works	Other Benefits	Contraindications
The anthraquinones in aloe juice are strongly laxative.	At low doses aloe stimulates digestion.	At high doses aloe can be powerfully laxative and purgative.

Astragalus

How it Works	Other Benefits	Contraindications
Endurance tonic and energy booster.	Powerful immune stimulant.	Do not use with fever or if suffering from autoimmune disease.

Ginger

How it Works	Other Benefits	Contraindications
Stimulates circulation and increases sweating.	Excellent digestive aid. Also warming and soothing for coughs, colds, flu etc.	None

Green Tea

How it Works	Other Benefits	Contraindications
Green tea's antioxidant EGCG (epigallocatechin-3-gallate) stimulates the body to burn calories, notably fat. In a Swiss study, a daily dose of 270mg EGCG (the amount in 2 to 3 cups of green tea) caused men to burn 4% more energy - about 80 extra calories a day. Green tea did not increase heart rate, and the calorie burning was not due to caffeine.	Rich source of antioxidants indicating value as a protection against cardiovascular disease and some cancers.	In very high doses there may be a negative reaction to the caffeine content.

Ephedra (Ma Huang)

How it Works	Other Benefits	Contraindications
Powerful stimulant, raising blood pressure and increasing sweating.	Decongestant	Dangerous herb, especially for anyone with high blood pressure or heart problems. Not recommended

Guarana

How it Works	Other Benefits	Contraindications
The xanthines in guarana are stimulants, diuretic & reduce fatigue.	Relieves migraine & tension headache.	Same cautions as ephedra. Guarana will also inhibit the body's natural restorative powers over long term and the tannins will impair nutrient absorption. Not recommended.

Kola Nut

How it Works	Other Benefits	Contraindications
Contains more caffeine than coffee (2.5%). Stimulates the central nervous system, increasing alertness.	Diuretic and astringent. Used to treat headaches & migraine.	Avoid if suffering from high blood pressure, heart disease or ulcers.

Coffee (caffeine)

How it Works	Other Benefits	Contraindications
Central nervous system stimulant, increasing heart rate & metabolism.	Powerful diuretic. May help migraine & other headache.	Not recommended for those with high blood pressure, acid indigestion or heart palpitations. Can cause insomnia. Depletes adrenals, impairing ability to handle stress in the long term.

Thermogenic Herbs was first published in
Canada's Healthy Living Guide.

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