“Humans live on one-quarter of what they eat, on the other three-quarters, lives their doctor” Egyptian pyramid inscription 3000 BC
Obesity mainly comes from eating too much of the wrong types of foods and a sedentary lifestyle. Fibre is one of the most important natural foods which is often lacking in modern diets and that, along with too much protein, sugar and processed refined foods, that have had the important nutrients stripped out, can all lead to weight gain.
Labour saving gadgets have made life too easy and internet shopping has made this problem increase further as now people do not even have to leave their homes to buy what they need. Advertising, TV, social media and computer games also have a part to play in the gradual rise in obesity that has taken place since these factors were invented.
Standing or walking can stop weight being gained but, nowadays, sitting is more prevalent. The expense of gyms and sports clubs means that many cannot afford an active pastime anymore which obviously will lead to obesity for those with lower incomes. The less healthy junk food is cheaper too which amplifies the problem further.
To make matters worse, the overweight person decides to starve their body of food or try fad diets to try and lose pounds. They suffer immeasurable discomfort believing that the idea of lowering the calorific content of their daily diet is all they need to do. They even push their weakened body into hard exercise putting further strain on organs that are starved of vital nutrients.
The body needs a wide range of compounds to be an efficient machine. These compounds are tiny molecules which work with each other to manufacture various substances and components, react against invasions of bacteria, viruses and fungi, control the metabolism and hormones and tell the body’s cells what to do and when. If these compounds are not consumed when required, the system will go wrong.
Some vitamins, minerals and other nutrients are required on a daily basis, some every few days and some just once a week or so to top up stores. No one knows, as yet, exactly what is needed when because everybody is so different in metabolic rate, muscle, height and bone and organ size so ensuring that all have been consumed when they are required is very difficult.
Extra weight puts a strain on all organs in the body especially the liver, heart, lungs and kidneys. It will also cause problems for the bones and joints and can lead to severe depression, loss of self-confidence and other mental health disorders. Sometimes it is because of a mental health disorder that someone turns to comfort eating and gains weight in the first place.
What are the health disorders caused by obesity?
Fortunately, there are some natural foods that can help the body rectify itself by increasing metabolism and energy levels as well as improving sleep and elevating the mood without the drastic and uncomfortable measures so often taken by overweight people.
A-Z of natural foods that can help with weight loss
Algae and seaweed are very low in calories but exceptionally high in many vital nutrients lacking in today’s land-based crops plus they are not tainted with pesticide residues. They can be purchased in dried powder or flake forms that can be sprinkled on to meals and sandwiches daily as a highly nutritious alternative to salt.
Alfalfa seed sprouts – once a day – highly nutritional, assists in weight loss, purifies and thins the blood. See>> Sprouting greens
Anise can help cleanse the liver and eliminate excess fats in the blood.
Apple cider vinegar cleanses the liver, kidneys and bladder and prevent infections of this area. Regular consumption of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar can also promote weight loss, and it is a good source of acetic acid. Studies have found that obese people who consumed acetic acid daily for 12 weeks enjoyed a significant decrease in body weight, abdominal fat, waist circumference and triglycerides.
The acetic acid also helps prevent build-up of body fat and certain liver fats. Take one tablespoon upon waking in warm water with the juice of one freshly squeezed lemon 30 minutes before consuming anything else.
Artichokes are a natural diuretic which helps the body lose excess water.
Asparagus contains asparigine which is a chemical alkaloid that boosts kidney performance improving waste removal from the body
Aubergine contains important nutrients that eliminate waste and excess fats from the body
Barberry nourishes the liver and gallbladder, helps the bile to flow freely and removes toxins from the bowels.
Barley grass is one of the rare plants that contains vitamin B12 which can be lacking in the diet when meat and dairy is restricted in order to lose weight. Take one teaspoon of powdered organic barley grass powder per day.
Beetroot nourishes kidneys, lowers blood pressure and is a natural diuretic that can help to eliminate floating body fats and fatty deposits.
Berries possess powerful antioxidants which cleanse the blood. Blueberries, mulberries and raspberries are rich in compounds which boost the metabolism and can help shed weight very quickly if consumed throughout the day.
Black currants are a diuretic with a high potassium level.
Brussel sprouts help in stimulating the kidneys and pancreas and results in better cleansing of cells.
Cabbage is known to aid breakage of fatty deposits, especially around the abdominal region.
Carrots are a rich source of carotenoids that speed the metabolic rate of the body and hasten the removal of fat deposits and waste.
Celery nourishes the kidneys and reduces blood pressure and is a very low-calorie food.
Chives are valuable as a blood cleanser and exercise a very strong diuretic action. Never consume when drinking beer as this can irritate the kidneys.
Chlorella and spirulina can help to detoxify the body of heavy metals and provides nutrients, especially minerals, that can stabilise the blood sugar and cholesterol levels. They can also detoxify the liver and cleanse the kidneys which helps with eliminating wastes and fats from the body.
Citrus fruits are rich in compounds which boost the metabolism and can help shed weight very quickly
Cinnamon, together with ginger and lemon as a warm drink can help boost fat loss and metabolism.
Coconut oil (cold-pressed) is an appetite suppressant that helps with fat loss, BMI reduction and waist reduction.
Cucumbers are rich in sulphur and silicon that stimulate the kidneys into better removal of uric acid. Avoid consuming cucumbers with any foods of the nightshade family such as potatoes, chillies, aubergine and tomatoes.
Cumin: Take half a teaspoon in warm water or sauces or on meals everyday lowers blood pressure and purifies and thins the blood.
Dandelion tea: Drink four cups a day with one teaspoon of honey – pour hot but not boiling water from the kettle on a teaspoon of the leaves in a cup and drink. It stimulates the removal of waste/toxins via the bile and the urine and spares the potassium that is otherwise lost with conventional diuretics.
Eggs: Proteins in egg yolks can stimulate the release of a hormone called glucagon that helps to burn fat, in particular belly fat. Note: Egg whites contain avidin which can bind to vitamin B7 (biotin) and cause a deficiency.
Fennel can help cleanse the liver and eliminate excess fats in the blood.
Fig is an antioxidant, laxative, diuretic, highly digestible source of minerals and a blood cleanser.
Flaxseeds and flaxseed oil improves blood flow.
Garlic is a natural diuretic food that aids the breakup of fat.
Ginger lowers blood pressure and purifies and thins the blood.
Grapes (red and black) are rich in compounds which boost the metabolism and can help shed weight very quickly.
Green tea: drink three cups a day as it is a natural diuretic, aids in weight loss and contains an amazing amount of nutrients. It works even better when fresh lemon juice and other detoxifying herbs are added such as anise or fennel. Green jasmine tea can help even further with weight loss.
Hemps seeds are a super food with high nutritional content and have properties which speed up the metabolism, assist circulation, lower blood pressure and help the body burn fat. They are also free of sugar and starch and aid digestion all of which can help when trying to lose weight. They are also one of the rare foods to contain the correct ratio (4:1) of omega-6 (inflammatory) to omega-3 (anti-inflammatory) fatty acids. The western diet is too high in omega-6 fatty acids.
Horseradish speeds up the metabolism.
Hydrangea strengthens the urinary tract and helps regulate its function.
Japanese knotweed is rich in compounds which boost the metabolism and can help shed weight very quickly.
Kombu seaweed is known for its alginate content which has been linked to beneficial effects in preventing obesity.
Krill oil contains vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids that are essential for all the body’s cells to work correctly. Daily consumption of 1000 mg of krill oil can also help with healthy cell membrane formation, hormone production, regulation of blood pressure, blood sugar, liver and pancreas function, immune and inflammatory responses, thyroid and adrenal activity and breakdown and transportation of cholesterol.
Lemon is a natural diuretic which can also regulate heart pressure, cleanse the liver and dissolve certain types of kidney stones. Consume a freshly squeezed lemon everyday as well as the grated zest of half the fruit.
Lingonberries have been proven to help with weight loss.
Liquorice root can help cleanse the liver and eliminate excess fats in the blood.
Mango is detoxifying and diuretic.
Maqui berry is a Chilean ‘super fruit’ which contains the highest number of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds than any other known natural food. It also contains a high number of compounds which boost metabolism, reduce blood sugar, blood pressure and LDL cholesterol. Regular consumption can help to reduce weight dramatically.
Melon is alkalising, mineralising, oxidant and diuretic.
Nectarines are rich in vitamin C which is an important nutrient to aid weight loss. They can also help to reduce cravings for sugar.
Oats contain silica which is a natural diuretic and help with digestion and lower cholesterol levels.
Onions (raw) speed up the metabolism.
Papayas are diuretic and laxative.
Parsley nourishes the kidneys, bladder and urethra and purifies the blood.
Peaches are diuretic, depurative and detoxifying.
Peppercorns: grind onto meals as they help absorb nutrients in food.
Pineapple contains enzymes that help with digestion and can rehydrate the body by providing the electrolytes lost due to perspiration. Only consume fresh pineapple.
Pomegranate juice: four glasses per day, lowers blood pressure, clears arterial plaques and reduces plaque already present on the arterial walls which increases blood flow and in turn this will enhance the metabolism.
Psyllium husks help to expel water and waste, stops constipation and aid in the absorption of nutrients. Take one tablespoon per day for optimum colon health which will also aid in weight loss.
Pumpkin has diuretic properties that does not irritate the kidneys. It also maintains optimum thyroid function and blood sugar levels, lowers LDL cholesterol levels and increases HDL cholesterol levels. Cooking pumpkins destroys their nutritional content and increases the carbohydrate content more than 50%.
Pumpkin seeds are good for bladder and urinary problems, lower LDL cholesterol and increase HDL cholesterol levels in the blood.
Radish (raw) especially daikon speeds up the metabolism, increases removal of waste and protects against high blood pressure and heart disease.
Red clover sprouting seeds grow in jam jar like alfalfa seeds. Cover jam jar in stocking, use elastic band to hold in place and rinse with water daily emptying water out afterwards. Ready in 4 to 5 days. Eat with salads daily, clears congestion in lungs and thins the blood.
Strawberries are a traditional diuretic that also thin the blood and improve blood flow but do not cause intestinal bleeding like aspirin can.
Sunflower seeds protect the heart and is rich in nutrients which can help with excess weight loss. They are an especially rich source of vitamin B1.
Sweet potato helps with weight loss. A new study has shown that they actually reduce the appetite and food intake and provide good nourishment which makes it the perfect alternative to white potatoes. They are a rich source of carotenoids that speed the metabolic rate of the body and hasten the removal of fat deposits and waste.
Tangerines contain nobiletin which has been shown to prevent the build-up of fat in the liver via stimulating the expression of genes involved in burning excess fat and inhibiting the genes which are responsible for manufacturing fat. It also lowers cholesterol levels.
Tea: four cups a day acts as a natural diuretic.
Tomatoes are rich in vitamin C that aid the metabolism and release of water from the kidney to flush out waste as well as carotenoids which are beneficial for the immune system. Cooked tomatoes are best as this releases more lycopene.
Turmeric: Take half a teaspoon in warm water or sauces or on meals every day to lower blood pressure and purify and thin the blood.
Uva Ursi is a natural diuretic that strengthens the urinary system and eliminates excess fluids. It also treats liver and gallbladder inflammation and helps the bile to flow freely. It is also a very mild laxative and removes toxins from the bowels.
Watercress is a nutrient dense natural diuretic which Hippocrates used for his patients.
Watermelon seeds help the body eliminate excess water.
Wheatgrass has anti-inflammatory properties and is beneficial for the reduction of high blood pressure and lowering of cholesterol and cvan help to reduce weight. It can easily be grown as a sprout on the windowsill see the Nature Cures Micro Diet Sprout page.
Whole Grains aid digestion of nutrients, feed the bneficial bacteria in the gut and help to eliminate waste and toxins.
Winged Beans are high in protein and fibre with many other nutrients vital for processes that will help with weight loss.
NOTE: All plant foods that contain fat-soluble carotenoids, such as carrots, peppers, sweet potatoes, tomatoes and other red, orange and yellow vegetables, must be consume with a little cold-pressed nut, plant or seed oil or fish or avocado in order for the carotenoids to be absorbed. Cold-pressed coconut oil is also a good choice.
Nutrients that can help with weight loss
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