Using Gymnema Sylvestre for Weight Loss: An Expert's Take
Published February 7, 2023.
Gymnema sylvestre is a herb commonly used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for treating various health conditions. Native to India, Africa, and Australia, this plant is now also gaining popularity as a natural remedy that aids weight loss.
This plant is well-known for blocking the sweet receptors of your taste buds and reducing your craving for sugar. Below, read about why Gymnema sylvestre is beneficial for weight loss and what the best ways to use it are from my perspective as a nutritionist.
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5 Benefits of Gymnema Sylvestre for Weight Loss
Gymnema sylvestre leaves are beneficial in many ways—they're traditionally used for treating various ailments such as diabetes and even snakebites. However, let me explain the five ways this plant helps you lose weight faster.
1. Helps With Sugar Cravings
Containing a compound known as gymnemic acid that specifically blocks the taste of sugar on your tongue, this plant decreases your sugar cravings. This helps cut down on sweet and sugary foods, decreasing your calorie intake and aiding weight loss.
To block the sugar receptors on your taste buds, you should take Gymnema sylvestre extracts before consuming a sweet beverage or food item. According to a recent study, those who took Gymnema extract in a fasted state ate less food at their next meal, and their appetite for sweet foods was notably diminished.
What's more, this reduction in the perception of sweet flavors is only temporary, so you don't have to worry about altering your taste buds in the long run.
2. Lowers Blood Sugar Levels
When your body is unable to use insulin correctly to regulate your blood glucose, you end up with high blood sugar and the risk of diabetes. Nevertheless, Gymnema sylvestre helps lower blood sugar with its anti-diabetic properties.
This plant lowers your blood sugar by reducing glucose absorption in your intestines. Just like it does with your taste buds, Gymnema sylvestre blocks the receptors in your intestine that help with glucose absorption. It promotes weight loss by increasing your insulin sensitivity, which in turn improves the regulation of your blood sugar levels and keeps your insulin levels more stable.
3. Stimulates Insulin Production
Anti-diabetic herbal formulations are now gaining popularity over synthetic ones, and Gymnema sylvestre is an herb with much potential for treating diabetes.
Adequate insulin secretion and sensitivity are needed for controlling blood sugar in our system. While insulin production is hampered in some people with diabetes, others have more than enough insulin but suffer from insulin sensitivity or insulin resistance.
Gymnema sylvestre is useful in both these situations because it both naturally enhances insulin production and improves insulin sensitivity.
4. Speeds Up Weight Loss
Gymnema sylvestre encourages your body to burn fat as fuel. Since it's a plant-derived sweetness inhibitor, you'll eat less of sweet foods and take in fewer calories.
With fewer calories to burn, your body resorts to burning stored fat, accelerating weight loss in the process. Plus, you'll be able to make healthier food choices more consistently without the temptation to indulge in high-calorie desserts and chocolates.
5. Promotes Healthy Digestion
Another way in which Gymnema sylvestre aids weight loss is by promoting healthy digestion. When your body is able to better absorb and utilize the nutrients in food, your risk of overeating and weight gain is reduced.
Gymnema sylvestre helps improve your cholesterol and triglyceride levels, reducing your risk of obesity and heart disease.
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How to Use Gymnema Sylvestre
Gymnema sylvestre is available for consumption in different forms, including:
- Tea
- Powder
- Capsules
For ease of use, Gymnema sylvestre supplements in the form of capsules like Approved Science's Appetite Suppressant are the obvious choice.
With Gymnema sylvestre as its main ingredient, this supplement will boost your weight loss efforts by regulating your blood sugar levels, decreasing the appeal of sweet foods and reducing your sugar cravings. Plus, with the addition of other helpful ingredients like white kidney beans, you can count on this supplement's to block carbs and boost your metabolism for even faster weight loss.
Optimize Your Weight Loss Efforts With Gymnema Sylvestre
As a nutritionist, I agree that Gymnema sylvestre is a powerful herb for aiding weight loss. However, it should be used as part of a comprehensive approach to weight loss that includes healthy eating, regular exercise, and stress management for the best results.
This plant is generally considered safe for consumption, but make sure to consult your doctor before including it in your weight loss plan if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or have diabetes.
