We know that essential oils treat a whole host of conditions from allergies to headaches. When I started my research for this article and I began reading up on which oils were best for weight loss (obviously). There is some evidence that when these oils are inhaled, diffused, or rubbed in key body parts,
they may also help reduce cravings (remember to make sure they are diluted correctly, according to the part of the body, before applying to your skin. Please take note, that you need to be extra careful with citrus oils), burn fat, increase energy, and promote weight loss. Which oil helped curve cravings, which oil could support a healthy metabolism, which oil was good for digestion,
I needed to find out.
Although essential oils are unable to directly make you lose weight they can help promote weight loss, and can enhance your diet and exercise plan in multiple ways, which in turn, can help you to lose weight.
So, if you’re trying to lose extra pounds, you may want to consider adding essential oils to your weight loss plan. Essential oils may be able to provide you with a number of complementary benefits.
I personally found that these are the five best essential oils to support healthy weight loss (of course, with a healthy diet and regular exercise):
Grapefruit-and Grapefruit Oil-contain fat-burning properties. It supports the breakdown of body fat by activating enzymes in the body. It contains powerful compounds that support your metabolism and cleanse your lymphatic glands, allowing them to carry nutrients to your tissues. Grapefruit can help balance hormones as well, which is a large part of weight loss.
Massaging your stomach with Grapefruit Essential Oil may help reduce belly fat and waist circumference. The oil also regulates heart rate, improves the digestion process, and helps to reduce appetite.
Another good way to use this oil is to add a few drops to a diffuser.
One of the most important benefits of Ginger essential oil is its ability to support digestion and the absorption of nutrients. Ginger oil, supports digestion, reduces inflammation, and eases sugar cravings. Ginger oil also serves as a thermogenic agent, which means that it can help to burn fat and boost your metabolism.
Ginger is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, due to it's key component, Gingerol. This reduces inflammation in the body and possesses antioxidant activity. This process naturally reduces pain and swelling, which helps keep you active and burning more calories.
Lemon oil also contains an essential component called Limonene that has been found to aid in weight loss. It also enhances the body's detoxification capabilities and supports healthy digestion – an all-important factor when you're trying to lose weight.
That apart, lemon oil promotes a positive mood, which can be extremely helpful when you are working to reach your weight-loss goals. It's also beneficial for cleansing the body, which in turn can aid with fat digestion.
Lemon essential oil supports detoxification, helping to cleanse toxins that build up inside the body. Detoxing will rejuvenate your body, increase your energy levels and improve fat digestion.
Cinnamon is known to boost the metabolism, as well as break down sugars into energy, instead of storing them as fat. When your blood sugar is stable, you're less likely to have cravings and overeat.
Cinnamaldehyde, is the chemical compound found in cinnamon oil, this is what can potentially help fat cells to burn energy. This essential oil has been shown to maintain healthy blood sugar and cholesterol levels, in addition to curbing cravings for certain foods.
Diffusing the air with Peppermint oil will help keep off those hankerings for snacking. Inhaling a few whiffs straight from the bottle affords a boost of energy to get you through the rest of your day or keep you from growing fatigued - store a bottle at work for those afternoon lulls.
Also, by enhancing your mood and energy levels, it can replace that 2nd (or in my case, 3rd) cup of coffee, keeping your daily caloric index in check.
Not only does Peppermint oil boost energy levels - which allows you to maximise your workouts - but it can also help soothe sore muscles, minimise the recovery time and help you get back to working out sooner.
So, there you have it!
These essential oils can improve the functionality of your digestive system, regulate your metabolism, reduce body fat, enhance your overall mood and help you meet your weight loss goals.
Though some may posit that the antioxidants found in essential oils have the power to make you lose weight on their own, diet and exercise are the true contenders.
I hope this has been helpful and given you a bit of guidance to which oils can potentially help you reach your weight goals.
If you'd like further guidance about how to dilute and apply essential oils to your skin, please reach out to me on social media or email and I can make sure our in-house chemist can guide you correctly. :)
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