If you have a sweet tooth, this article will show you herbs and spices that fight sugar cravings.
Sugar is in everything we eat and the problem is eating small amounts triggers strong cravings.
Even worse, research shows that sugar is addictive. Some studies say it’s as addictive as cocaine.
So what should you do? Limit your sugar intake or quit it cold turkey?
Well, it depends on whether you’re addicted to sugar or not.
If you’re addicted, it’s best to quit cold turkey since consuming small amounts will most times lead to binge eating.
Those who are not addicted to sugar can consume it in small amounts.
Whichever option you choose, you may need to use the herbs and spice below to curb your sugar cravings.
Herbs and Spices that Fight Sugar Cravings
1. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a spice that should always be in your kitchen cabinet.
You can add this sweet spice to pastries, coffee, tea, meat, vegetables, or any other dish you can think of.
So what is so great about cinnamon?
Research shows it reduces blood sugar levels, which helps prevent spikes that trigger sugar cravings.
You can take it powder form or pills. Take 1-1.5 grams per day.
Add a pinch to tea, or while baking or cooking food. If you don’t have it, grab it now.
2. Fenugreek
Fenugreek is an herb that has been used in alternative medicine for years.
Many believe that it aids digestion and boosts metabolism. Fenugreek seeds and powder is what is used in Indian and Asian recipes because of its sweet nutty taste.
Some sources show that fenugreek helps control blood sugar levels.
A comparative study done on 24 diabetic subjects of which some took fenugreek seeds with hot water and others with yogurt showed that those who took with hot water had improved blood sugar levels than those who took it with yogurt.
One tablespoon of fenugreek contains 35.5 calories.
If in pill form, 500-1,000mg is the recommended dosage. If using the seeds, 2-5 mg is the standard.
You can buy fenugreek here.
3. Berberine
Berberine is a compound that’s found in a plant called Berberis, it’s been known to reduce sugar cravings by regulating blood sugar.
The mechanism with which it works is not quite clear but it seems berberine has the capability of going into the bloodstream and into the cells and changing the function of how those cells work.
This molecule works by decreasing insulin resistance, which lowers the hormone insulin.
The recommended dosage is 1,500mg. Feel free to take 500mg, three times a day.
Most users prefer this brand.
4. Cumin
Cumin is a spice made from seeds or dried powder that is from the parsley family.
It adds a nutty, earthy flavor to Indian and Asian recipes.
Natural remedies enthusiasts say that cumin keeps your blood sugar levels in check, minimizing sugar cravings.
Cumin is best added to foods but if you would rather take supplements, choose this one.
5. Oregano
Oregano is an herb in the mint family that’s aromatic and used in seasoning pasta, curries, stews, and soups.
This spice is popular in Greek, Spanish and Italian recipes.
Studies investigating the effects of oregano are few in humans.
However, this study on mice that suggests that the compound carvacrol leads to lower lipid plasma levels which indirectly could translate to lower blood sugar levels, fewer insulin spikes, therefore, fewer sugar cravings.
You can use oregano leaves or take supplements. Avoid taking oregano if you are pregnant.
6. Ginger
Ginger is a staple spice found in most kitchens.
In fact, ginger has strong antibacterial properties that can help treat bacterial infections to flu symptoms.
Ginger has an appealing taste which when used with other spices like cinnamon, could help fight your sugar cravings.
A review on the efficacy of ginger in suppressing appetite showed that ginger can act by adjusting or regulating appetite control.
Therefore, feel free to take your ginger tea or ginger-infused water.
7. Garcinia
Garcinia cambogia is a fruit native to Indonesia, looks like a small pumpkin and is pale green or yellow in color.
It contains hydroxycitric acid (HCA), which is known to keep people fuller for longer and increasing the hormone serotonin.
Serotonin is the feel-good hormone that makes you happy and can assist you in fighting sugar cravings.
Garcinia cambogia can be taken as a capsule or in powdered form.
You can take up to 2,800mg per day but supplements vary with different brands.
Note that garcinia cambogia may be harmful to people who struggle with liver or kidney problems.
Consult your doctor before taking this supplement or any other.
8. Gymnema Sylvestre
You can find this herb in parts of Northern Africa and India.
It contains gymnemic acids that work by filling the receptors on the tongue.
Therefore, when you consume this herb it blocks the ability to taste sweetness meaning you are less inclined to succumb to sugar cravings.
It tricks the brain and acts as an appetite suppressant.
The recommended daily intake should be 400mg taken as supplements.
9. Cardamom
Most people confuse cardamom with cinnamon. The spices are almost uniquely similar in taste.
Cardamom is naturally sweet. It’s rich in magnesium, which helps in controlling and treating blood sugar levels.
Sprinkling cardamom on your oatmeal and cereals is the best way of using this spice as a sugar substitute.
10. Black Pepper
You can add black pepper to almost any meal.
It contains piperine, a compound that helps treat ailments from gastrointestinal issues and arthritis.
In regards to curbing sugar cravings, it has chromium, which is a mineral responsible for controlling blood sugar.
I surprisingly find black pepper sweet when mixed with spices like cardamoms, cinnamon, and ginger especially when making tea.
I tend to overdo it, although it’s hard to measure the correct amounts, using a pinch in teas or foods is a safe way of applying moderation.
11. Turmeric
Turmeric is a root belonging to the ginger family.
It has a bright orange color adds color to food. But the best thing about turmeric is that it has strong antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Additionally, the curcumin in turmeric helps fight sugar cravings by regulating blood sugar.
Besides, it has magnesium and chromium, which help fight sugar cravings.
Add ¼ teaspoons to curries, stews, casseroles, and even hot milk.
Here’s the turmeric brand we recommend.
12. Nutmeg
This spice is usually found in pumpkin pies and spiced drinks.
It has been shown to boost serotonin levels in the body, which helps fight sugar cravings.
It’s important to take these herbs in moderation. Overusing them can do more harm than good.
Consult your doctor if experience any side effects after using any of these herbs and spices.
You may also want to check out the best green juice recipe.
This green juice can fight nutritional deficiencies that trigger sugar cravings.
Do you know other herbs and spices that fight sugar cravings?
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