Supplement In Food Or Pill Form?

[skatss]

I like the idea of using herbs and spices as supplements. I know that a few have a lot of anti-inflammatory powers and some can fight cancer too.

But do I add them in capsule form where they have been filled with the herb in a powder and is pure? The pills can tell you how much you get in every capsule.

Or do I use the spices and herbs all by themselves in my cooking? That way it is in a form that the body can take in and use, but I won't know exactly how much I am really getting per dish.

I can't decide which is better for health. Any ideas?

[zzzjoy]

I have a friend who does both, uses in cooking and takes pills.
I don't know which is better but doing both has worked well for her, she is losing a lot of weight!

[ozzie]

Can either of you tell us what herbs and spices you are using to help lose weight? I've been using green tea with minimal results. I'd love to see a list of other items that might help me.

[joel]

Cayenne pepper and Cinnamon are two of the best. Cayenne has been shown to increase thermogenesis and cinnamon has been shown to improve insulin signalling.

[bubble]

I also believe it to be true that if you eat spicy curries on a regular basis, this can also help with weight loss. Of course you have to avoid the creamy type dishes and the breads.

I have a friend who got a job in an indian restaurant and she was eating a lot of curry and lost a significant amount of weight.

[Tigger]

I've never heard that, but it sounds like it would work quite well.

[Dean Tornabene]

spices like pepper, cinnamon and cayenne all have weight loss properties as they help promote an increase in metabolism. Ever eat spicy food and get hot and/or start sweating?

[Lorianna]

I prefer liquid supplements, they absorb faster and far better than those in pill form. I believe only about 15% of a pill gets absorbed...

[Tigger]

I've noticed that herbal teas work very well for me, but sometimes they'll give me a stomach ache.

[Mork]

Taking something in its natural state is often more preferable than having to take it in a non-natural form

[GI Jane]

I agree with Mork, but in some cases this is not easy or even possible. Eating a balanced diet will allow you to get many needed vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. But, for example, I hate fish. So I don't eat it. Because of that, I supplement with fish oil pills to get my Omega-3's (and Flax seed oil). I strive to get what I can from whole foods, but think it a good idea to supplement my diet with supplements where I am deficient. After all, that is why they are called "supplements."

[Tigger]

Flax seed oil? I think I've heard of that once or twice. But what is it, excatly?

[GI Jane]

Flax seed oil is one of the healthiest supplements you can take. It is an oil made from the Flax plant. Flax seed oil contains 50% more omega-3's than fish oil (and no fishy taste), and also has omega-6 and omega-9 essential fatty acids, B vitamins, potassium, lecithin, magnesium, fiber, protein, and zinc.

Almost every system in the body can benefit from flax seed oil including the cardiovascular system, immune system, circulatory system, reproductive system, nervous system, and joints. It can help lower cholesterol, aid cancer prevention, and a whole host of other benefits.

I put it in my oatmeal and protein shakes. It has a pleasant nutty taste. I recommend it be on everyone's shortlist of "must take" supplements.

[Tigger]

That is very impressive. It sounds great, but now the question is, "where can I get it?"

[GI Jane]

It is much easier these days. In the "old days" you'd only find it at health food stores. Today, it is not unusual to find it at your normal super market, and of course almost any "healthy" super markets like Whole Foods or Trader Joe's. If you can't find anything in your area, you can always get it online. You can get it in pill form, the actual seeds or in oil form, which requires refrigeration after opening. I prefer the oil and as I said, put it in oatmeal, and shakes. I also put it in pancakes, muffins, and about any other baked good when I get the time to cook (which isn't often).