We all know that healthy eating and exercise are long term keys to maintaining weight. Still, as we get older, we find it more & more difficult. Most of us have heard of things like the grapefruit diet and many others; some healthy, others; not so much. Well, it turns out that grapefruit is just one of many essential oils known to have a positive effect on metabolism and therefore, weight loss. Today, I’m going to talk about several of these oils, how they work and how you can incorporate them into a healthy weight loss program. In my next blog, I’ll talk more about detoxification and the use of oils that you can use in a bath or diffuser. While most therapeutic or clinical grade oils should not be consumed orally without proper supervision, these are all food-based substances and are reasonably safe.
Grapefruit Oil:
Grapefruit has long been known for its ability to curb cravings, boost metabolism and reduce abdominal fat. It turns out that it contains a compound (nootkatone) which increases production of AMPK, an enzyme important in homeostasis & energy production. (It also turns out that evidence shows both viruses and cancer cells down-regulate AMPK!) Research shows grapefruit oil increases endurances, decreases weight and body fat and more. Diffuse this oil or add a couple drops to drinking water.
Lemon Oil:
Known for enhancing mood and numerous other functions, lemon oil, when combined with grapefruit oil, has been shown to increase lipolysis (the breakdown of fat). Physiologically, it increases norepinephrine which helps with mood, cognitive function & increases muscle metabolism. Use this similarly to and along with grapefruit oil.
Peppermint Oil:
Peppermint has been shown to increase the flow of bile through the digestive track and decrease tension on abdominal muscles. It has also been shown to decrease appetite and in a study significant decreased caloric intake in a population that inhaled it every 2 hours. Use in a diffuser.
Cinnamon Oil:
Cinnamon has been shown to increase the body’s ability to utilize Insulin, thus helping decrease the tendency to store fat. It also has some anti-inflammatory qualities. Use caution with Cinnamon oil as it can burn mucous membranes. It’s safest to dilute it with olive oil or coconut oil as a carrier or to use it in food.
Sweet Fennel Oil:
Fennel has been shown to enhance Melatonin production and thus help with overall metabolism and with the body’s wake/sleep cycles. It was also used on fasting days in ancient cultures. Modern day animal studies showed that test animals ate less food when given fennel.
Order any of the oils above or get more info on oils by contacting me or clicking here.
Learn more about essential oils including how to make specific sprays, roll-on oils, body butters and more at my “Make & Take” Program at the SLOMakerSpace on August 1st form 7-9PM, SLO MakerSpace is located at 81 Higuera St; Suite 160, in SLO. PLease RSVP by contacting me. ($20 fee covers admission & includes one product; retail value $8-15)
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