Turmeric, commonly known as haldi in India, is widely used to bring deep flavor to food. It is also considered a fruitful ingredient, which can fight inflammation and cancer. It has powerful antibacterial qualities and is used as an antiseptic in the country for scrapes and wounds.
Besides, turmeric can also be used to lose weight.
Turmeric is a flowering plant whose scientific name is Curcuma longa. It is a part of the ginger family.
According to the National Institute of Health, the active ingredient in turmeric, curcumin, is known to have an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory feature along with anti-obesity potential which can help in weight loss.
How Turmeric Can Help in Weight Loss?
Curcumin is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory ingredient found in turmeric with weight loss benefits.
According to a study conducted by researchers at Tufts University in 2009, curcumin slowed weight gain in mice by preventing new fat tissues from forming. When mice were fed with turmeric it prevented them from developing new blood vessels and less fat tissue.
The study also revealed that mice who were fed with this anti-oxidant agent had less fat in their livers and lower cholesterol levels than mice who weren’t.
As per the latest study conducted by The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, Korean scientist identified that curcumin induces browning in white adipose tissue. There are two types of adipose tissues - white and brown.
White adipose tissue stores energy and increases with weight gain. On the other hand, brown adipose tissue produces heat by burning fat. Curcumin in turmeric stimulates the production of mitochondria which converts sugars, proteins, and fat into energy.
Methods to Use Turmeric for Weight Loss?
Plain Turmeric
The consumption of plain turmeric is a swift and healthy way of losing weight. It is a very safe remedy with no earnest side effects.
In case you are on some medication, make sure there is a gap of at least 3 hours between the intake of turmeric and your medicines. If you are at risk of ailments like gout or kidney stones, limit your turmeric intake.
Have 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder 3 times a day.
Make turmeric a part of your daily diet slowly and gradually. Begin with taking about a quarter to half teaspoon turmeric powder every day. Raise the quantity after a week. Keep increasing your daily turmeric intake little by little, till it becomes easier for you to consume 1 tablespoon of turmeric powder daily.
Ginger and Turmeric Tea
Ginger is a widely used spice that is packed with antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antiviral, and anti-bacterial properties. It is rich in various nutrients such as vitamins (A, C, and E), phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, potassium, iron, and calcium.
Along with offering several medicinal benefits, this spice also aids in promoting weight loss. Ginger helps in weight loss by promoting the feeling of satiety. It will help you avoid unnecessary snacking, thus making it easier for you to keep your weight in check. It is also good for digestion and boosts metabolism.
A combination of two super-spices, ginger and turmeric helps in treating several kinds of inflammation and burning excessive fat.
Turmeric Milk
Turmeric milk aids in boosting metabolism and promoting digestive health. This easy-to-prepare drink also helps in blood purification, blood circulation, accelerating wound-healing, relieving pain and inflammation, and detoxifying the liver.
Turmeric and Green Tea
This remedy is effective in reducing excessive body fat, especially from the abdominal area. It has antioxidant, antiviral, anti-cavity, and anti-inflammatory properties. Catechins present in it aid in generating heat in the body. This burns extra calories.
By Sowmya Sangam
