Being fit and healthy is impossible without losing excessive weight. Millions of people try innumerable things to lose weight. Although exercise constitutes the most important part of losing weight, one makes considerate amount of changes in the eating habits and lifestyle as a whole. Adding certain spices to food and removing a few has always been on the charts of the health experts when guiding about weight loss. One such spice is the turmeric. It has recently gained a lot of attention for its potential to help shed those extra pounds. Coming from the plant Curuma longa, turmeric is a yellowish gold colored spice used extensively in Indian cuisine and other parts of Asia as well. During the 20th century its medicinal as well as therapeutic benefits were explored after which it came to be used as an antibacterial, antioxidant, antibiotic etc.
Extensive research has proved turmeric to be a super spice useful in treating something as critical as cancer to something as prominent as Obesity. Curcumin, a compound present in turmeric is believed to be the main cause of its weight losing properties that has achieved medical preferences as well.
Turmeric and Weight Loss (The connection)
Scientific evidence has also shown that consuming turmeric as such might not be directly related to weight loss. It more or less helps prevent the re-growth of weight after one has already lost a lot of weight. The Curcumin, prevents the growth of new blood vessels in the fat that stops the person from gaining more weight. Interestingly, turmeric can combat the harmful effects of junk food. Studies have also shown that Curcumin, lowered the levels of insulin and leptin resistance that are directly linked to weight gain. It decreases the fat sediments and relaxes the lymphatic returns in lowering the level of insulin caused because of fatty diets. However, more than a dozen studies claim that turmeric intake is not only a healthy option while on a weight loss plan but also in insulin issues. Instead of resorting to medicinal drugs, it is better to adopt spices such as turmeric in the daily lifestyle for a healthy fat loss.
Not only in weight loss but also as European Journal of Nutrition claims, the curcumin present in turmeric can be useful for treating obesity related other problems such as chronic diseases. The consumption of insulin but prevents other disorders related to obesity such as hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, as well as inflammatory issues and symptoms. Most of the people might be unaware of the fact that obesity is also responsible for subtle inflammation that is constant, and which is also a cause of type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance.
Consumption
There has not been any concrete medical recommendation on how much turmeric one needs to consume for managing and preventing weight gain. In countries like India where spices such as turmeric are central to the cuisine, the average intake is between 2 and 2.5 gram that means approximately 60 to 200 mg of curcumin. Intake of about 450 mg to 3 g of turmeric can do nothing bad if divided in different meals throughput the routine. However only relying on turmeric to lose weight is not the effective strategy especially if one is obese. The quality of the lifestyle, physical exercise and diet counts the most. In order to make the use of spices such as turmeric more effective, one must stick to a healthy diet as well, while exercising for a decent amount of time every day. One has to substitute sugary food items, and junk food with healthier options.
Side effects
Everything has its pros and cons. Turmeric too has a few harmful effects, but mostly when taken in excess. To some people who have a weaker immune system and especially are weak on stomach and liver, turmeric can cause loosening of the stomach, inflammation in stomach and heart, contraction of gall bladder, and hair loss. According to Medline plus, turmeric can weaken the immune system while lowering the blood sugar, blood pressure and healthy cholesterol. People already suffering from low blood pressure, diabetes, and taking other medications must avoid the use of turmeric or seek medical advice before that. However the benefits of turmeric have outnumbered its side effects. It not only helps in managing weight but has a positive effect on influencing more than 700 genes. It has the maximum amount of supportive literature that has evidence of turmeric being an effective nutrient even in cancer treatment without any harmful effects.
Thank You so very much, it answered all of my questions and more. It is well presented and exstreamly informative. Sandra Trujillo.
I’d just like to add that Turmeric is fat-soluble. Hence to get the full health benefits from Turmeric. It’s important to add it to food so your body can fully absorb it. In Asia it’s added to curries. However one of the best ways to take Turmeric is with Milk or Golden Milk Tea. This can be made with skimmed milk and coconut oil, you can also add Black pepper as this has also been shown too increase absorption. This is a ancient Ayurvedic drink called haldi doodh.