Turmeric for Weight Loss
Turmeric can cure obesity
Obesity is a
problem that targets many in today’s day and age. If a person consumes high
amount of energy but doesn’t burn it off through exercise and
physical activity then the
surplus energy will be turned into fat and result into obesity. This can also
be due to other factors such as genetic disorders, hormonal disorders, medications,alcohol
consumption, menopause, etc. Obesity gives rise to other complications such as
metabolic syndrome, atherosclerosis etc.
What is turmeric?
It is
scientifically known as Curcuma longa
and belongs to the family Zingiberaceae.Turmeric is used in cooking, cosmetics and
traditional medicines. Its predominant bioactive compound is curcuminoidsin
addition to volatile oils,sodium,potassium, iron,proteins,carbohydrate,fibres
etc.These compounds give anti-inflammatory, antioxidant,analgesic,antimicrobialand
many more properties to turmeric.
Turmeric and weight loss-
Many biological
active compounds present in Turmeric have positive implications in weight loss
and help in combating complications related to obesity.
1.Prevents fat accumulation
Accumulation of fat
in adipose tissue or tissues of liver or stomach is a sign of obesity.Formation
of new blood vessels in adipose tissue is linked with the fat accumulation in
obese people. Curcumin present in turmeric targets this adipose tissue. The
sulphur present in turmeric prevents fat deposition and improves the lipid profile
of blood and liver.
2. Accelerates diet induced weight
loss
Healthy diet
intake is vital for weight management.The carbohydrate fraction of turmeric is
not absorbed in the body and henceassists in fat reduction and prevents weight
gain.Also the dietary fibres present in turmeric aid in weight loss.
3.Promotes browning of white adipose
tissue
A neurotransmitter
called as norepinephrine assists in the browning process of white adipose
tissue. Brown adipose tissue utilises glucose and lipids for heat production. The
action of curcumin can prevent obesity by promoting the burning of accumulated
fat in the body.
4. Thermogenic action
Thermogenesis
is a metabolic process that involves burning of calories in the body. Turmeric
has a presence of components that have an effect in thermogenesis.
5. Suppresses inflammation associated
with obesity
Adiposetissue
producesadipokine substances which have inflammatory actions.Turmeric has an
anti-inflammatory substance whichtargets inflammatory action of adipokines.
6. Anti-diabetic action
The risk of
diabetes is common among obese people.The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
action of curcuminoid has anti-diabetic action which lowers the blood glucose
levels.
7. Prevents Metabolic Syndrome and
depression
Turmeric has
a bioactive compound which lowers cholesterol, triglycerides, etc.Curcumin
present in turmeric increases the level of serotonin and dopamine and reduces depression.
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Dosage of
turmeric for weight loss
The daily
intake should be 1-2 teaspoons about 2-3 times a day.Turmeric milk and turmeric
tea are easy alternatives.Avoid taking turmeric on an empty stomach.