Turmeric For Weight Loss Does It Actually Work

How Does Turmeric Aid Weight Loss?

One of the reasons of weight gain is low-grade metabolic inflammation. Turmeric contains a polyphenol, curcumin that possesses anti-inflammatory and antiobesity properties. This property of curcumin helps to suppress white adipose tissue inflammation. Curcumin also inhibits fat cell proliferation and promotes adiponectin secretion, an anti-inflammatory agent secreted by fat cells (1) (2). These qualities make it one of the most popular herbs for weight loss. Another way in which turmeric helps weight loss is by regulating sugar levels, improving glucose metabolism and preventing insulin resistance. As a result, excess fat is not retained in your body. People who are overweight or obese are prone to diabetes, eating turmeric protects them from this condition. It has been seen that regular consumption of turmeric increases the bile present in the stomach. Bile is a digestive juice that helps in emulsifying fat and consequently, its metabolism. So, this is another way in which turmeric is effective in weight loss. Dr. Petunia Lee, PhD, shared her experience of using turmeric for weight loss in her blog. She said, “I took a teaspoon of turmeric morning and night. Within 3 days, the water retention melted off. In the last 2 weeks, I lost 2 kgs (i).”

How To Use Turmeric For Weight Loss

Turmeric’s benefits for overall health are well-known. While you can always consume this spice with your food, there are several other ways to use it for weight loss. Take a look at them.

1. Turmeric And Cinnamon Tea For Weight Loss

1 teaspoon fresh turmeric paste ½ teaspoon cinnamon powder ½ teaspoon fresh mint leaf paste 1 cup water

Cinnamon helps to improve insulin sensitivity and is a potent antioxidant (3). Mint leaves have antioxidant properties that help treat allergies and cold. The leaves also support the digestive system, treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and help relieve pain (4).

2. Turmeric Milk For Weight Loss

1 cup fat-free milk 1 teaspoon turmeric powder

Milk is a great source of calcium and therefore helps to strengthen the bones and protects women from the risk of osteoporosis (5).

3. Ginger Turmeric Tea For Weight Loss

½ teaspoon fresh ginger paste 1 teaspoon fresh turmeric paste 1 ½ cup water

Ginger can help with appetite control and has anti-flatulent, bad cholesterol-lowering, and gastro-protective properties (6). Hence, considering turmeric tea for weight loss is a healthy option.

4. Turmeric And Centella Juice to Lose Weight

1 teaspoon fresh turmeric paste 1 teaspoon fresh Centella paste 1 cup water

Centella (Centella asiatica) is a herb that tastes sour and is used to cure skin problems, poor digestion, improves cognition, and prevents female genitourinary tract diseasesi A group of medical conditions affecting the genitalia, genital tract or the urinary tract. (7).

5. Turmeric And Garlic Shot for Weight Loss

1 teaspoon fresh turmeric paste ½ teaspoon fresh garlic clove 1 tablespoon lemon juice 90 ml water

Garlic helps to prevent metabolic diseases, reduces the risk of diabetes, hyperlipidemiai A condition characterized by the presence of lipids (fats) in excessive amounts in the bloodstream. , thrombosis, and hypertension (8). Lemons prevent body fat accumulation, hyperlipidemia, and insulin resistance (9).

When To Consume Turmeric For Weight Loss?

Consume turmeric tea or turmeric juice in the morning before breakfast. Consume turmeric milk before going to bed.

Benefits Of Turmeric

Apart from aiding weight loss, turmeric has a myriad of other benefits.

Precautions

Too much of anything can be bad, and the same principle applies to turmeric as well. First of all, it is never a good idea to take a supplement of anything when you can easily find it in an organic form. So, try to use the powder, or better yet, use the raw roots instead of taking supplements.

You must also be careful about the dosage. It is recommended to limit your daily turmeric consumption to 1,500 mg. For best results, 500 mg is sufficient. Apart from that, many people suffer from allergic reactions to turmeric, and the reactions might range from mild inflammation and itching to violent bouts of diarrhea, gastric upset, and nausea. If you develop rashes on using a lotion containing turmeric, do not ingest the spice. Also, as already mentioned, turmeric increases bile production (17). Used bile is stored in the gall bladder. Increased bile secretion can aggravate gallbladder problems and forms stones in the gallbladder or the duct. Although it is known to be anti-inflammatory, turmeric can act as a stimulant of gastric acid secretion. If you already suffer from acid reflux or hyperacidity, the slightly acidic turmeric may worsen the situation. If you feel any discomfort or pain after taking turmeric, consult the physician and seek medical help.

Useful Tip

Apart from taking your daily recommended dose of turmeric, you should also control your meal’s portion size, avoid junk food and simple carbs, eat veggies, fruits, healthy fats, and protein. If time permits, exercise at least 3 times a week. While these tips and precautions are useful, some people must avoid turmeric altogether. Let’s find out who and why in the next section.

Who Should Not Take Turmeric?

Turmeric is generally considered safe. However, it is known to have certain adverse reactions. Therefore, avoid taking turmeric if:

You have a turmeric allergy as it can lead to itching, hives, swelling, and breathing issues. You are pregnant or lactating, as there is a possibility for curcumin to hinder implantation and embryo development in the early gestation period (22). You are on blood-thinning and anti-platelet medications, as turmeric has anticoagulant properties and may increase the risk of abnormal bleeding (23).

No natural ingredient is completely safe, including turmeric. That’s why it’s very important to have a complete idea about all the side effects of turmeric before consuming it for weight loss. Losing weight is not easy, but when you incorporate turmeric into your daily routine, you will be amazed to see how your body starts healing from within. As that happens, most of your health problems will disappear, obesity being one of them. So, start consuming turmeric today to lose weight, reduce your BMI, and live a healthier life. Cheers to good health! What happens if you drink warm turmeric water every morning for 7 days on an empty stomach? Turmeric is packed with beneficial antioxidants and compounds that help boost overall health, reduce inflammation, and reduce oxidative stress (17). So, it is a good idea to drink it every morning. Can you take turmeric and apple cider vinegar together? Yes. Both ingredients are packed with beneficial compounds that support good health. Apple cider vinegar may help improve your blood sugar, cholesterol, and lipid profiles (18). Is it better to take turmeric capsules or powder? Capsules. Turmeric capsules have a high concentration of beneficial compounds and can be easily consumed.