Does Turmeric Help With Weight Loss?

Does turmeric help with weight loss?

If you are on a weight loss journey and you’re looking for more ways to improve and supplement your efforts, you may have come across turmeric. There is no doubt that turmeric is one of the healthiest herbs you could add to your diet but can it help with your weight? In this article, we will explore some of the benefits of turmeric and determine if it’s any good for weight loss.

Does turmeric help with weight loss?

Yes, turmeric can help with weight loss if it is in addition to eating a healthy weight-loss diet and exercising regularly. In case you don’t know, turmeric is a bright yellow spice used for coloring and flavoring food. It has been used as a herb and spice in Asian cuisine for centuries.  

Today, it can be found in a powdered form but it is also available in a raw form. It has several components but its most bioactive compound is called curcumin which is what helps in weight loss. Regular curcumin consumption has also been shown to reduce BMI and waist circumference.

Why turmeric is good for weight loss?

It is not very clear how turmeric helps with weight loss but one of the possible explanations is its effect on the release of adiponectin. Adiponectin is a hormone that stimulates weight loss by increasing your metabolic rate without affecting your appetite. Increased metabolic rate means your body can burn more calories both at rest and during exercise.  Since adiponectin does not affect your appetite, it means that you don’t have increased food intake; therefore your body resorts to using your fat stores as fuel which helps in weight loss. Adiponectin also has anti-inflammatory properties which further aids in weight loss. 

Health benefits of turmeric

• It is an antioxidant. Due to its antioxidant properties, turmeric can help reduce inflammation in the body. Inflammation is a natural process that protects the body from injury, bacteria, and viruses. We all have a certain level of inflammation which can be from stress, poor diet, or even exercise. However, chronic inflammation can cause health issues such as diabetes, asthma, and cancer. Turmeric can help regulate inflammatory activity in the body thus preventing those health conditions.

• Improves brain function. Turmeric can help boost brain function and prevent effects like depression[*]. This can help improve your mood which can aid in weight loss.

• Detoxification. Turmeric can help cleanse the liver of toxins which improves its function. Improved liver function can aid in weight loss since one of its roles is metabolizing fat.

• It has antimicrobial properties. Turmeric has been shown to have a great effect in getting rid of body parasites, bacterial, and viral infections. 

Tips for Using Turmeric for Weight Loss

With all the potential benefits of turmeric for weight loss and your health, you may be wondering how best to use it to maximize its benefits. 

• Consume it with black pepper. A combination of black pepper and turmeric enhances the absorption of curcumin. Studies show that black pepper contains a compound known as piperine which increases the absorption of curcumin into the body by up to 2000%.

• Take turmeric supplements. You can use turmeric in its raw form as a root, as a spice in food, or as a salad dressing, or you can use it as an extract/supplement. It is best to consume the turmeric supplement itself as foods that contain turmeric supplements may not have as high a concentration.

• Consume the right amounts. The World Health Organization recommends consuming 1.4mg of curcumin per pound (0-3 mg/kg). High intake of turmeric can cause various issues including diarrhea, nausea, dizziness, and ulcers.

FAQs 

Does turmeric help with weight loss?

Yes, turmeric helps with weight loss. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties and reduced inflammation in the body can improve insulin sensitivity and help in weight loss. Turmeric also increases your metabolic rate which increases your energy requirements that causes the body to burn more calories, increasing weight loss.

What is the best time to take turmeric for weight loss?

The best time to take turmeric for weight loss is in the morning. It can be a capsule, turmeric tea, or milk. This is because this can help you establish a routine where you don’t forget to take it everyday. If you are unable to take your turmeric in the morning, you can still enjoy its benefits at whatever time you are able to. 

Does turmeric burn belly fat?

Yes, curcumin found in turmeric can help reduce belly fat. By helping you lose weight all over the body, turmeric can help you lose belly weight as well. 

Is turmeric safe with other medications?

You should consult with your doctor before taking turmeric with other medicines or supplements. Combining them might affect the absorption, or metabolism of your medication and can cause a medical emergency.

Conclusion

Turmeric can be a great spice to add to your diet and aid your weight loss. However, remember to eat healthily and exercise regularly because weight loss is about balancing your energy intake. If you live a good lifestyle and create a calorie deficit, turmeric will help accelerate the process.