TURMERIC & WEIGHTLOSS

Saturday, July 13, 2013



Turmeric provides a wealth of healthy effects in the body.


Traditionally called Indian saffron, turmeric has been used throughout history in foods, as part of health remedies and as a dye. World Healthiest Foods describe the taste of the herb as peppery, warm and bitter but with an aroma similar to ginger, a related plant. Like other herbs, the thermogenic effects offered by turmeric may help in weight loss protocols.

Identification

Taken from the roots of the curcuma longa plant, locals have harvested turmeric for thousands of years in its native Indonesia and Southern India. Production of the spice now occurs at many other locations around the globe, including the Orient and the Caribbean. Featuring in the ayurvedic pharmacopeia, turmeric's therapeutic properties have received more attention in recent years.

Significance

Botanists identify the orange pigment in turmeric as curcumin, and credit it with a host of beneficial effects. World's Healthiest Foods note how curcumin has rivalled the effects of anti-inflammatory drugs like hydrocortisone in numerous studies and how the spice may help in inflammatory bowel disease, arthritis and even high cholesterol levels. However, other evidence suggests that curcumin can increase thermogenesis, leading to increased fat burning.

Effects

Thermogenesis occurs when the central nervous system triggers the burning of fat to maintain the body's temperature. The spice in turmeric can bind to capsaicin receptors and increase the rate at which thermogenesis occurs. Nutritional Reviews refers to studies by Dr Asai and Dr Miyazawa that concluded that a turmeric extract lowered fats in the blood stream and reduced weight gain volunteers.

Benefits

Tumeric can benefits the weight loss process beyond its effects on thermogenesis. Xandria Williams, a naturopathic practitioner and the author of "Liver Detox Plan," explains how the liver remains the body's most important fat-burning organ and that such activity slows when the liver becomes overburdened. Turmeric can enhance the detoxification of the liver and protect cells from damage incurred from handling toxic compounds, an effect mediated by the curcumin content.

Uses of Turmeric

You can integrate turmeric into your diet in a number of ways. You can add the spice into sauces or, alternatively, sprinkle it over meat, fish or vegetables during the preparation. Turmeric's effectiveness remains the same if you add it into smoothies or teas, although you may need to acquire a taste before doing so.

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