What is turmeric?
Turmeric is a plant native to India and Asia. It produces an orange rhizome which, once ground, is used as a spice, food coloring, and natural preservative. It is also a part of traditional Indian medicine (Ayurveda).
Indeed, the rhizome contains an active compound called “curcumin.” This polyphenolic pigment is responsible for the main properties of turmeric.
Thus, it is known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and detoxifying actions (promotes the elimination of toxic substances from the body). It also contributes to better nerve balance, prevents cardiovascular diseases, and is potentially anti-cancer.
Read also | How to choose the best curcumin?
Researchers have been interested in the beneficial effects of turmeric on weight loss. Its consumption seems promising for maintaining weight, losing a few pounds as part of a diet, or combating obesity.
On one hand, it acts as a natural fat burner and limits the storage of lipids in adipose tissues. On the other hand, it aids in better digestion and relieves digestive disorders. Finally, it reduces inflammation associated with obesity.
How does it promote weight loss?
It burns fat
Turmeric is among the fat-burning foods. By stimulating thermogenesis (heat production by the body), it encourages the body to “work” and use lipids as a source of energy.
It thus promotes the dissolution of fats as shown by this study. It particularly reduces body fat around the belly.
Simultaneously, curcumin limits the storage and accumulation of fats in adipose tissues and in the liver. In this study, it helped reduce hepatic steatosis, a condition caused by excess fat in the liver often associated with obesity.
It improves digestion
Another advantage of turmeric for weight loss: it improves digestion. Difficult digestion results in inadequate absorption of nutrients. Additionally, wastes and toxins in the body are less efficiently eliminated and accumulate.
This leads to bloating, feelings of heaviness, and a bloated belly. Good digestion is therefore essential for weight management and achieving a flat belly.
Turmeric aids in digestion by stimulating the secretion of bile. This viscous substance promotes the digestion of nutrients and the expulsion of waste (liver toxins, cholesterol…). Furthermore, bile salts are involved in fat breakdown and elimination.
Finally, turmeric relieves dyspepsia, which includes stomach upsets or feelings of heaviness. It helps achieve better digestive and intestinal comfort as shown in this study.
It reduces inflammation related to obesity
Obesity is a condition closely linked to the inflammatory process. Pro-inflammatory substances or “adipokines” such as IL-6 or TNF-α are more numerous in obese individuals.
Inflammation promotes the deposition and oxidation of fats. It prevents the body from properly using lipids to produce energy. Therefore, it sustains obesity and limits weight loss.
Curcumin suppresses inflammation in adipose cells by inhibiting the activity of adipokines. Additionally, it regulates the secretion of adiponectin, a hormone involved in fat and glucose (sugar) metabolism.
In this study, curcumin helped reduce the inflammation associated with obesity. It also interacts with white adipose tissue, which stores fat and secretes numerous inflammatory substances.
