Does Turmeric Have Weight Loss Benefits?

Medically Reviewed on 8/25/2022
Does Turmeric Have Weight Loss Benefits?
Turmeric's anti-inflammatory effects are the reason for the link between curcumin and weight loss.

Although turmeric has the potential for weight loss, more thorough human trials are required before it can be advised for this use. Researchers are looking at whether it could benefit illnesses, such as obesity, metabolic syndrome, and polycystic ovary syndrome, where inflammation plays a major part.

Turmeric is a crucial spice since ancient times in Indian and many other South Asian cuisines.

  • It comes from the root of the perennial Curcuma longa plant, a member of the ginger family.
  • Its major active ingredient is curcumin, which gives turmeric its yellowish color.

Asian and Indian civilizations have traditionally praised this spice for its naturally anti-inflammatory curcuminoids. It has several health advantages, and taking it for weight loss is currently on the rise.

How turmeric may facilitate weight loss?

Inflammation is frequently linked to obesity and excess fat.

Curcumin has strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capabilities. They scavenge the free radicals responsible for oxidative stress. Following that, it neutralizes them and stops them from collecting and causing harm. This is the mechanism by which it aids in reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the body, thus assisting in weight loss.

  • Additionally, effective at lowering the risk of metabolic syndrome that is connected to obesity. Metabolic alterations result from having too much abdominal fat deposited.
  • According to a study published in the International Journal of Endocrinology & Metabolism in October 2014, the anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric and particularly curcumin may help reduce insulin resistance.
  • According to Endocrine Web, insulin resistance occurs when the cells in your muscles, body fat, and liver begin to oppose or ignore the signal that insulin, a hormone, is delivering to take glucose from your blood and into your cells. The body's primary source of fuel is provided by the glucose you put into your cells.
  • According to a rat study published in March 2019 in Biochemistry and Biophysics Reports, curcumin specifically targets the metabolic dysfunction that characterizes Parkinson's disease. The authors reported that more human studies are required before any conclusions can be drawn.
  • A study review on the impact of curcumin extract on metabolic variables in individuals with metabolic syndrome appeared in the journal Phytotherapy Research in May 2019. According to an analysis of the research, people's fasting blood sugar, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and diastolic blood pressure levels significantly improved. The waist size and systolic blood pressure did not significantly change. By lowering your cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood sugar levels, turmeric may help decrease your chance of developing metabolic syndrome.
  • Additionally, it has been demonstrated that turmeric stimulates the stomach's bile production. The emulsification of fat and its metabolism is carried out by this digestive fluid. A large intake of fat, particularly saturated and trans fats, may strain the process.

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What does the research say about the effect of turmeric on weight loss?

According to Foods, turmeric's anti-inflammatory effects are the reason for the link between curcumin and weight loss. The release of pro-inflammatory cytokines is related to being overweight or obese. Chronic, low-grade inflammation has been associated with these conditions.

  • According to an article in Nutrition Journal, people who are overweight and obese are assumed to have metabolic syndrome, which frequently comes from excess weight and extremely big waist sizes.
  • In a 2017 Foods study, persons with obesity, who took one gram of curcumin for 30 days and then stopped the use for two weeks, experienced a significant drop in their triglyceride levels. However, they did not lower their body mass index (BMI), cholesterol, or body fat.
  • The scientists concluded that the results could be explained by the short supplementation time, absence of food control, and low supplement dose. Their results disagreed with those of earlier research.
  • An investigation published in the journal European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences in 2015 concluded that a bioavailable version of curcumin can help overweight people successfully manage their weight.
  • An oral supplement containing 800 mg and 95 percent of curcumin was administered to the participants. Additionally, they adhered to a rigid diet. BMI changes and weight reduction were roughly two percent during the first 30 days. After another 30 days, those rose to about five to six percent.
  • The scientists did, however, issue a warning that further research is required to determine whether curcumin and turmeric do aid with weight reduction and the body's inflammatory response.
Medically Reviewed on 8/25/2022
References
Image Source: iStock image

Curcumin: A Review of Its’ Effects on Human Health. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5664031/

Metabolic syndrome risk factors in overweight, obese, and extremely obese Brazilian adolescents. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3602008/

How Does Turmeric Help In Weight Loss? https://herbsociety.org.uk/2022/02/17/how-does-turmeric-help-in-weight-loss/

Therapeutic potential of curcumin in digestive diseases. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3882399/

Potential role of bioavailable curcumin in weight loss and omental adipose tissue decrease: preliminary data of a randomized, controlled trial in overweight people with metabolic syndrome. Preliminary study. https://www.naturalhealthresearch.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Curcumin-Reduces-Adipose-Tissue-and-Aids-Weight-Loss.pdf