How Turmeric May Affect Weight Loss

Health benefits of turmeric needs no introduction. Recent studies conducted in 2009 reaffirms its ability to fight obesity.

Curcumin is a polyphenol found in turmeric that not only gives it its invincible yellow stain but also is responsible for the anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory properties of the spice. Turmeric can further lower the blood sugar levels and blood cholesterol levels.

Curcumin when ingested is readily absorbable for use in the body. Curcumin can increase the flow of bile thereby increasing the body’s use of cholesterol. Thus cholesterol levels are lowered and more bile is used to breakdown more dietary fat.

Fat is directly responsible for our weight gain. And body fat grows when new blood vessels form to feed them (angiogenesis). Experiments conducted on mice show that curcumin can prevent angiogenic acitivity, the growth of blood vessels.Two groups of mice were given a high fad diet of the same quantity and one group was supplemented with a dose of curcumin. Those fed with curcumin did not gain weight and showed very less expansion of fat tissue.

But alas! Scientists still cannot ascertain curcumin’s positive effects on human fat. Keep an eye open for a new finding that may help you lose weight as easily by eating a spoon full of turmeric!