Turmeric aids in weight loss because it fights inflammation. Tina Marinaccio M.S. R.D. C.P.T., a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist from Integrative Culinary, explained this further.
“Turmeric contains an ant-inflammatory antioxidant compound called curcumin, which has been shown to reduce belly fat,” Marinaccio told SheFinds.
Curcumin absorbs better with food, so adding turmeric to anything you eat will help you reap its benefits. And though it might seem counterintuitive for healthy eating, Marinaccio suggests putting turmeric on fattier foods.
“To enhance absorption, add it to foods with fat, such as a smoothie with avocado or nut butter,” she explained. “Piperine, a black pepper alkaloid, also enhances absorption, so add turmeric to eggs, chili, and soups, and other foods you would add black pepper to.”
And turmeric’s benefits don’t stop there. The spice can also boost your metabolism, which is another aid when you’re working to lose weight.
Dr. Candice Seti, Psy.D., C.P.T., C.N.C., of The Weight Loss Therapist, told us, “When you ingest turmeric, the body accelerates your metabolic rate. This metabolism spike then enables your body to burn a more substantial amount of calories which, consequently, leads to faster weight loss.”
Not only this, but turmeric is a natural detoxifier and has a ton of anti-inflammatory properties. So not only can the spice aid in weight loss, but it is a healthy ingredient for everyone wanting to rid their bodies of inflammation and toxins.
“Elevated levels of toxins in the liver and high adipose tissue mass, which is the scientific term for 'body fat,’ are leading contributors to weight-loss woes,” Dr. Seti continued. “The curcumin in turmeric aides to reverse these issues, further improving your weight-loss regimen with its ability to lower bad cholesterol.”
And turmeric’s detoxifying property also helps to fight free radicals.
“Free radicals can damage our body's cells leading to various chronic conditions, including cancer,” explained Lisa Richards, Nutritionist at The Candida Diet. “In this way turmeric can be effective in preventing or mitigating many of these illnesses. Chronic, low-grade inflammation can also lead to difficulty in weight loss and even cause weight gain. Turmeric can help get this inflammation under control and jump start your weight loss efforts.”
Richards continued, “Turmeric is a natural and effective anti-inflammatory compound. This characteristic makes it effective in reducing chronic pain, weight loss, mitigating joint pain, and helping to improve the quality of life for individuals with various forms of arthritis and other inflammatory conditions.”
Bananas
Looking for a mid-day snack? Bananas are the perfect option.
“Bananas are a great energy boosting food,” Laver says. “They also pack a good amount of potassium. which is essential for hydration. They include lots of essential nutrients that goes a long way to maintaining a healthy diet. Perhaps the best part is that nature neatly wraps bananas up into package that's perfect for transporting them around. It's simple to keep a banana in your bag, grab it and peel when you need a little energy boost in the day.”