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When most people set out to lose weight, they focus all of their attention on the foods they eat – rather on the way they eat each meal. There are certain habits you can add to your routine that amplify weight loss goals, particularly when mixed into a healthy diet and regular exercise plan.
Though it might seem too simple to be true, one of the best habits you can pick up to boost metabolism and shed pounds is adding more spices to your food.
“One special spice, turmeric, is worth mentioning in particular, because it has been found to be tremendously effective in reducing and preventing inflammation and playing a beneficial role in a variety of other illnesses,” Dr. Melina Jampolis, author of Spice Up Live Long: A Guide To Using Herbs And Spices to Live A Longer, Healthier and More Vibrant Life, told SheFinds.
Turmeric is extremely effective as a weight-loss aid because it contains curcumin - a chemical compound that has been found to aid in weight loss and boost the metabolism.
Dr. Jampolis explained, “For weight-loss in particular, as an antioxidant [curcumin] protects your cells from damage, reduces inflammation, helps with blood sugar control and insulin resistance, and adds flavor without calories.”
And, Dr. Jampolis also mentioned that eating turmeric and other spices more frequently can reduce our sodium intake as foods more heavily spiced require less seasoning with salt. “Spices also help reduce our dependence on salt - a mineral, not spice - which is overconsumed by 90% of our population,” she said.
Intaking too much sodium can lead to higher blood pressure and other long-term medical complications.
You can add turmeric to just about anything. There are a ton of curry recipes online that call for turmeric, though you can simply add the spice to everything from eggs to salad dressings. You can even find smoothie recipes made with turmeric.
“For optimal absorption in the body, consume [turmeric] with a little bit of healthy fat and a pinch of black pepper, which contains a compound called bioperine that helps increase the absorption of the curcumin in turmeric by up to 2000,” Dr. Jampolis advised.
