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The Link Between This One Powerful Spice And Weight Loss
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Weight management is an ongoing problem for many people. A healthy weight loss program will only produce sustaining results when the right diet and exercise program is practiced diligently. Even then, there are other factors that come into play, including sleep, exposure to sunlight, and even genetics that can make the difference for many people. There have been studies regarding obese subjects who consumed only 800 calories a day and walked on a treadmill for several hours each day, but failed to lose more than one or two pounds after several weeks.
Although these people are extreme examples, most find they have a difficult time either losing weight or keeping it off. Scientists at Tufts University wanted to see if consumption of turmeric could aid in weight loss efforts. Their study involved mice on a high fat diet who were given small amounts of curcumin (the active ingredient in turmeric) over a 12-week period. When compared with the control group of mice, the mice given turmeric gained far less weight and body fat over the 12-week study period. The turmeric-eating mice also had less blood vessel growth in their fat tissue, lower blood sugar levels, lower levels of fat in the liver, as well as lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels.
Although this is just one study, it does suggest that consuming turmeric can be a beneficial means of enhancing weight loss efforts and/or maintaining a healthy weight.
Although exactly how turmeric works is still unclear, there are a few theories. One centers on the fact that turmeric is one of the most powerful means of reducing inflammation, swelling, and inflammation in the body. Inflammation and the irritation it causes are one of the leading factors not only behind obesity, but almost every other chronic disease known to man. Another thought is that turmeric is well known for having powerful antioxidants. Antioxidants are vital for protecting our cells and DNA from oxidative damage. Antioxidants also inhibit the body from accumulating fat.
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