Turmeric - A fierce superfood spice that melts away body fat and defeats insulin resistance
(NaturalNews) Besides garnering attention as a a veritable fountain of
youth, cancer tamer and fibromyalgia remedy, turmeric has proven itself
to be a formidable weight loss superfood as well. Easing inflammation is
just one benefit of this golden beauty. It also mitigates insulin
resistance and balances blood glucose levels while helping to prevent
the spread of fat tissue - providing a powerful tool in the battle of
the bulge. A staple in Asian cultures for centuries, turmeric is a safe,
flavorful and nutrient-packed addition to any diet or weight loss plan.
Colorful fat fighterResearch at
Tufts University in Boston discovered that curcumin (the active ingredient in turmeric)
reduced weight gain and total body fat in mice that consumed the
compound. Eighteen mice divided into three groups were fed either a low
fat, high fat or curcumin enhanced high fat diet. At the end of the
study, body weight of the mice and fat distribution were measured. For
those that ingested the diet with curcumin, both total body fat and
weight gain were reduced -- even though food intake was not restricted.
Blood glucose, cholesterol, fatty acid, triglyceride and liver fat were
lower as well.
Another study at
Xi'an Jiaotong University School of Medicine in China also found turmeric intake to be beneficial for weight loss. As stated by Anthony Gucciardi of
Natural Society:
"...
curcumin (once again, a compound within turmeric found in extracts and
the food itself) consumption directly decreased levels of
insulin resistance and leptin resistance - two factors heavily linked to fat
gain. In the conclusion of the research, study authors state:
"By diminishing the sediment of fat, relaxing the lymphatic return, and refraining the apoptosis of beta cells, the
curcumin might significantly decrease the level of insulin resistance and leptin resistance caused by the high fat diet."
Similar findings were observed at the
Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center -- Columbia University.
Dr. Drew Tortoriello, M.D., an endocrinologist and research scientist,
found that "turmeric-fed obese mice showed significantly reduced
inflammation in
fat tissue and liver compared to controls." He suspects "the
anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant ingredient in turmeric, lessens insulin
resistance and prevents type 2 diabetes in these mouse models by
dampening the inflammatory response provoked by obesity," according to
Science Daily.
Happily,
researchers believe these results can be applied to humans too. With
such a profusion of healthy benefits, all you really have to lose by
enjoying this vibrant spice is excess weight.
source:-
http://www.naturalnews.com/040458_tumeric_curcumin_weight_loss.html