Turmeric For Fat Loss – The Spicy Way to Lose Weight Fast?

There are no magic bullets for weight loss, but there may be a magic spice that can help you lose fat; turmeric. That’s right that innocuous little bottle hiding in your spice rack might hold the secret to unlocking the mysteries of the midsection.

Turmeric is nothing new. In fact it has been around for thousands of years, used in all sorts of remedies for everything from cuts and scrapes to digestion problems. It’s best known as one of the key ingredients in many Indian dishes that help account for their spicy aroma and tantalizing taste.

Turmeric Gets Some Respect as a Weight Loss Aid

What is new is that the spice is getting some attention from serious medical researchers at prestigious institutions such as Columbia University in New York. In one recent study, Columbia researchers discovered that mice which consumed quantities of turmeric had reduced incidence of diabetes, weren’t as prone to weight gain, and even had fewer liver problems than the control group.

The research results were so promising that they were presented to a yearly gathering of top level scientists and doctors at the Endocrine Society. One of the primary goals of endocrinologists is to understand diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and other maladies connected to glands and hormones. The fact that the research was promising enough to warrant presentation to them speaks volumes about the efficacy of turmeric when used in weight control therapy.

Why does Turmeric work to help control weight and even fight inflammation?

Scientists aren’t 100% sure yet, but research suggests that it is probably due at least in part to a strong antioxidant; the polyphenol curcumin. This strong antioxidant has been demonstrated to help Type 2 diabetics lower insulin resistance and lose the weight that can contribute to their disease. Turmeric is rich in curcumin.

Even More Evidence of Turmeric’s Effectiveness

Another study demonstrating the promise held by the spice was conducted at Tuft’s University. It was published in the Journal Science Daily in early 2009. This new study reveals stronger evidence that it is fact the curcumin found in turmeric that is the key compound responsible for the weight control.

The study looked at not the spice, but the curcumin extracts and discovered that these extracts have a positive effect on laboratory mice losing fat. Their findings conclude that one possible mechanism for the observed weight loss is that the curcumin actually restricts the blood supply to fat cells, halting them from excessive growth.

Of course, the jury is still out until more tests can be completed, but it appears the turmeric, a simple grocery store spice can definitely help you to lose fat and lower your chance of contracting weight related illnesses, not to mention look a heck of a lot better. There are several other foods that can have powerful effects on your fat loss efforts, now they have company.