Can turmeric help you lose weight?

Can turmeric help you lose weight?

Turmeric is a popular spice, used in cooking and traditional medicine for thousands of years. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, it could help you to maintain your target weight.

people sitting on a dock throwing leaves

If you have a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9, you are considered to be at a healthy weight. Unfortunately, many of us struggle to stay in this range – nearly two-thirds of adults in the UK are currently overweight or obese.

Hundreds of companies have emerged that promise to help people lose weight, playing on their desire to look good or feel healthy by offering fad diets and fat-fighting pills. Some firms even recommend turmeric as a weight loss product.

The truth is, no miracle weight-loss product has been discovered. The NHS recommends a combination of changes to diet and increased exercise to people trying to lose weight. All the research shows that this is the best way to reach your goals.

However, there is one very important way that turmeric can help you to maintain a healthy weight.

Joints and a healthy lifestyle

Joint problems are a significant cause of discomfort and chronic pain, and often discourage people from undertaking physical activities. For example, this US report shows a link between lack of exercise, obesity and arthritis.

The primary active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin, a natural phenol, which:

is a natural anti-inflammatory.
contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of the cartilage in joints.

Furthermore, studies conducted with the participation of elite athletes have shown that curcumin aids muscle recovery after high-intensity exercise. This allows for better training and improved performance over time. So even very sporty people can benefit from turmeric – it is useful no matter your level of fitness.

If you keep your joints in good shape, you’ll be able to exercise for longer – and since exercise burns calories and increases your metabolism, turmeric will also help you to achieve and maintain a healthy weight.