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Weight loss is a common goal for many people as being overweight or obese is a major contributing factor for various potentially dangerous health conditions.
It is known that being overweight can raise your risk for type 2 diabetes, heart disease and fatty liver disease, for example.
Therefore, finding safe ways to lose weight if needed is recommended by health bodies and experts.
Regular exercise and sticking to a healthy, balanced diet is a proven way to achieve weight loss.
However, one expert said that adding two spices to your meals could be a way to aid this.
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Abbas Kanani, pharmacist at Chemist Click Online Pharmacy, recommended consuming cinnamon and turmeric for their weight-loss properties alongside a healthy diet.
He explained: “Certain spices, like cinnamon and turmeric, have been studied for their potential to help regulate blood sugar levels.
“Cinnamon has been found to enhance insulin sensitivity, reduce insulin resistance and improve glucose metabolism.
“However, the effects may vary depending on the dose, duration of use and individual response.
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“Some studies have suggested that curcumin may help regulate blood sugar levels by improving insulin sensitivity, reducing inflammation and enhancing pancreatic function and ginger has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity, reduce fasting blood sugar levels and enhance glucose metabolism.
“By promoting stable blood sugar levels, spices may assist in preventing spikes and crashes in energy levels, reducing cravings for sugary foods, and potentially supporting weight management.”
However he added: “While spices have been studied for their potential effects on blood sugar levels, it’s important to note that the evidence is not conclusive, and more research is needed to establish a clear link.”
What does research say?
Mr Kanani’s advice was backed by several studies.
One, published in Clinical Nutrition journal in 2020, found that consuming up to two grams of cinnamon a day over a 12 week period reduced fat mass, body weight and body mass index.
It said: “The pooled results showed that cinnamon administration significantly decreased body weight, BMI, waist circumference, and fat mass.
“Greater effects on body weight were observed in subjects aged less than 50 years old and those with a baseline BMI of ≥30 kg/m2.
“Cinnamon supplementation significantly affects obesity measures. It could be recommended as a weight-reducing supplement in obesity management.”
Another study, published in the International Journal of Molecular Science in 2022, looked at the effects of curcumin, which is found in turmeric, on weight.
It found that cucumin had the potential to be anti-inflammatory and improve fat metabolism.
The study said: “In summary, curcumin is a promising natural bioactive compound which possesses numerous pharmacological activities.
“It shows multiple mechanisms of action and can affect cellular biochemical and physiological regulation.
“In pharmacies, there are more and more preparations containing curcumin recommended for the prevention of obesity.
“However, more comprehensive and definitive human studies should be performed to assess the possibility of using curcumin in preventing and managing obesity in humans.”
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