Ayurveda and weight loss

Gaining weight is very easy but losing even a pound of fat is an extremely tedious and challenging task. Ayurveda, the ancient medical system that originated in India relies on several natural techniques that help you lose weight easily. As opposed to the conventional western medical system, Ayurveda relies on herbs that give you long term solutions for your weight loss problem. According to the ayurvedic system, the fat cells expand by absorbing the impurities or toxins that have accumulated in your body, which in turn leads to weight gain. Ayurveda helps in weight loss by focusing on the removal of these toxins, which results in the shrinking of the fat cells.

There are many ayurvedic medicines for weight loss that uses several herbs that improve the metabolism rate of the body and help to burn fat. Given below are some of these medicines or herbs that are effective in getting rid of those extra pounds:

Ginger

Ginger is a wonderful spice and herb that has been proven to assist in weight loss. It improves the digestion process by stimulating the production of digestive enzymes. Ginger increases the metabolism rate, thereby helping to burn off some of the fat that has accumulated in the body. According to a study published in the journal, Metabolism in the year 2012, ginger can promote weight loss by enhancing the satiety or feeling of fullness after a meal, thus helping to avoid the intake of more calories from food. Read more about benefits of ginger.

Garcinia cambogia

Garcinia cambogia, also known as Malabar tamarind is a popular supplement in Ayurvedic medicines that promotes weight loss. Studies indicate that the rind of the fruit contains an active ingredient known as hydroxycitric acid that may help to inhibit the accumulation of fat by increasing fat burning and decreasing your appetite. It works by blocking an enzyme called citrate lyase, which is used by your body to make fat. Hydroxycitric acid also increases the levels of serotonin, a brain chemical that reduces your hunger. Studies also suggest that Garcinia cambogia might control the activities of genes associated with the synthesis of fat.

Nigella sativa

The extract obtained from the seeds of the Nigella sativa plant is often recommended by Ayurvedic doctors for helping with weight loss. In addition to boosting your metabolic rate, it is also found to have anorexic effect, which means that it may help in curbing your appetite. Studies on the effect of Nigella sativa seed oil on obese men confirmed that it promoted significant weight loss as well as a decrease in circumference of the waist.

Commiphora mukul Resin

Commiphora mukul resin or Guggul has been used in Ayurvedic medicines for a long time for the treatment of obesity because of its powerful fat burning properties. Guggul extract contains guggulsterone, a plant sterol that helps in stimulating the functions of the thyroid gland. It has also been found to help in increasing lipid metabolism, destroying fat cells and inhibiting the formation of new fat cells.

Salacia reticulata

Salacia reticulata is another plant that has been used in traditional ayurvedic medicine for the treatment of diabetes and obesity. It has potent antioxidant properties and also the ability to lower the levels of triglyceride and LDL cholesterol, which in turn aid in weight loss. It also contains a polyphenol known as mangiferin, which improves the insulin sensitivity of your body. Mangiferin contains inhibitors that slow down the digestion and absorption of sugar. According to studies, the polyphenols in salacia inhibit fat metabolizing enzymes and improves the breakdown of fat stored in fat cells, a process called lipolysis.

Cyperus rotundus

Also known as nutgrass, Cyperus rotundus is yet another plant that is widely used for promoting weight loss. It aids in weight loss by boosting the metabolic rate and also by improving the functions of the digestive system.

Glycyrrhiza glabra / Licorice

Glycyrrhiza glabra, also known as licorice have been used in medicine for treating a wide variety of illnesses. Research suggests that licorice may be beneficial in promoting fat reduction and weight loss. The antioxidant flavonoids found in licorice slow down the oxidation of fatty acids and also   help in reducing the levels triglyceride in the blood. Read more about benefits of licorice.

Triphala

Triphala is an Ayurvedic preparation made from three dried fruits – amalaki (Emblica officinalis), bibhitaki (Terminalia chebula) and haritaki (Terminalia bellirica). It is used in the treatment of many health problems, including obesity. Triphala is a great body detox agent that helps in cleansing the body and getting rid of the all the accumulated toxins and wastes. It regulates the digestive system by cleansing the colon, eliminating excess water from the body, and regularizing bowel movements.

Read more about amazing benefits of Triphala

Lemon and honey

Another most common remedy for losing weight is to drink lemon juice with warm water and honey on an empty stomach, first thing in the morning. This is a powerful combination that is effective in reducing appetite, increasing the metabolism, cleansing the body and helping with weight loss.

Gymnema sylvestre / Gurmar

Gymnema sylvestre, an herb found in the tropical forests of India and many parts of Asia has been long used in treating conditions like diabetes and arthritis. Recent studies suggest that it is also useful for weight management. Gymnema has the ability to reduce sugar cravings, slow down the absorption of sugar during the digestion process and normalize blood glucose levels. Because of its ability to suppress sweet tastes, this plant also goes by the name sugar destroyer.

Did you know? Gymnema sylvestre is excellent for diabetes?

Ayurvedic detox tea

Drinking ayurvedic detox tea helps in detoxifying your liver and body, which helps your liver to metabolize fat as an efficient rate. This tea can be prepared by adding cumin, coriander and fennel seeds to boiling water. Strain the tea and store it in a thermos flask. Drink the tea a couple of times a day.

Aloe Vera juice

Aloe vera is a super herb that has a ton of health benefits, including its ability to get rid of fat. Drinking aloe vera juice regularly will help you in reducing body fat by increasing your metabolism rate. Another method by which aloe vera reduces body weight is by detoxifying your system and cleansing your digestive system of all the toxic wastes. Read more about benefits of aloe vera for skin.

Curry leaves

Curry leaves have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and is considered to be wonderful fat burners. Research indicates that curry leaves contain an alkaloid known as mahanimbine that has anti-obesity and lipid-lowering effects. They also help in reducing weight by improving digestion, detoxifying the body and by reducing cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Eating a few fresh curry leaves in the morning is a great Ayurvedic remedy to combat obesity as well as diabetes.

Did you know? Eating daily a leaf of tulsi, curry and neem is excellent way to remain healthy?

Fenugreek

Fenugreek is another natural remedy that is believed to help with weight loss.  It contains high amounts of fiber that enhances satiety and reduces your appetite. It makes you feel fuller for longer hours thus helping to avoid frequent snacking. Read more if you want to know all about this amazing spice – fenugreek.

Mint

Mint is another super herb that promotes weight loss by stimulating the release of bile and other digestive enzymes that helping in digesting fat. Therefore, incorporating mint to your daily diet is a great way to convert the extra fat into energy rather than storing it. You can make peppermint tea by boiling few peppermint leaves in water and then adding honey as a sweetener. Drink this tea once or twice a day.

Weight loss supplements are available in various forms such as pills, sprays, and even as patches. But nowadays more and more people are attracted to natural supplements or medicines for weight loss, which are the best and safest methods of losing weight. Ayurvedic medicines for weight loss rely on several herbs that not only help in burning fat but also in restoring the rate of metabolism of the body.

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