by When you’re trying to lose weight, you try many things, including fad diets and the latest workout trends, but not everything works. That’s when you turn to your kitchen and search for the healthiest ingredients to help you lose weight. One such ingredient that is perfect for a weight loss diet is moringa or drumsticks. A nutrient-rich plant, moringa is derived from the Moringa oleifera plant. It has been used for various medicinal purposes with the leaves being most commonly used for various health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, etc.
Health Shots interviewed Lochan Tebak, Clinical Nutritionist, Max Hospital, Gurugram, about the benefits of moringa for weight loss. Here’s how it works.
What are the benefits of moringa for weight loss?
Moringa has attracted a lot of attention lately. Indeed, in 2020, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi put this superfood in the spotlight by revealing that he loved moringa parathas! It is an ingredient that has been part of medicine for ages. The benefits of moringa for skin and hair are numerous.
Here we will explain to you how moringa works for weight loss.
1. Manages appetite
One of the biggest challenges one faces when losing weight is controlling hunger. Although it’s not necessary to starve, a calorie deficit is important for weight loss. Including moringa in your diet can help manage your insulin levels, which in turn can improve appetite management and reduce cravings for sugary snacks by minimizing rises and falls in blood sugar, explains Dr. Tebak.
2. High fiber content
Dietary fiber helps in weight loss, and drumsticks or moringa are rich in dietary fiber, says the expert. A study published in the journal Nutrition found that consuming foods high in dietary fiber can lead to a reduction in calorie intake, thereby leading to weight loss.
3. Contains anti-inflammatory properties
“Moringa is also rich in anti-inflammatory properties. It can help reduce inflammation in the body and help you lose weight. It can also increase the feeling of fullness, reducing the urge to overeat or snack between meals,” explains the nutritionist. A study published in the journal Nutrients found that an anti-inflammatory diet can help people manage obesity.
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4. Promotes Healthy Metabolism
Metabolism is the reaction of your body’s cells that helps turn food into energy. The faster your metabolism, the more calories or energy you burn. A good metabolism is therefore important for losing weight. And moringa can help support a healthy metabolism. Dr. Tebak says moringa contains properties that promote healthy metabolism and help remove toxins from your body, helping you lose weight.
Read also: Weight loss: 5 drinks to increase slow metabolism
What are the benefits of adding moringa to your diet?
Although moringa for weight loss is a good idea, you get many other health benefits when you add it to your diet. Some research and nutritionist have told us about the magnificent benefits of adding moringa to your diet.
- It helps manage cholesterol levels, which plays a vital role in maintaining a healthy heart.
- Moringa is rich in iron, calcium and B vitamins, which are good for brain health.
- Rich in several nutrients, moringa is also a good option for people looking for ways to strengthen their bones.
- The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of moringa may help prevent several diseases, including respiratory diseases, kidney health, and even certain types of cancer.
How to consume moringa to lose weight?
If you have decided to add moringa to your weight loss diet, one of the best ways to include it is with moringa tea. Here is a quick moringa tea recipe from Dr. Tebak:
- Boil one to two cups of water in a pan and add moringa leaves or powder to it.
- Leave to simmer then filter the mixture. This tea can be consumed on an empty stomach as part of your daily routine.
Moringa can be a healthy addition to your diet, but the expert warns that pregnant women should only drink it if their health care advisor allows or avoids it. Moringa is also rich in vitamins and minerals, which is a good choice for everyone, but it is best to check with your health care advisor to avoid complications.
