Does moringa work for weight loss?

When you’re trying to lose weight, you try several things, including fad diets and the latest exercise trends, but not everything works. That’s when you go to your kitchen and look for the healthiest ingredients to help you lose weight. One such ingredient that is perfect for a weight loss diet is moringa or drumsticks. Moringa is a nutrient-rich plant and is derived from the Moringa oleifera plant. It has been used for various medicinal purposes, with leaves being most commonly used for various health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure and more.

Health Shots asked Lochan Tebak, Clinical Nutritionist, Max Hospital, Gurugram, about the benefits of moringa for weight loss. This is how it works.

What are the benefits of moringa for weight loss?

Moringa has received a lot of attention lately. In 2020, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had even put this superfood in the spotlight when he revealed that he loves moringa parathas! It is an ingredient that has been part of medicine for centuries. There are many benefits of moringa for skin and hair.

Here we will tell you how moringa works for weight loss.

1. Controls the appetite

One of the biggest challenges one faces while losing weight is controlling their hunger. Although you don’t have to starve yourself, a calorie deficit is important for weight loss. Including moringa in your diet can help control your insulin levels, which in turn can improve appetite control and reduce cravings for sugary snacks by minimizing the rises and falls of blood sugar, says Dr. Tebak.

2. High fiber content

Dietary fiber helps you lose weight, and drumsticks or moringa contain a lot of dietary fiber, says the expert. A study published in the journal Nutrition found that eating foods high in dietary fiber can cause a reduction in calorie intake, 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 aid in weight loss. It can also increase feelings of satiety, reducing the desire to overeat or snack between meals,” explains the nutritionist. A study published in the journal Nutrients shows that eating an anti-inflammatory diet can help people control obesity.

4. Promotes a healthy metabolism

Metabolism is the reaction in your body’s cells that helps convert 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 promote a healthy metabolism. Dr. Tebak says moringa contains properties that promote healthy metabolism and help remove toxins from your body, helping you lose weight.

Also read: 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 are blessed with many other health benefits when you add it to your diet. Some research and the nutritionist told us the amazing benefits of adding moringa to your diet.

• It helps control cholesterol levels, which plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy heart.
• Moringa is rich in iron, calcium and B vitamins, which are good for your brain health.
• Moringa is rich in several nutrients and is also a good option for people looking for ways to strengthen their bones.
• Antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties in moringa may help prevent several diseases, including respiratory conditions, kidney health and even some types of cancer.

How to consume moringa to lose weight?

If you have decided to add moringa to your weight loss diet, moringa tea is one of the best ways to add it. Here’s a quick recipe for moringa tea from Dr. Tebak:

• Boil one to two cups of water in a pan and add moringa leaves or powder to it.
• Let it boil and strain the mixture. This tea can be consumed on an empty stomach as a daily routine.

Moringa can be a healthy addition to your diet, but the expert warns pregnant women that they should only drink it if their health care advisor allows or avoids it. Moringa is also high in vitamins and minerals, which is a good choice for everyone, but it is best to contact your healthcare advisor to avoid complications.