Looking to burn that stubborn belly fat? Then it’s time to add ginger to your diet

Everything you eat has a certain number of calories, which is why noshing on anything more than required is bound to cause weight gain! Of course, there are both healthy and unhealthy foods, and if you’re looking to lose weight, then it’s time to give this superfood a shout out. Yes, we are talking about ginger. 

We all know winter is coming, and what’s better than that comforting cup of adrak wali chai. And it has several health benefits too! That’s because ginger has compounds called gingerols and shogaols that play a major role in weight loss. And when we consume ginger it generates heat in our body, and keeps us warm. Fortunately, this heat also helps in fat burn. 

Ginger can help with all your weight-related problems, says top nutritionist

Dr Aashima Chopra, Dietician, Paras Hospitals, Panchkula, explains that ginger is not just a great taste enhancer, but it also works as an awesome option for weight loss. Without a doubt, ginger surpasses almost every other fancy superfood, when it comes to weight loss. It’s available everywhere and does not pinch the pocket, that’s why anyone can use it to regulate their weight. Plus there are almost zero chances of side-effects.

Here are three ways in which ginger kickstart your weight loss regimen: 

1. Ginger helps in suppressing your appetite

Call it stress or whatever, there are times when we binge even when we aren’t hungry! This, of course, leads to weight gain. Dr Chopra suggests that if you eat ginger regularly, then it will absorb the nutrients better and release energy to the fullest. And then you don’t feel the urge to binge.

“It also suppresses your appetite. In fact, there’s a study published in the journal Metabolism, that says that ginger helps you stay full for longer”, she says.

2. Ginger has anti-obesity effects as well

According to a study published in Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture, gingerol is the main ingredient that helps in weight loss. Due to this lipid, the food is digested faster in our body and it also enhances the metabolic rate.

“Due to gingerol, the sugar levels in the body are regulated, and glucose is also synthesized properly. That’s why it is also great for people who are dealing with diabetes”, explains Dr Chopra.

3. Helps in recovering cells

“When it comes to weight loss, consuming antioxidants is important, as it helps to control the free radicals that damage cells in your body, which are responsible for digestion and other important metabolic functions. And plus, its anti-inflammatory properties keep indigestion, bloating, and other gastrointestinal problems at bay”, she suggests.

Three healthy ways in which you can consume ginger for weight loss

1. Chew a thin slice of ginger root, before eating your meals. This will boost your metabolism and improve digestion.
2. Make a delicious anti-inflammatory smoothie by adding fresh or dried ginger, or add it to a green smoothie.
3. Grate a small piece of ginger, add some lemon juice and salt, and then mix the ingredients. Consume this mixture before eating your meals to suppress appetite and aid digestion.

So, it’s time to give up on synthetic weight loss hacks, and let ginger be your weight loss pal for life.