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| - Last Updated on December 19, 2024 by Neelam Singh
Quick Take
A social media post suggests that drinking ghee water with lemon juice on an empty stomach may help in reducing belly fat. We fact checked and found the claim to be False.
The Claim
An Instagram video by the user ayushidatwani claims in her video that drinking ghee water with lemon juice on an empty stomach may help reduce belly fat by enhancing metabolism, improving digestion, detoxifying the body, curbing appetite, and promoting fat breakdown. It also aids in hormone regulation and supports skin health.
Fact Check
Does ghee help with belly fat or weight loss?
No, ghee does not directly help in burning belly fat. Ghee, a type of clarified butter, has been used in traditional Indian cooking and medicine for centuries. It’s often praised for its high concentration of healthy fats and believed to have anti-inflammatory properties. However, when it comes to losing belly fat specifically, ghee alone doesn’t play a significant role.
Many say the Conjugated Linoleic Acid found in ghee can help people lose weight, while studies have not found any significant effect. A review of 18 high-quality studies found that people who took 3.2 grams CLA lost an average of 0.05 kg per week more than those who took a placebo. However, this is a small amount of weight loss.
Several studies have investigated the impact of Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) on weight loss in humans. One review of these studies assessed the long-term effects of CLA supplementation on fat loss in overweight and obese individuals. It found that taking 2.4–6 grams per day for 6–12 months led to a reduction of about 1.33 kg of body fat compared to a placebo.
This reduction, while statistically significant, is relatively small when compared to the placebo group. Other studies have also shown mixed results, with CLA offering little to no real-world benefits for fat loss and there were no changes in the waist circumference , even when combined with exercise. Overall, current research suggests that CLA has minimal effects on weight loss, both in the short and long term.
Dr Swati Dave, PhD in Food and Nutrition said, “Fat loss doesn’t occur just by adding a specific food or drink to your diet. It’s a complex process that requires an overall reduction in calorie intake, regular physical activity, and a consistent approach to healthy eating. Simply drinking ghee water won’t magically target fat in your belly area.”
So, ghee in moderation may be a healthy addition to your diet, but it won’t cause belly fat to vanish.
Can lemon juice help with belly fat loss?
No, lemon juice by itself does not melt belly fat. Lemon juice is often touted for its supposed detoxifying properties and its role in boosting metabolism. While lemons are high in vitamin C, the idea that lemon juice can target belly fat is misleading.
Lemon juice has been linked to a variety of health benefits. However, there’s no solid scientific evidence showing that it directly contributes to fat loss, especially in the belly area.
Why lemon juice doesn’t lead to fat loss:
- No direct fat-burning properties: While lemon juice can aid digestion and prevent bloating due to its acidic nature, these effects do not result in fat burning. The idea that lemon juice ‘melts’ belly fat is simply a myth.
- Metabolism boost is minimal: Some studies suggest that the antioxidants in lemon may slightly increase metabolism, but the effect is so small that it won’t result in noticeable fat loss. A truly significant metabolism boost typically comes from exercise, strength training, or an overall increase in physical activity.
Nutritionist Dr. Umesh Wadhavani emphasizes that overall health is influenced by a range of factors, not just individual foods. Aspects such as daily habits, work-related stress, personal relationships, sleep quality, and physical activity all play a significant role. To manage belly fat, it’s important to take a holistic approach that addresses multiple areas of a healthy lifestyle. Achieving lasting results requires patience and commitment, but with the right strategies, individuals can make meaningful progress over time.
Can combining ghee and lemon juice help with weight loss?
Harita Adhvaryu, a senior dietician from Ahmedabad said, “No, combining ghee and lemon juice will not lead to belly fat loss. There is no evidence that combining these two ingredients will result in a fat-burning miracle.”
The idea behind this combination is that the acidity of lemon might help the body absorb the fat from ghee more efficiently, or that the lemon could ‘cut’ the richness of ghee, making it easier to digest. However, the truth is that consuming fat with lemon juice will not dramatically change how the body processes fat or lead to fat burning. The body breaks down and processes fats in a specific way, and it requires a balanced approach to diet and exercise to lose weight.
In fact, drinking ghee water with lemon juice may actually increase your total calorie intake, making it harder to maintain a calorie deficit, which is the most effective way to lose belly fat.
Does drinking ghee water with lemon juice help detoxify the body?
No, there is no scientific evidence that ghee water with lemon juice detoxifies the body. The concept of ‘detoxification’ is widely discussed in wellness circles, but the body already has a built-in detox system – your liver, kidneys, and digestive system work tirelessly to filter and remove toxins from your body. There’s no need to rely on special drinks or diets to detoxify.
Ghee and lemon juice don’t provide any additional detox benefits. While lemon juice may support liver function with its vitamin C content, there’s no evidence that combining it with ghee helps to detoxify the body.
Dr. Sharad Malhotra, Senior Consultant and Head of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Therapeutic Endoscopy at Aakash Healthcare, New Delhi, shares his expertise on homemade drinks for body detox and digestive issues. He explains, “No single drink can detoxify the body. Our body is an incredibly efficient organ that naturally detoxifies itself, without the need for special drinks to assist in this process.
What is the real secret to belly fat loss?
The real secret to belly fat loss is a combination of a healthy, balanced diet and regular physical activity. Hakim Bharmal, Master Trainer and Contest Prep Coach, says “No food or drink will magically target belly fat. Fat loss occurs when your body is in a calorie deficit, meaning you burn more calories than you consume. While adding healthy fats to your diet can be part of a balanced approach, it’s important not to overconsume them. The key lies in moderation, portion control, and consistency.”
Proven methods for losing belly fat:
- Caloric deficit: The most reliable way to lose fat is by consuming fewer calories than you burn. This can be achieved through a combination of eating fewer calories and increasing physical activity.
- Exercise and strength training: Regular exercise, especially strength training, helps to increase muscle mass, which in turn boosts metabolism and supports fat loss.
- Balanced diet: Focus on a well-rounded diet. This will ensure you get the nutrients your body needs while managing your calorie intake.
Instead of relying on trendy ‘quick fixes’, the best approach to losing belly fat is adopting a sustainable and healthy lifestyle. While ghee and lemon juice can be part of that lifestyle, they should never be viewed as magic solutions.
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