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| - Last Updated on June 14, 2024 by Neelam Singh
Quick Take
A social media post claims that ginger and clove concoction can help in weight loss. The post propagates clove and ginger benefits. We did the fact check to term it as False.
The Claim
According to a Facebook post, drinking a concoction of ginger and clove can help in weight loss.
Fact Check
Why does weight gain happen?
Weight gain occurs when there is an imbalance between the number of calories consumed and the number of calories burned. Several factors contribute to weight gain, including:
- Diet: Consuming high-calorie foods, particularly those rich in sugars and fats, can lead to weight gain. Fast food, sugary snacks, and soft drinks are common culprits.
- Physical Activity: A sedentary lifestyle, characterised by minimal physical activity, contributes significantly to weight gain. Modern conveniences and desk jobs have reduced overall daily activity levels.
- Genetics: Genetic factors can influence an individual’s susceptibility to weight gain. Family history plays a role in determining metabolism rates and fat storage patterns.
- Medical Conditions: Conditions such as hypothyroidism, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and Cushing’s syndrome can lead to weight gain due to hormonal imbalances.
- Medications: Certain medications, including antidepressants, antipsychotics, and corticosteroids, can cause weight gain as a side effect.
- Psychological Factors: Emotional eating due to stress, depression, or anxiety can lead to increased calorie intake and subsequent weight gain.
Can ginger and clove really help in weight reduction?
No, not really. Ginger and clove are popular for their health benefits in traditional medicine. They are believed to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. However, scientific evidence supporting their efficacy in weight loss is limited and inconclusive.
- Ginger: Some studies suggest ginger may help reduce appetite and increase thermogenesis (heat production in the body). This can potentially help in modest weight loss. However, these effects are minor and not sufficient to produce significant weight loss on their own. Ginger contains compounds like gingerol and shogaol, which are thought to contribute to its potential effects on metabolism and appetite suppression. A review of 14 studies with 473 participants found that ginger significantly reduced body weight, waist-to-hip ratio, hip ratio, fasting glucose, and insulin resistance, while increasing HDL-cholesterol levels. However, it did not significantly affect BMI, insulin, triglycerides, total cholesterol, or LDL-cholesterol.
- Clove: Clove has been shown to have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. There is limited research (that too in animals only) indicating that clove might help regulate blood sugar levels. And, this can indirectly support weight management. However, there is no strong evidence to suggest that clove directly contributes to significant weight loss. Clove contains eugenol, which has been studied for various health benefits but not conclusively for weight loss.
What does an expert say?
Dr. P. Rammanohar, Research Director at the Amrita Centre for Advanced Research in Ayurveda (ĀCĀRA), explains that according to Ayurveda, obesity is a particularly challenging condition to treat. Ayurvedic texts even suggest it is nearly incurable, stating Karshyameva varam sthaulyat na hi sthoolasya bheshajam i.e., being lean is better than being obese because it is very difficult to treat obesity. There are no quick fixes for obesity, and it cannot be remedied by a single internal or external medication. Instead, treatment focuses on stress management, an appropriate lifestyle, and a specific diet, with medications playing a supportive role. The effectiveness of the treatment is significantly enhanced when patients follow a comprehensive and personalised approach.
What are the recommended ways to reduce weight?
Effective weight loss typically involves a combination of dietary changes, physical activity, and behavioural modifications:
- Balanced Diet: Consuming a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains while reducing intake of sugary and fatty foods. It is important to control portion sizes and avoid high-calorie snacks and beverages.
- Regular Exercise: Engaging in at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity per week, along with strength training exercises. Activities such as walking, jogging, cycling, and swimming can help burn calories and improve overall fitness.
- Behavioural Changes: Developing healthy eating habits, managing stress, and ensuring adequate sleep. Mindful eating, avoiding late-night snacks, and keeping a food diary can help in tracking and controlling calorie intake.
- Medical Interventions: In some cases, medications or surgery might be recommended by healthcare professionals. Prescription weight-loss medications and bariatric surgery are options for individuals with severe obesity who have not had success with diet and exercise alone.
Why is losing weight important?
Maintaining a healthy weight is important for overall well-being and can help prevent a range of health issues:
- Reduced Risk of Chronic Diseases: Obesity is linked to conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. Losing weight can lower the risk of these diseases and improve overall health.
- Improved Mobility and Joint Health: Excess weight can strain joints, leading to conditions like osteoarthritis. Weight loss can reduce joint pain and improve mobility.
- Better Mental Health: Weight loss can improve self-esteem and reduce the risk of depression and anxiety. Achieving weight loss goals can enhance a sense of accomplishment and well-being.
- Enhanced Quality of Life: Achieving a healthy weight can lead to better physical performance, increased energy levels, and greater participation in social and physical activities.
What are the effects of increased body weight?
Excess body weight can lead to numerous health complications, including:
- Impact on Heart Health: Increased risk of hypertension, heart attack, and stroke. Obesity is a major risk factor for atherosclerosis and other heart-related conditions.
- Type 2 Diabetes: Higher likelihood of insulin resistance and elevated blood sugar levels. Obesity significantly increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
- Joint Problems: Greater risk of osteoarthritis due to increased pressure on joints. Weight loss can help reduce joint pain and improve function.
- Sleep Apnea: Excess weight can cause obstructive sleep apnea, leading to poor sleep quality. Weight loss can improve breathing patterns during sleep and reduce the severity of sleep apnea.
- Reproductive Issues: Obesity can affect fertility and pregnancy outcomes. Weight loss can improve reproductive health and increase the chances of a healthy pregnancy.
Conclusion
This article concludes that clove and ginger benefits in weight loss are not that significant. Since, there is insufficient evidence to support the claim that they can significantly help in weight loss. Be careful before believing in clove and ginger tea benefits for weight loss. The viral claims of various slimming teas asserting to offer weight loss should be approached with caution. Even if you love to have herbal teas we recommend combining it with other lifestyle modifications and expert supervision. Effective weight management requires a comprehensive approach, including a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and lifestyle modifications.
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