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| - Last Updated on January 30, 2025 by Neelam Singh
Quick Take
A social media post claims that consuming cumin, ajwain, and saunf (fennel seeds) powder will help you lose weight in the blink of an eye. We fact checked and found the claim to be False.
The Claim
According to a video on Threads, grinding 50 grams each of cumin seeds, fennel seeds, and ajwain, then roasting and consuming the mixture, is said to cure obesity and assist in weight loss.
Fact Check
Can Jeera, Ajwain, and Saunf help you lose weight?
No, they will not lead to instant weight loss. While these seeds are known for their digestive properties and may offer certain health benefits, there is no scientific evidence to suggest that they can cause rapid or dramatic fat loss. Weight loss requires a comprehensive approach, including a caloric deficit (burning more calories than you consume), physical activity, and maintaining a balanced diet. These spices, on their own, cannot replace the need for a proper weight loss strategy.
What health benefits do these spices offer?
They support digestion, reduce bloating, and may have minor metabolic effects.
- Cumin (Jeera): Jeera is widely used in traditional medicine for its potential to stimulate digestion. Research has shown that cumin can increase the production of bile, which helps in the breakdown of fats in the body. In addition, it may promote better digestion, reducing bloating or discomfort after meals, which can make you feel lighter. It also has antioxidant properties, which can support overall health.
Chaitali Bharatia, MSc in Dietetics for Diabetes and Cardiac Nutrition and Senior Nutritionist at Balance Nutrition, shares her perspective on jeera water for weight loss. She explains, “Jeera water with lemon and honey may offer benefits such as improved digestion and a boosted metabolism, but it is not a miracle cure for weight loss. There is limited scientific evidence to support the idea that jeera water alone can directly cause weight loss. However, when combined with a balanced diet and regular exercise, it could contribute to weight loss as part of an overall healthy lifestyle
- Ajwain (Carom Seeds): Ajwain is known for its carminative properties, meaning it helps reduce gas and bloating in the gastrointestinal tract. This can improve digestion and make your stomach feel less bloated, which might provide the illusion of weight loss.
- Saunf (Fennel Seeds): Fennel is commonly used to promote digestion and reduce bloating. It has diuretic properties, which can reduce water retention in the body, potentially giving you the feeling of a lighter body. However, this does not equate to fat loss, and any weight lost through water retention will likely return once you rehydrate.
While these seeds offer digestive benefits, they cannot directly target fat cells or cause substantial weight loss by themselves.
Does consuming these spices directly burn fat?
No, there is no scientific evidence that these spices can directly burn fat.
Fat burning is a physiological process that requires the body to be in a state of caloric deficit—meaning you must consume fewer calories than your body expends. While the spices may slightly increase metabolism or improve digestion, they are not capable of triggering significant fat-burning processes on their own. Hakim Bharmal, a Contest Prep Coach, suggests that achieving weight loss success requires a combination of varied cardio exercises and a diet that ensures you consume fewer calories than you burn.
Are there any risks involved in consuming this drink regularly?
These are generally safe to consume in moderation, but there can be some side effects, if consumed excessively. For most people, consuming jeera, ajwain, and saunf in moderate amount is safe. However, like any spice or herb, overuse can cause unwanted effects. Excessive consumption of these spices may lead to digestive discomfort, including heartburn, bloating, or acidity. This is particularly true for ajwain, which is quite potent. Fennel (saunf), when consumed in large quantities, can also interfere with hormonal balance, especially in women, as it has estrogen-like properties.
Additionally, these spices are not recommended for people with certain medical conditions, such as ulcers or gastrointestinal issues, unless cleared by a doctor.
Is there a quick fix for weight loss?
There is no quick fix for sustainable weight loss; it requires a balanced diet, regular exercise, and long-term commitment. Be cautious of weight loss misinformation, as many quick-fix solutions are ineffective or potentially harmful.
Dr. Swati Dave, PhD in Food and Nutrition, about the impact of weight loss and dietary misinformation. She explained, “Weight loss misinformation online spreads rapidly, often offering quick fixes and false promises through attention-grabbing video captions. This deceptive content frequently presents unrealistic expectations, leading people to adopt ineffective or even harmful methods that obstruct long-term, healthy weight loss. It’s essential for individuals to critically assess online information, seek evidence-based guidance, and avoid falling for unsupported trends.”
Dr P Rammanohar, Research Director at the Amrita Centre for Advanced Research in Ayurveda (ĀCĀRA), explains that Ayurveda considers obesity to be a challenging condition to treat, with ancient texts describing it as almost incurable – na hi sthulasya bheshajam. He emphasises that there is no magical solution for obesity, and no single medicine, whether internal or external, can address the issue. The primary approach to treatment involves stress management, lifestyle changes, and a balanced diet, with medicines playing a supportive role. The better patients adhere to a comprehensive treatment plan, the more effective the results. Obesity treatment in Ayurveda is also highly individualised.
Conclusion
Jeera, ajwain, and saunf can offer digestive benefits and may help improve gut health, but they are not miracle workers for weight loss. While they might support your metabolism and reduce bloating, they are not powerful enough to cause significant fat loss without a comprehensive approach to health and fitness. To achieve lasting and healthy weight loss, focus on a balanced diet, regular exercise, and overall lifestyle changes.
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