As more and more of the world’s population is being classed as overweight or even obese, more and more people are looking for weight loss products, diet aids and alternative natural weight loss methods to lose those extra pounds. One of these alternatives could be the ancient Indian practice of Ayurveda. Ayurveda breaks the body down into two simple categories: fat and thin. Those who are fat suffer from diseases such as gall bladder problems, arthritis, high blood pressure and diabetes
Holistic Weight Loss Program
An Ayurveda practitioner believes the cause of obesity is overeating, irregular eating habits and not properly balancing meals. They generally recommend a natural weight loss program to follow at home along with a sensible exercise plan. An Ayurvedic diet plan usually recommends good amounts of fruit and vegetables, along with reducing intake of red meat and dairy produce, salt and avoiding heavy, rich foods. An Ayurvedic diet would include spices such as cinnamon, ginger and black pepper, which are believed to burn fat. Bitter gourd and honey are also recommended as these are believed to mobilize fat deposits. Rice and potatoes are usually not recommended but wheat-based cereals are. Portion control is an important aspect to any Ayurvedic diet along with exercise, which is usually some form of yoga.
Detox Diet Drink
According to the principles of Ayurveda, a morning detox diet drink is usually recommended. This is made up of honey in hot water with one teaspoon of lemon juice. A lime and honey fast may also be recommended to keep energy levels stable. Juice half of one lime, add one teaspoon of fresh honey to some warm water and drink at regular intervals throughout the day. Cabbage is also used to inhibit the conversion of sugar and other carbohydrates into fat. This can be eaten either cooked or raw.
Ayurvedic Diet Aids
Diet aids in the form of supplements are often incorporated and may include Neemguard, Medohar Vidangadi Lauh, Ezi Slim and Punarnavadi Guggul. Neemguard (Neem, Giloy and Triphala) is considered safe for increasing metabolism and reducing weight. The Indian herb guggulu, which is a gum resin from the Balsamo-dendron mukul plant, is used in Ayurveda for treating obesity and has no known side effects.
While they may be effective, many of the weight loss products used in traditional cultures have little or scientific evidence to back them up. This does not necessarily mean that they do not work or may not be a useful addition to a sensible weight loss program that includes exercise.
Studies have suggested that Ayurveda may be effective at reducing the risk of heart disease. Combining yoga with an Ayurvedic herbal remedy containing winter cherry and turmeric may reduce pain and disability in people with arthritis.
References:
Bhat S, Lavekar GS. Ayurvedic approach to pathya (ideal diet planning)--an appraisal. Bull Indian Inst Hist Med Hyderabad. 2005;35(2):147-56.
Thabrew M I, Senaratna L, Samarawickrema N, et al. Antioxidant potential of two polyherbal. preparations used in Ayurveda for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. J Ethnopharmacol. 2001;76(3):285-291.
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