Weight loss may be a difficult goal to achieve, but with the right kind of diet and the right amount of exercise, you can shed kilos faster. There are a number of fruits and vegetables which may expedite weight loss by various methods including blocking the body's ability to store fat and even suppressing appetite. Garcinia Cambogia, commonly known as Malabar tamarind, is one such fruit. Malabar tamarind or kudam puli is a tropical fruit which has been gaining considerable attention for its purported weight loss benefits. The fruit looks like a small pumpkin and its colour varies from green to yellow. The fruit is well known in Southeast Asia, coastal Karnataka and Kerala and the fruit is also made into a supplement, which is now sold commercially. Along the coast of these states, the fruit is often put to culinary use which is similar to that of the regular tamarind or Tamarindus indica.
What Is Garcinia Cambogia (Kudam Puli)?
The fruit is known as uppage in Kannada language and it is traditionally used as a souring agent in the preparation of some curries. Many traditional recipes use the fruit's extract and rind due to the sour flavour that it lends to the food. It is similarly used in Assam as well as in Thailand, Malaysia, Burma and other Southeast Asian countries. The weight loss benefits of the fruit first came to light when in 2012, American celebrity doctor Dr. Oz promoted the extract from the fruit to achieve natural weight loss. Other purported benefits of the fruit include boosting energy, detoxification of the body and promoting cardiovascular and digestive health.
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Garcinia Cambogia for weight loss: The rind is sun dried and smoked to a black colourMalabar Tamarind For Weight Loss: Does It Work?
The claimed weight loss effects of Garcinia Cambogia are credited to the presence of a phytochemical called Hydroxycitric acid or HCA. Some studies have shown that the phytochemical has the ability to burn fat and suppress appetite. HCA works by blocking an enzyme called citrate lysase, which is used in the body to make fat. Moreover, it is also known to increase the release of the hormone serotonin in the brain, which makes you feel less hungry. A study published in the Journal of Obesity said that people who consumed Garcinia supplement were able to lose two pounds (about 0.90 Kg) more than people who didn't take the supplement, which is a very minor difference. This is why scientists have concluded that more research and study on Garcinia is required to ascertain its role in weight loss.
However, other research studies conducted on mice using Garcinia Cambogia supplement concluded that it may help lower levels of insulin in the body. Some studies have even shown the role of Garcinia Cambogia in lowering the levels of blood cholesterol and triglycerides in the body.
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Tamarind rind may work wonders on your weight loss journey. Other Health Benefits Of Malabar Tamarind
Malabar tamarind is a gift of nature which has benefitted humans a lot without them realising it. The sourness in most dishes is attributed to the Malabar tamarind. Weight loss is not the only health benefit that the Malabar tamarind has. It can easily be termed as a 'superfood' due to the amazing health benefits that it offers other than weight loss. Read the benefits below and consider including the tamarind in your diet:
- Reduces Inflammation
- Decreasing Insulin levels
- Helps in controlling blood sugar
- Boosts digestive process
- Releases happy hormones
- Controls the cholesterol in the body
- Helps protect against stomach ulcers
- Improves cardiovascular health
- Boosts energy
- Detoxifies the body
- Strengthens the bones
- Helps in inducing sleep
(Also Read: Weight Loss: Drink These Lemon And Berry Detox Drinks To Shed Kilos)
Weight loss speeds up with this simple tamarind rind. How To Consume Garcinia Combogia or Kudam Puli For Weight Loss
Kudam puli or Malabar tamarind rind is usually sun dried and then smoked to a dark brown or black colour and is then used to prepare a drink, which is claimed to burn fat. Usually, to make the drink the rind is first washed and then soaked in some water for about 10 or 15 minutes. Then you can take some water in a stainless steel or clay pan and transfer the soaked kudam puli to it. Cook this for some time, until the water comes to a boil. Allow it to cool down and filter the drink into a jar. Consuming this drink 30 minutes before each meal, may help you lose weight faster.
Side Effects Of Eating Malabar Tamarind
Though the Malabar tamarind is known to be effective in weight loss therapy, there are a few side effects that may be associated with it. Though the positives clearly outnumber the negatives, there are some important side effects that one must be aware of. The most common side effects may include any of the following:
- Liver damage
- Skin problems
- Digestive issues
- Headaches
It is highly recommended to consult a doctor before any amount of the tamarind is taken. Since it is a herbal supplement, it may cause side effects is combined with other supplements such as iron and calcium. Further, the Malabar tamarind is highly effective for diabetic patients which is why it must not be taken by diabetes patients who are already on diabetes medication. A similar caveat can be applied for cholesterol patients on medication who intake the tamarind for its additional health benefits. Pregnant or nursing ladies are also advised against taking the malabar tamarind.
How Much Tamarind To Consume In A Day?
The important thing about Malabar tamarind, or any health supplement for that matter is not to overconsume it. Most dieticians recommend a quantity of 500 grams of Malabar Tamarind. This can be had up to three times a day. An important thing to note is the fact that the rind must be had before the meal and not after it. There should be a gap of at least 30-60 minutes before every meal that the Tamarind water is consumed.
Try this drink for yourself, and you will surely see the difference!
Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.