Weight loss tip #206: Licorice or mulethi can help you lose weight

Did you know even the topical application of mulethi or licorice aids weight loss?

Licorice root or mulethi is a powerful herb that has been used in Indian Ayurveda and herbal medicine for a very long time. Having umpteen health benefits this herb is capable of treating a gamut of health issues and is known to be a great ingredient for hair and skincare too. However, apart from all these health benefits is also known to help prevent obesity and help you lose weight. Licorice is rich in flavonoids that help prevent obesity and doesn't let fat deposit in your body. It is known to reduce body fat without affecting the BMI index of our body. If you are someone who binges on food, mulethi can help control blood sugar levels and thereby controlling your appetite preventing you from overeating. Other studies suggest that licorice, especially the oil, can help improve cholesterol too. Here are different ways you can use licorice for weight loss.

Supplements: You may take licorice supplements available but do consult a doctor before taking it.

Licorice tea: You can use store bought licorice tea or make your own too. Boil tea in water and add dried licorice root to it. Let it boil for some time and then sip this warm cupful of goodness.

Licorice oil: You get licorice oil in the market. Opt for organic licorice oil and you can use it as a salad dressing.

Topical licorice: According to a study, even topical application of licorice helps lose weight. Glycyrrhetinic acid present in licorice helps reduce the fat deposits in the area applied to some extent.

Dry licorice stick: You can even chew small pieces of dry licorice sticks.

Note: Do not overdo on licorice as excessive use of licorice can be harmful to your health.

References:

1: Armanini D, De Palo CB, Mattarello MJ, Spinella P, Zaccaria M, Ermolao A, Palermo M, Fiore C, Sartorato P, Francini-Pesenti F, Karbowiak I. Effect of licorice on the reduction of body fat mass in healthy subjects. J Endocrinol Invest. 2003 Jul;26(7):646-50. PubMed PMID: 14594116.

Tominaga, Y., Mae, T., Kitano, M., Sakamoto, Y., Ikematsu, H., & Nakagawa, K. (2006). Licorice flavonoid oil effects body weight loss by reduction of body fat mass in overweight subjects. Journal of health science, 52(6), 672-683.

1: Armanini D, Nacamulli D, Francini-Pesenti F, Battagin G, Ragazzi E, Fiore C. Glycyrrhetinic acid, the active principle of licorice, can reduce the thickness of subcutaneous thigh fat through topical application. Steroids. 2005

Jul;70(8):538-42. Epub 2005 Apr 12. PubMed PMID: 15894038.

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