A simple homemade drink made with turmeric, ginger, amla (or Indian gooseberry) and orange juice is the talk of the town. According to its fans, integrated into a balanced routine, it would help reduce chronic inflammation and melt abdominal fat. Behind this promise, an idea: certain spices and fruits, rich in antioxidants, would have the capacity to act on the mechanisms responsible for fat storage and hormonal imbalance.
Turmeric, ginger and amla: allies of an anti-inflammatory diet
Before extolling its merits, we must understand the role of inflammation in the body. “Chronic low-grade inflammation, often silent, can promote insulin resistance and fat storage, particularly in the abdominal area. It is often linked to an ultra-processed diet, rich in refined sugars, trans fats and poor in essential nutrients. Stress, fatigue, lack of sleep and other stressful situations for your body can also increase your cortisol levels and thus promote inflammation and fat storage in the abdominal area, but also cause other harmful effects on your health“, explains Julie Boët, dietitian-nutritionist.
This silent inflammation can be reduced by a diet rich in plants, fiber, good fats and spices. And this is precisely the principle of this drink: mix turmeric and fresh ginger, amla and pressed orange juice, to obtain a concentrate of natural active ingredients. According to the expert, “I confirm that this type of drink can be part of an interesting health approach, particularly for its anti-inflammatory potential. Fresh turmeric, rich in curcumin, is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Fresh ginger acts in a similar way, in addition to supporting digestion. Amla, or Indian gooseberry, is one of the fruits richest in natural vitamin C, thus strengthening immunity and limiting oxidative stress. Orange, finally, provides sweetness, vitamin C and soluble fiber“.
Not a miracle solution, but a real health boost
Drinking this juice in the morning will not be enough to find a flat stomach without effort. “It will never replace a balanced diet or a healthy lifestyle. To reduce abdominal fat, you must adopt a comprehensive approach: regular physical activity, stress management, restful sleep and anti-inflammatory diet. In addition, drinking a fruit juice low in fiber can, on the contrary, increase your blood sugar levels, especially if consumed alone or on an empty stomach, and therefore increase cravings throughout the day.“, warns the dietitian.
For lasting effectiveness, Julie Boët recommends integrating this drink into a varied diet rich in raw foods. She advises in particular:
- Fresh fruits and vegetables;
- Quality proteins such as eggs, fatty fish or legumes;
- Omega-3s from nuts, seeds and vegetable oils;
- Fiber from whole grains or seeds.
“It is also crucial to reinforce the satiating effect of meals: include proteins in each meal, do not neglect fiber, hydrate well and distribute your intake evenly throughout the day. Even if you can’t target weight loss, reducing inflammation and improving your overall diet can often help reduce your waistline. In short, this juice is a good boost to integrate into a healthy lifestyle, but it cannot act alone. It’s the synergy of all the small changes that will make the difference!“.