The use of castor oil for weight loss has been gaining popularity in recent times. While the oil is known to be good for your hair, it also might help you shed a few pounds. It is extracted from the Ricinus communis plant found in India. The oil boosts metabolism, reduces inflammation, prevents fat absorption, and acts as a laxative to help reduce fat. In fact, castor oil has been used for ages to treat many health issues. It is time to bid adieu to fad diets and weight loss pills that break the bank. Here’s how to use castor oil for weight loss and shed 10 pounds in 2 weeks. Read on!
In This Article
What Is The Source Of Castor Oil?
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Castor oil is a viscous and pale yellow oil obtained by pressing the seeds of Ricinus communis plant. It has a distinct taste and odor and is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids (1). The yellow oil is replete with necessary nutrients like Vitamin E and minerals. It boasts of amazing anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and antibacterial properties (2). It is mostly used as a food preservative, additive, in candies, and in packaging (3). It is known to stimulate hair growth and act as a laxative (4), (5). Castor oil offers a wide range of health benefits, and you can use it in several ways. Many pharmaceutical companies are using it as a component to manufacture various medicines ranging from preventing fungal infections to chemotherapy.
It is also an essential ingredient to make popular cosmetics and soaps. One of the significant benefits of this oil is that it can help you shed that stubborn flab. People who have hit a plateau in terms of their weight can add castor oil to their diet. Soon, they will be inching towards being fit from fat! These therapeutic properties make it a secret natural ingredient to achieving good health and fitness. Castor oil works by stimulating your body to get rid of extra water (reduced water retention) and toxins, leaving the fat as it is (3). Hence, castor oil may be only useful for losing weight for a short period.
How To Use Castor Oil For Weight Loss?
Orally consuming three teaspoons or one tablespoon of castor oil may help lose weight. It may act by suppressing your appetite, thereby reducing your food intake. However, there is limited research in this regard. It may also boost fat metabolism by improving bowel movement (6). It can alleviate the problem of water retention in your body and help you lose weight – at least a few pounds (3). It is a potent laxative, and hence, you should not use it over a long period. Excessive consumption of castor oil can lead to an electrolyte and fluid imbalance in the body (4), (7). It also can irritate your gastrointestinal tract (3). So, here’s how to use castor oil for weight loss.
1. Oral Consumption
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Take two to three teaspoons of castor oil before breakfast. Many people do not like its taste. So, you can mix it with some juice. Soon after consumption, you will find yourself rushing to the toilet, as it will facilitate your bowel movement. You can continue this regimen for a week and check your weight. You will surely be successful in losing weight with castor oil. Do not prolong the intake of castor oil, as it can cause serious health problems like weakening of the colon and chronic constipation.
StyleCraze Says Avoid using castor oil if you have abdominal issues like stomach pain as it may otherwise cause cramping or diarrhea (just like other laxatives).
2. Topical Application
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Warm a tablespoon of castor oil over medium flame. When the oil is warm, but not hot, massage it on your abdomen. The topical application may help you burn excess fat in the belly region. Also, indulge in some form of physical activity for effective weight management. However, there is insufficient evidence to prove that castor helps burn belly fat.
Application of castor oil may also help tighten and rejuvenate your sagging skin, be it post-pregnancy or otherwise.
Now, let me come to the burning problem that many of us face. Belly fat! Nothing is as stubborn as tummy fat, and you must get rid of it as it is the mother of a host of other diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, etc (8). Here’s how you can use castor oil to get rid of belly fat.
How To Use Castor Oil To Lose Belly Fat?
You can use castor oil topically to burn the stubborn fat in the abdominal region. Be it post pregnancy, binge eating or lack of exercise, belly fat is unflattering. Here is what you need to do to get rid of belly fat and chisel your tummy.
1. Castor Oil Wrap To Lose Belly Fat
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What You Need
- 3 tablespoons castor oil
- Plastic wrap
- Hot water bag
- A piece of flannel to cover your belly
- A rolled towel
How To Use
- Lie down comfortably and support your back with the rolled towel.
- Take castor oil in your fingertips and apply it on your tummy in a circular motion. Massage the area for 10 minutes.
- Now, cover your tummy with the flannel and cover the belly area with the plastic wrap.
- Finally, keep the hot water bag on top of the plastic wrap.
- Relax and wait for 10 minutes before removing the wrap and flannel.
- Do this on a regular basis to see the desired results.
StyleCraze Says If you want to use pure castor oil, pick an organic version and follow the instructions on the product label to avoid the side effects of overconsumption.
