TikTok is abuzz with chatter about a seemingly magical lemon balm elixir. But is the weight loss health hack steeped in science?
Proponents claim that lemon balm, a citrus-scented herb that belongs to the mint family, can aid in weight loss and ease digestion, regulate blood sugar, reduce bloating, boost immunity and ease menstrual cramps.
The leaves are also said to be a brain and nervous system aid, improving sleep quality and focus, and reducing stress and anxiety, which helps explain why some call lemon balm the happy herb.
But does it actually work?
Liz Weinandy, MPH, RDN, LD, a registered dietitian at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, told Women First, “People use lemon balm for a variety of reasons, including boosting immune function, promoting digestion, relieving anxiety and stress, lowering cholesterol and fighting colds.”
She explains, “While some evidence supports these benefits, weight loss is not usually one of the main benefits of lemon balm tea or water.”
But that’s not stopping millions from picking leaves in the hopes of shedding pounds and sounding asleep.
Aesthetic surgeon and biochemist Dr. Reza T explains that lemon balm contains terpenes that “can reduce stress and help improve sleep. They can also reduce bloating. If you have gastrointestinal problems, lemon balm can be really helpful.”
Dr. Riza adds that lemon balm contains antiviral properties and can be used topically to treat colds.
What is the viral recipe for lemon balm elixir?
- 1 cup fresh lemon balm herb, rinsed with fresh water (experts say you can use mint as a substitute)
- 1 tablespoon of fresh grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon of fresh minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon of raw honey
Add the holy trinity of cloves, garlic and ginger to 1.5 cups of hot water, boil for ten minutes, empty into a jar and let cool for 30 minutes.
Add lemon and honey to the cooled mixture, shake well and refrigerate for 3 days.
On the 3rd day, add one tablespoon of the elixir to a glass of water and sip vigorously and happily.
Recipes vary, but the above mix has garnered more than 1.5 million views and has the masses talking.
Beyond balm, honey offers antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, anticarcinogenic and antimetastatic effects, according to the National Library of Medicine.
Garlic, when chewed or crushed, produces sulfur compounds such as alliin, which helps increase the response of disease-fighting white blood cells, plus diallyl disulfide and s-allyl cysteine, which have antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antifungal prospects. .
Wellness creator McKenzie Wheeler explained to “Good Morning America,” “You can capture the immune support and symptom relief benefits of garlic and raw honey by letting them ‘ferment’ together.”
Weindary explains that while the elixir may not help with weight loss, it’s unlikely to do any harm.
“For most people, it’s likely not harmful to add ginger and garlic balsam leaves in moderation,” says Weinandy. However, “there is no good evidence that this will reduce bloating. And in fact, the garlic in this mixture can cause a number of gastrointestinal problems such as heartburn and acid reflux.”
Lemon balm alone or added to the above elixir is generally considered safe.
However, Weinandy cautions, “Caution should be used in certain populations, including children, the elderly, and pregnant and breastfeeding women. Some health conditions like thyroid disease can be worsened by taking lemon balm supplements, and some prescription medications can have unwanted interactions.”
Check with your provider to make sure lemon balm isn’t dangerous.
Weinandy says those who want to lose should focus less on drugs and more on portion control, reducing sugar intake and including fruits and vegetables in their daily diet. “Over time, these small actions can really add years and quality of life to people, without involving crazy detox concoctions!”
If you’re into detox and want to grow your own lemon balm, experts stress the importance of keeping the herb out of your garden and safely contained in a pot, as the plant is extremely invasive and difficult to stop once established. to begin.
For those looking to drink a little, here is a diet guide to the best teas for weight loss.
#viral #TikTok #lemon #balm #elixir #work #weight #loss
Image Source : nypost.com