Mexican ornamental shown to prevent obesity

Obesity is a serious health concern and a worldwide epidemic, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). However, the drugs available to treat obesity have many side effects. Fortunately, there are natural ways to fight obesity. One of these is through the use of yellow oleander (Thevetia peruviana). A study published in the African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines revealed that the seeds of yellow oleander could help reduce weight, showing potential as a natural treatment for obesity.

In the study, researchers in Argentina and Mexico looked at the effect of the different extracts of yellow oleander on monosodium glutamate (MSG)-induced obesity in mice. They used yellow oleander for the study because the plant’s seeds have been widely used in Mexican traditional medicine for reducing weight.

Yellow oleander is a plant typically grown in savannas and riparian areas. While it is commonly grown as a garden ornamental, it is also used for medicinal purposes to some extent. (Related: Lose weight and prevent diabetes with folk medicine from Mexico: Yellow oleander seeds found to reduce obesity and prevent insulin resistance.)

In conducting the study, the researchers induced obesity in mice by giving them MSG. After the mice became obese, the researchers orally gave mice the different yellow oleander extracts for seven weeks. The team also carried out a chemical analysis to identify the chemical compounds in yellow oleander extracts and found eight low-polarity compounds in the yellow oleander extracts.

Out of all the yellow oleander extracts used, the hexanic extract of yellow oleander caused the best results. The study showed that the oral administration of the hexanic extract of yellow oleander reduced weight gain by up to 24.1 percent. In addition, this extract displayed a good response to the glucose tolerance test, prevented the development of insulin resistance, and significantly increased serum adiponectin levels.

With these findings, the researchers concluded that yellow oleander could help reduce weight gain without causing insulin resistance.

Natural ways to prevent weight gain

To prevent weight gain or avoid becoming overweight or obese, follow these tips:

• Eat healthily: When it comes to weight, calories matter. Therefore, it is important to keep your calories in check. Eating healthily considers what and how much you eat as well as how you eat. Eat minimally processed, whole foods, such as whole grains, vegetables, whole fruits, nuts, seeds, beans, fish, poultry, and plant oils. Avoid foods and drinks, such as sugar-sweetened beverages, fruit juice, refined grains, potatoes, red meat and processed meats, and other highly processed foods. You can also avoid overeating by eating breakfast, choosing small portions and eating slowly, eating at home, and practicing mindful eating.
• Get physically active: In addition to following a healthy diet, you can keep your weight in check by exercising regularly. Adults should do at least 2.5 hours of moderate exercise or 1.25 hours of vigorous exercise each week. Staying active also reduces sedentary time, which contributes to weight gain.
• Have enough sleep: Getting enough sleep is important to good health and healthy weight. To reap the benefits of sleep, adults should sleep for seven to eight hours each night.
• Learn to manage stress: Stress is a normal part of life. However, too much stress can take a toll on your health and contribute to weight gain. It can result in unhealthy eating and other unhealthy lifestyle habits. Therefore, it is important to know how to manage stress. One of the best ways to do this is to exercise regularly or practice mind-body approaches, such as breathing exercises.

Read more news stories and studies on natural ways to fight obesity by going to FightObesity.news.

Sources include:

Science.news

HSPH.Harvard.edu