You can lose weight faster if you learn to control those gritty food cravings. And drinking spinach drink is one healthy way to do it, indicated a new research study.
The Veggie Smoothie Study
According to the study, a spinach extract containing green leaf membranes called thylakoids decreases “hedonic hunger” (eating for pleasure rather than to satisfy a biological need) by up to 95 percent and increases weight loss by 43 percent.
Taking thylakoids reinforces the body’s production of satiety hormones and suppresses hunger which leads to better appetite control, healthier eating habits and increased weight loss. The thylakoids extend digestion, producing a feeling of fulfillment.
“Having a drink containing thylakoids before breakfast reduces cravings and keeps you feeling satisfied all day,” said Charlotte Erlanson-Albertsson, a professor of medicine and physiological chemistry at the Lund University in Sweden.
The study involved 38 overweight women and ran for three months. Every morning before breakfast the participants had a green drink. Half of the women were given five grams of spinach extract and the other half were given a placebo.
In the study, the control group lost an average of 3.5 kg while the group that was given thylakoids lost five kg. ‘The thylakoid group also found that it was easier to stick to three meals a day – and they did not experience any cravings,’ Erlanson-Albertsson added.
How to make a Spinach smoothie
- Add 2 cups of chopped spinach and 2 tbsp of lemon juice in a blender
- Puree until smooth for about one minute.
- Add water to reach the desired consistency.
- Your tall glass of spinach drink is ready.
Read more about spinach and it’s benefits
Quick Fix: Spinach For Healthy Eyes
Did You Know? Cooked Spinach Is Better Than Raw Spinach
Green Living Q&A: Why Are Organic Foods Like Apples & Spinach Considered Better?
