How to lose weight using Tejocote Root?

Crataegus species are deciduous spring-flowering shrubs, belonging to the Rosaceae family. Etymologically, Crataegus is a derivative of the Greek word ‘Kratos’ meaning strength, referring either to the hardness of the woody bark or to its strong medicinal virtues. The nomenclature within the Crataegus genus is not clear. This is attributed to the high degree of hybridization occurring among different species. The shrub has been extensively used for hedging hence the old English name ‘hawe’ referring to a space confined by a hedge. Hawthorn is mainly distributed in North America, Europe, and the Himalayas. Hawthorn species are found in several herbal supplements and are renowned for their chemopreventive properties.

 Crataegus Mexicana is a medium-sized spiny tree relating to the Rosaceae, the leaves and flowers of other species of hawthorn, such as white hawthorn, for example, have been used in Europe for the treatment of congestive heart failure for many years.

The fruit or its tree is known by various common names throughout Mexico, such as  Tejolote, Tejocote, Texocotl, Manzanita, Manzana de Indias, and Tejocotera.

 Where does Tejocote Root available?

Tejocote is native to Mexico and Central America. It is a thorny tree that sheds its leaves. When it flowers, the tree creates bunches of flowers that start out white and turn to pink or red as they age.

The fruit that is obtained from the Tejocote tree looks like a small apple and they are seasonal and are only available to be harvested in the fall. Usually, only the root of the Tejocote is utilized for medicinal reasons. However, depending on the product you use, there could be other plants in the mixture. Also, in authentic Mexican medicine, Tejocote fruits are used to treat a variety of problems as well.

The tejocote fruits are used as food in Mexico, both as a drink (the traditional beverage made with Tejocote is called ponche). The fruit can also be eaten fresh or in jams, jellies, and candy. It is said to taste like a slightly bitter apple. The root is not used in any culinary preparation.

The tree and its fruit are often used for ornamental, not culinary or medicinal, purposes.

What is the Tejocote Root?

The Tejocote root is a fruit that’s like a small apple with a sour taste, very fragrant, yellowish-orange in color has 4-6 small bones inside with 1-2 cm in diameter. These seeds are enclosed by a brownish smooth colored woody bone; the flowers are in the form of umbel ends with 2-6 flowers; white pedal, of 7-10 mm long; deciduous tree or shrub, and 4-10 meters tall and often has thorns. This tree or shrub is in the Hawthorne family.

What does Tejocote Root contain to lose weight?

The main component of the tejocote root is pectin, a component often used for its claimed weight-loss effects.

Pectin is known and used as a thickener for food, medicines, and supplements. This property has led some to conclude it has a similar effect in the stomach.

It is theorized that, when pectin enters the body, it forms a gel-like quantity in the stomach and makes the person feel more full without the need for more food and when you feel fuller, you eat less, which leads to weight loss. According to the journal of the American College of nutrition, “female (n = 25) and Male (n = 49) US Army employees within normal weight limits were fasted overnight then fed 448 mL of orange juice on 2 separate days followed 4 hours later by 0.473 L of ice cream. On 1 of the 2 days, 5, 10, 15 or 20 g of pectin was mixed with the orange juice. Satiety was measured on a visual analog scale before and at 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 hours after orange juice and at 0, 30 and 60 minutes after ice cream. Multivariate ANOVA was used to examine satiety as a function of beverage (orange juice vs. orange juice plus pectin), time and pectin dose.

There were significant differences in satiety as a function of beverage (p < 0.001) and time (p < 0.001) but not pectin dose (p = 0.121). The effect remained up to 4 hours after ingesting pectin and orange juice and for 60 minutes after a second meal consisting of ice cream.

Pectin in doses as small as 5 g mixed with orange juice increases satiety and can aid in performance to reduce weight by limiting food intake.”

Uses Of  Tejocote Roots.

  • Weight Loss

The major stated benefit of Tejocote is its capability to help in weight loss efforts.

The available anecdotal evidence does seem to suggest that the plant can cause weight loss. However, that weight loss likely comes from the diuretic properties of Tejocoteand this could make Tejocote unsafe to use long-term. Diuretics are not a good long-term weight solution since they can strip your body of potassium, sodium, and hydration.

  • Antioxidant

its has been studied that tejocote has a high volume of antioxidants. In 2013, a study found that Tejocote has a high level of phenolic compounds and Vitamin C and these elements were even more present in Tejocote than in other Crataegus fruits. Phenols are one of the biggest antioxidants in food and the healing properties associated with Tejocote make sense when you understand what a high concentration of phenol compounds they possess. In addition to this, a 2011 study also found a  very high concentration of flavonoids in the flowers of the Tejocote. Flavonoids are an important antioxidant. Along with the Vitamin C and phenolic compounds found in the 2013 study, help provide an anti-inflammatory response in the body and can improve the immune system.

  • Constipation

There are not many studies that support the claim that Tejocote clears up constipation; however, one study from 1994 published in the Instituto Nacional Indigenista does investigate the diuretic properties of Tejocote as well as crataegus nelson and crataegus stipulosa. For this study, a mix of the leaf, flowers, roots, and bark was used and mix also appears to treat urinary tract and kidney problems.

Anecdotes also mention the diuretic properties of Tejocote. It is actually this function that many assume effects of the weight loss associated with the plant.

  • Cough

In 1994, the study did not only find that Tejocote could treat constipation they also name respiratory problems like respiratory tract diseases, coughs, bronchitis, pneumonia, chest congestion, and chest pain as possible uses for the plant. In this case, it was the boiled fruit of the Tejocote plant that produced the desired effects. It is likely the plant has antispasmodic properties that reduce coughing and irritation in your throat.

  • Diabetes

Two studies in 2002 and 2005, found that Tejocote has hypoglycemic properties and can likely treat diabetes. The hypoglycemic consequence of Tejocote was most useful during the early stages of diabetes but, in the 2005 study that described this effect, Tejocote was just one of 306 species of Mexican plant examined in relation to diabetes treatment.

Similarly, the 2002 study referred to the way how Tejocote can be used as a treatment for diabetes and is also examined to treat various medical problems with these plants.

  • Heart Conditions

Traditionally, Tejocote is used to treat and prevent heart conditions.

The fruits of other hawthorns like Crataegus Aronia, Crataegus cuneata, Crataegus monogyna, Crataegus oxycantha, Crataegus Aronica, Crataegus phaenopyrum, Crataegus ambigua, Crataegus tanacetifolia, and Crataegus meyerl have been studied for their ability to treat cardiovascular diseases.

Tejocote being a Hawthorne, it stands to reason that it would have a similar effect on the heart. There is also some evidence that most of it anecdotal suggests that Tejocote can prevent cardiovascular problems when taken regularly. Yet, some studies show the promise of Tejocote as a treatment for class II congestive heart failure.

 How to use Tejocote root for weight loss?

Tejocote has been examined very little by the scientific community, there is little dosage information.

The root has been the remedy for weight loss but in combination with other species belonging to different botanical genera (Centaurium, Smilax, and, Citrus, for example). In addition, this recipe is recommended to be taken as an infusion (tea) before each meal.

The company Alipotec Tejocote is the main seller of the product and claims that you should take microdoses of Tejocote root every three days. The Alipotec’s product is available in capsule form(microdose), which you can take with a large glass of water. It is necessary to drink at least eight full glasses of water per day when you take Tejocoteand you should make sure to use Tejocote in the way described on the package.

What are the best ways to consume Tejacote Roots?

It is recommended to consume tejocote roots, test by third-party due to its various side effects, and to extract the exact benefits of weight loss. It is always recommended to check with your doctor to avoid any kind of drug interactions or for any reactions.

Side effects of using Tejocote Root.

Tejocote has not been studied enough to be medically certain that it does not cause side effects and is safe for all users. However, anecdotal evidence seems to show that it is safe for most people. The consumption of the product is not recommended for people under twelve or over sixty-five. The effectiveness of the product is such that since you start consuming, it starts to burn body fat and thereby lose potassium. This may make you feel different symptoms such as headaches, weakness, sleepiness, fatigue, & cramps. To avoid and/or minimize these effects, remember to eat one banana a day and/or consume Moringa+Neem. Other potassium-rich foods or supplements are also acceptable. As with many natural compounds, there are safety considerations for Tejocote when used as a supplement.

 Precautions to be taken while consuming Tejocote Root.

As with many natural composites, there are safety considerations for Tejocote when used as a supplement. The fruit of this tree is the most commonly consumed part of the plant and is generally understood to be nontoxic, commonly used in cooking. Keep in mind that some parts of the plant are not well studied and weight loss supplements can be tainted with other compounds.  When choosing any supplement, aim for a brand that has been third-party tested and always check with your doctor to avoid any drug interactions when combining with other herbs, medications or conditions. Warnings of this herb causing increased bowel frequency, requiring increased water intake and potassium loss is a red flag for many medical conditions and medications.

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