Some of the most stubborn and dangerous fat to carry is belly fat since it’s in close proximity to our internal organs and can wreak extraordinary havoc on health. Fortunately, however, there are some good-for-you foods that are helpful in busting belly fat. Here are a few of them:
Avocados and foods with other healthy fats: Just half an avocado contains 10 grams of healthy monosaturated fats, which can help stop blood sugar spikes that prompt your body to store belly fat. These healthy fats—and others such as the healthy fats in many nuts and seeds, coconut oil, extra virgin oil, organic butter, ghee and flaxseed oil—not only fight a bloated belly, but they also help you to absorb beneficial carotenoids, compounds found in colorful veggies and fruits. More specifically, those who ate salads with an avocado experienced 15 times higher absorption of carotenoids, according to a study from The Ohio State University at Columbus. Avocados are also rich in potassium, which helps convert food and nutrients to energy and muscle tissue as well as other benefits. They’re also packed with B vitamins, amino acids and fiber—and prove very filling.
Bananas and other potassium-filled foods: Bananas pack in 422 milligrams of potassium, a mineral that helps to limit the amount of belly-bulging sodium retention in the body. Be careful though as bananas are high in sugar and just ½ banana is a serving. So not everyday.
Probiotic-rich yogurt and dairy: A healthy serving of probiotic-rich yogurt and other dairy products can help to support good bacteria growth in your gut, which takes space away from other “bad guy” bacteria that can cause bloating. Likewise, healthy dairy supplies a belly-taming combination of healthy protein and fats, both of which can help stabilize insulin, a hormone that signals your body to store calories as fat when levels get too high. Try to get the almond or coconut brands in the natural or organic section.
Berries and other antioxidant-packed, low-sugar foods: Antioxidants have the ability to improve blood flow, which delivers more oxygen to muscles, making abdominal-focused exercises easier. Low-sugar berries such as blueberries, raspberries, blackberries and strawberries are packed with antioxidants.
Green tea: Just three cups per day of green tea can boost your metabolism, stimulate fat oxidation and burn 30 calories, according to a study in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. Additionally, the compound ECGC in green tea allows for easier burning of fat, prevention of body fat accumulation, a decrease in lipid absorption and in the reduction of inflammatory cytokines throughout the body. Likewise, a 2011 study published in the Journal of Agricultural Food Chemistry says that green tea actually promotes weight loss on the genetic level. It appears to trigger genes that help shed excess body fat and inhibit the formation of new fat cells at the digestive tract level. Again, try to get organic green tea.
Citrus-packed veggies and fruits: The vitamin C in produce such as red peppers, oranges, lemons and limes can boost your fat-burning capability by up to 30 percent more during exercise, according to research from Arizona State University. Now you know of some delicious foods that also act as belly busters. To your Health!