10 Powerful Fat-Fighting Foods

When it comes to shedding fat, most people look for every edge they can get. Of course, a consistent workout routine is essential. But the first thing people usually look to adjust is their nutrition plan. Most of us focus on how many calories, carbs, and fats we’re eating, but that’s only part of the equation. Consuming the right types of food is another factor that can significantly impact your fat-loss goals. Detailed here are 10 powerful fat-fighting foods, beverages, and spices that can help you quickly crank your metabolism up to a whole new level!

GINGER
Ginger is a superfood with potent antioxidant properties. It acts as an anti-inflammatory and digestive aid in the body and even has cancer-fighting properties. On top of all that, ginger can also boost fat loss. A compound found in ginger called zingerone can increase norepinephrine-induced lipolysis and thermogenesis. Essentially, this means that ginger can create more heat in the body and rev up your metabolism!

BLACK & GREEN TEA
Both black and green teas provide a host of health benefits and can boost fat loss through multiple mechanisms of action. They can both boost thermogenesis and fat oxidation. The epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) found in green tea inhibits catechol-O-methyl-transferase (COMT), the enzyme that degrades noradrenalin (which is an important lipolytic hormone). EGCG also decreases fat absorption by inhibiting pancreatic lipase, which is an enzyme that plays a major role in fat absorption. Black tea is fermented, so it doesn’t contain much EGCG, but it still has thermogenic properties. Tea extracts are very popular supplements, but you can also reap their benefits by drinking a few cups a day.

GRAPEFRUIT
Grapefruit is a good source of fibre and vitamin C, and it can boost fat loss too. A compound found in grapefruit called naringin is responsible for most of its fat-burning properties. Naringin is a flavonoid, and it can support fat loss by stimulating the liver, improving insulin sensitivity, and boosting fat mobilization. In fact, naringin actually stimulates the liver to produce fat-burning enzymes that are usually only produced during a fasted state.

HOT & SWEET PEPPERS
Hot peppers contain a compound called capsaicin, which is what gives them their spicy taste. This pungent compound is also responsible for heating up your body and boosting thermogenesis. But it’s not only hot peppers that can boost thermogenesis and fat loss; sweet peppers can do the same. CH-19 sweet is a specific type of non-pungent red pepper and contains a compound called capsiate. This unique compound can enhance core body temperature, oxygen consumption, and uncoupling proteins 1 and 2 (UCP1 and UCP2). All of these effects can have a significant impact on boosting fat loss!

TURMERIC
Turmeric is a popular spice that has a long history of medicinal use in India. Turmeric contains a compound called curcumin, which gives it its bright yellow/orange colour. Curcumin provides a wide variety of beneficial properties, which include anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral benefits, to name a few. In addition to all its wonderful health benefits, turmeric can also support fat loss by regulating insulin and blood sugar levels. Some research shows that it can even prevent fat buildup. Essentially, turmeric can kill fat dead in its tracks!

HEMP SEEDS
Hemp is a superfood and a great source of essential omega-3 fatty acids. Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are extremely important for health and fat loss. EFAs work to fight fat through various mechanisms. They can help enhance insulin sensitivity and reduce the amount of circulating glucose in the bloodstream. This helps decrease the amount of glucose that ends up being stored as fat in the body. Consumption of hemp can also help lower blood pressure and cholesterol and even reduce inflammation.

BLACK PEPPER
Black pepper is one of the most commonly used spices in the world. It contains a compound called piperine, which has various effects in the body. Piperine can increase blood supply to the gastrointestinal tract, enhance emulsifying properties in the gut, and improve nutrient transport and uptake. All of these properties can support more efficient digestion and an optimal fat-loss state. Piperine also has thermogenic properties in the body and can increase core body temperature and energy expenditure!

PSYLLIUM HUSK
Psyllium husk is one of the best sources of soluble fibre. It’s not absorbed and forms a mucilaginous mass when mixed with water. Psyllium reduces peak blood glucose levels by slowing carbohydrate absorption. It can decrease cholesterol by absorbing dietary fats in the gastrointestinal tract and thereby preventing systemic absorption. Psyllium can also work to detoxify the bowels and flush out digestive waste and excess sugars that serve no other purpose than to cause bloating and fat gains. Several studies show that fat-loss diets work much more efficiently when adequate fibre is included.mely important for health and fat loss. EFAs work to fight fat through various mechanisms. They can help enhance insulin sensitivity and reduce the amount of circulating glucose in the bloodstream. This helps decrease the amount of glucose that ends up being stored as fat in the body. Consumption of hemp can also help lower blood pressure and cholesterol and even reduce inflammation.

COFFEE
Sometimes people give coffee a bad rap, but it can actually provide many health benefits and boost fat burning! There’s even some research to show that regular coffee consumption can help prevent dementia, Parkinson’s disease, cardiovascular problems, and diabetes. Caffeine is the powerful fat-fighting compound found in coffee. Caffeine increases resting energy expenditure and thermogenesis, which is mediated through adenosine receptor blockade and phosphodiesterase inhibition.

CINNAMON
Cinnamon is an incredibly powerful spice! It contains various nutrients and has a long history of use in treating a wide variety of ailments. When it comes to fat loss, the benefits of cinnamon are related to its effects on insulin and blood sugar in the body. Cinnamon can improve the body’s ability to use insulin and help regulate blood sugar levels. Essentially, cinnamon can help the body metabolize carbs (sugars) more efficiently and reduce their conversion into stored fat!