Foods That Reduce Stomach Fat
Health Tips to Decrease the Waist Line & Reduce Heart Disease
Fat around the middle is the most common fitness complaint and the most difficult to reduce. A flabby stomach is much more than not looking good; it is also a serious health problem.
Excess Fat Around the Waist Increases Risk for Disease
Individuals with intra-abdominal fat are at much greater risk for high cholesterol, high blood pressure, high lipids, cardiovascular disease, higher levels of insulin, diabetes and other diseases. Excess weight around the middle is an indicator of higher risk for health problems.
As fat produces hormones, women with stomach fat have excess estrogen production which may increase the risk of breast cancer. Additionally, a flabby stomach weakens abdominal muscles causing back aches, muscle problems, tiredness and poor posture.
Foods That Burn Stomach Fat
Exercise, lifestyle choices and nutrition can help reduce stomach fat. Here are some foods that will help beat the bulge.
Eggs
Though eggs should be eaten in moderation, particularly in cases of high cholesterol, they are a power food and have many health benefits. They contain vitamin B12, which the body needs to metabolize or burn fat. Eggs also provide lean protein and increase energy for more activity and exercise to work the abdominal muscles and reduce fat.
Olive Oil
The right fats are healthy and help to reduce hunger. Olive oil and canola oil contain monounsaturated fats as well as omega-3 fatty acids. These help to lower cholesterol levels, prevent heart disease and they satisfy hunger cravings for carbohydrates which add to fat on the stomach.
Beans
Beans have low calories and high fiber and protein content. This helps to reduce weight around the waist and tone the body’s muscles. Add chickpeas, black, lima, kidney beans and all types of lentils to your weekly diet. To reduce gas and bloating after eating, soak beans in water for a few hours, discard water, then boil and discard water again before cooking is completed.
Barley
Barley has excellent cholesterol lowering effects due to its high content of beta-glucan, a soluble fiber. Eating barley also reduces the risk of heart disease and adult onset diabetes, and obesity. Replace rice with barley to reduce stomach bloating and fat.
Vegetables
Vegetables are packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants as well as fiber that reduce fat around the middle. Their high fiber content also causes feelings of fullness so overeating unhealthy food is avoided. Have a salad before your meal for best results.
Dairy Products
Calcium in dairy products helps to break down fat around the stomach and may even prevent it from forming. Try low fat milk and plenty of yogurt which also has probiotics for healthy digestion and to decrease bloating
Tea
Tea is rich in antioxidants, improves cardiovascular health and speeds up metabolism to burn more fat. Green tea and white tea are less processed and have higher levels of antioxidants. According to a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (1999;70:1040-5) tea-drinkers burn up to 266 more calories a day than those who do not drink tea. Be sure to use low-fat milk in chai lattes.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal contains the highest amount of protein of any grain. It also has more healthy soluble fiber than whole wheat, rice or corn. This provides energy and staves off hunger so that cravings for fatty snacks are avoided. Choose plain oats instead of the high sugar flavored variety and add fruit to keep stomach fat away.
Eating the right foods along with a regular fitness plan will help to reduce stomach flab and tone muscles.
Fat on Abdomen Increases Heart Disease and Strokes
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