Natural Foods That Help Burn Belly Fat

     For long now people have debated on this topic. While some articles and experts preach that nature (or science) have produced some miracle fat burning foods, others are quick to point out that what actually counts is simply your overall calorie burn to calorie consumption ratio. In fact, there is no dearth of dieticians who quickly dismiss the supposed fat burning properties of natural foods and herbal concoctions as irresponsible myths. The question then is - who do we believe? Are there any natural foods that burn belly fat or not?

The truth is that there are no natural foods that directly burn fat. When physical trainers and diet experts say that what eventually counts is whether you are burning more calories than you are consuming, they are right. However, you have to consider that there are several factors that effect your actual metabolic rate (how many calories you burn). One of these is your diet. There are certain natural food items that promote the production of the right hormones and chemicals to speed up your metabolism and accelerate the rate at which your body burns fat. In other words, there are natural foods that help burn belly fat indirectly.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is one of nature's most powerful spices when it comes to fat loss, and that is because it directly helps in controlling your body's blood sugar level. In fact, a study published in Diabetes Care, a medical journal, shows that consuming 3-6 grams of cinnamon a day can reduce fasting blood glucose levels by up to 29%. Cinnamon also helps maintain a high level of insulin sensitivity, and together these two factors directly boost your body's ability to fight fat. The best part is that cinnamon is an extremely versatile spice, and can be added to desserts, main course dishes and drinks.

Broccoli and Cauliflower

In modern urban life, you are constantly exposed to harmful chemicals known as xenoestrogens. Studies have shown that these chemicals promote the storage of excess fat in your body. Unfortunately, with the amount of chemical compounds used in food these days and the high levels of environmental pollution, it is almost impossible to escape xenoestrogens. However, by consuming cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower, you can fight off the harmful fat storing effects of this chemical. In short, these greens are some of nature's most effective fat burning foods.

Nuts

You may be surprised to see this addition to this list of foods that burn belly fat, considering that nuts are high in calories and contain 75-90% fat content. However, the fat contained in all kinds of nuts is healthy, and nuts are also rich in protein, antioxidants, minerals and vitamins. Protein-rich foods help fight hunger and maintain your body's muscle mass, both of which are essential for weight loss. Also, with their micronutrients, nuts help your body maintain a high level of fat burning hormones.

So, whatever your preference (walnuts, pistachios, Brazil nuts, almonds etc.), a handful a day will do you no harm. You could also try nut butters, such as peanut butter, almond butter, macadamia butter or pecan butter.

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