What Spices Help Lose Belly Fat? – 5 Best Spices That Actually Work
Recent behavioral research that trained participants to season their meals with herbs and spices instead of salt resulted in a roughly 1000 mg reduction in sodium consumption per day.
That’s more salt than five bags of Doritos contain! As if that wasn’t enough to make your blood vessels squeal delightfully, a new study reveals that some spices can target visceral belly fat and reduce bloating.
So get started today by seasoning your meals with these belly fat-burning spices! And for additional fat-loss advice, check out 15 Underrated Weight Loss Tips That Work.
What Spices Help Lose Belly Fat?
1. Ginger
We don’t know if Confucius had a six-pack (or had a persistently uneasy stomach), but history shows that the Chinese philosopher ate ginger with every meal.
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And there is now scientific evidence that ginger can help with various gastrointestinal issues. Research published in the Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology reveals ginger may have the unique capacity to speed up stomach emptying.
Freshly grated ginger is terrific in marinades and salad dressings, and ginger tea is a relaxing digestif.
2. Black Pepper
Meet piperine, the ninja of belly fat-fighting spices! Piperine, the vital component that gives black pepper its specific heat and flavor, has been used for millennia in Eastern medicine to treat a variety of health concerns, including inflammation and stomach upset.
Piperine may also have the powerful potential to inhibit the development of new fat cells, a process known as adipogenesis, resulting in a reduction in waist circumference, body fat, and cholesterol levels.
Use a few grinds to season grilled meats and salads; your waistline will thank you.
3. Cinnamon
Cinnamon includes polyphenols, potent antioxidants that have been shown to change body composition and enhance insulin sensitivity.
Animal research published in the Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics discovered that adding dietary cinnamon to the diet decreased the growth of abdominal fat.
In addition, according to a series of studies published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, adding a heaping teaspoon of cinnamon to a starchy meal may help regulate blood sugar and prevent insulin rises.
For a smaller waist, fewer cravings, and appetite control, sprinkle cinnamon in your morning cereals and smoothies.
4. Cayenne
Capsaicin, the ingredient that gives chili peppers their intense bite, has been shown to decrease belly fat, suppress hunger, and increase thermogenesis—the body’s capacity to burn food for energy.
Research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition discovered that taking capsaicin regularly increased belly fat reduction.
A second study by Canadian researchers discovered that males who ate spicy appetizers consumed 200 fewer calories at subsequent meals than those who did not.
Capsaicin may be found in spicy sauce, but a couple of shakes of some popular versions can give approximately 20% of your daily salt limit.
Try seasoning grilled fish, meats, and eggs with just a sprinkle of ground red chili pepper for a less forceful, salt-free heat.
5. Mustard Seed
When you add mustard to your food, you will feel the burn—literally! Scientists at the Oxford Polytechnic Institute in England discovered that consuming one teaspoon of mustard (approximately five calories) can improve metabolism by up to 25% for several hours after eating. Furthermore, research published in the Asian Journal of Clinical Nutrition discovered that rats fed a diet of pure lard had decreased visceral adipose tissue when the meal was supplemented with mustard oil.
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The phytochemicals that give the mustard its distinctive taste, allyl isothiocyanates, are responsible for the Zero Belly benefits. Make sure you’re using a pure and low-calorie type (mustard seeds and vinegar). This includes avoiding anything bright yellow or honey-based.