In the battle to lose weight, nutrition plays a major role in reaching that leaner physique. Choosing healthier foods such as chicken and oatmeal is a good start. Further, research confirms that certain foods have fat-burning properties; incorporating them into your diet can enhance weight loss. Consult your doctor before beginning any new diet.
Blueberries
In a study conducted by the University of Michigan, researchers investigated the effects of blueberries on body-fat mass. Participants followed either a low- or high-fat diet with blueberry powder or a placebo for 90 days. The blueberry-powder groups lost significantly more body fat, particularly around the midsection, compared to the placebo group, the Science Daily website reported in 2009. Scientists noted that blueberry activated fat-burning genes while inhibiting fat storage.
Salmon
Popular diets plans, such as Atkins, focus on reducing carbohydrates consumption while increasing protein intake. According to research reported in the 2006 issue of the "Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise," researchers documented the impact of high-protein diets on body composition. They found that adhering to high-protein diets is more beneficial for reducing body fat than a low-protein diet. Eat protein, such as salmon, at every meal to boost fat loss.
Wheat Germ
Minerals such as zinc play a role in regulating fat burning hormones, including leptin, according to research published in the 1998 issue of the "Journal of American College of Nutrition." Leptin is a hormone that reduces appetite and speeds up the metabolic rate. Researchers observed that zinc supplementation elevated leptin levels in the body. Include zinc-rich foods, such as wheat germ, in your diet to keep leptin levels high.
Strawberries
In a 2006 study, Arizona State University researchers examined the relationship between vitamin C and fat burning. They discovered that insufficient vitamin C levels were linked to subpar fat burning during aerobic exercise compared to those with adequate vitamin C levels. Incorporate vitamin C sources, such as strawberries, into your daily diet.
References
- Science Daily: Blueberries May Help Reduce Belly Fat, Diabetes Risk; April 20, 2009
- "Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise"; Comparison of Meal Frequency and Macronutrient Composition on Changes in Total and Regional Body Composition in Men and Women; Ben Clippinger et al.; May 2006
- "Journal of the American College of Nutrition"; Zinc May Regulate Serum Leptin Concentrations in Humans; Christos S. Mantzoros, MD, et al.; 1998
- "Nutrition and Metabolism"; Marginal Vitamin C Status is Associated with Reduced Fat Oxidation During Submaximal Exercise in Young Adults; Carol S. Johnston et al.; 2006



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