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You may have already heard about the effects of green tea extract and caffeine on your metabolism and weight loss goals. But these two ingredients aren’t the only fat-busting supplements on the market.
It takes a combination of factors to lose weight and burn fat and no one supplement is going to cut it. But if you’re tried of hearing about green tea and want to try an aid that may not already be on your radar: this is the one anti-inflammatory supplement that basically blasts belly fat, according to nutritionists.
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There are two truths when it comes to supplements and weight loss. The first: no one supplement — no matter how effective it claims to be — will help you lose weight if you aren’t eating a healthy diet with plenty of protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals and if you aren’t exercising and cutting out excess sugar.
The second truth is that it’s always more effective to get nutrients from whole foods instead of pills.
This one anti-inflammatory supplement can be found in a number of foods — though you can also take it in pill form (always check with your doctor first).
Selenium
Selenium is a trace mineral that is only required in small amounts but that plays a key role in your body’s ability to metabolize foods. Not to mention: their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits are off-the-charts important.
According to The American Nutrition Association: “The antioxidant properties of selenoproteins help prevent cellular damage from free radicals. Free radicals are natural by-products of oxygen metabolism that may contribute to the development of chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease [2,3]. Other selenoproteins help regulate thyroid function and play a role in the immune system.”
It may not be very well known, but selenium is crucial to a well-working metabolism.
“Metabolism booster pills that actually work are hard to come by, but selenium is the top ingredient you should look for when shopping metabolism booster supplements,” reports Women’s Health UK. “Without sufficient selenium, your body can’t utilise metabolism-controlling hormones from your thyroid.”
Your body does not require a lot of selenium — and, in fact, the daily recommended value is only 70 micrograms. If you are planning on taking a selenium supplement it’s important to speak with a doctor and make sure you are taking the right amount for your body and age.
You can also find selenium in a number of foods — like Brazil nuts, canned tuna, beef, chicken breast, pasta, eggs, and oatmeal. Eating a well-balanced diet that includes these foods is an excellent way of ensuring your body gets enough of this important nutrient without the need to take it in supplement form.
