We know, and you know, that counting calories is no fun. Nor is eating bland, boring meals!
But in good news for anyone looking to whittle their waists, recent research suggests that some spices can specifically target visceral belly fat and reduce overall bloating. This is especially true for those of us over 40. As you age, you naturally accumulate fat around your midsection, which can be a dangerous indicator of heart disease, obesity and diabetes later on in life.
Read on for the top 4 spices that doctors say will help you banish belly fat for good!
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Cinnamon has been proven to balance blood sugar levels and curb cravings, keeping you feeling full.
"Adding it to your diet may help stabilize glucose and insulin levels, which can be beneficial for those struggling to rid their waistline of excess fat," says Trista Best, a registered dietitian at Balance One Supplements.
Because cinnamon is anti-inflammatory, it may also help to reduce inflammation in the body by preventing clumping of blood platelets.
"Chronic, low-level inflammation causes oxidative stress in the body that leads to many of the chronic conditions common to Western nations, most notably obesity," adds Trista.
While we're on the subject of inflammation and bloating, spices like coriander can do wonders for your digestive system. Thanks to an antioxidant called quercetin, coriander can kickstart metabolic activity and increase the body's ability to fight diseases.
According to Healing Spices by Dr. Bharat B. Aggarwal, coriander is an excellent remedy for bloating, nausea and gas related problems.
The book takes an in-depth look at the healing benefits of coriander on the digestive system, noting that the spice can also be helpful in relieving symptoms of heartburn, stomach cramps and constipation - all of which may contribute to weight gain and stomach bloating.
Garlic has long been linked to weight loss, and its health benefits far outweigh bad breath!
Not only is it an appetite suppressant, but it's responsible for boosting energy levels that burn calories, keeping you fitter in the long run.
Ginger is both anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial, making it ideal for many health concerns, especially weight loss.
According to Trista Best, both these factors can improve and enhance digestion, especially for those with gut inflammation or infections. "When the gut is unable to work properly due to bacterial overgrowth and this is met with inflammation, the stomach can experience excessive bloat," Trista explains. "Therefore, adding ginger to the diet may help reduce excess weight around the waist."
What are some of your favorite ways to add a flavor boost with these four spices? Let us know in the comments below!
