If you had to name one area from where losing fat is a task, then we are sure you would have pointed to your lower abdominal region. Not only is belly fat unsightly, it also comes with a tonne of health risks. Accumulation of fat in this area increases the risk of type-2 diabetes and heart disease, amongst other things.
So if you want to be in the pink of health, you need to reduce belly fat. And although this can be a difficult feat we have six science-backed hacks to help you out. So get ready to learn how to lose belly fat, right here:
# Eat soluble fibreYou must know that fibre is essential for a smoother bowel movement, promoting a healthy digestive system. Various studies, including ones published in the Journal of Nutrition and Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, found that soluble fibre can aid weight loss. It keeps you fuller longer, so eventually, you eat less.
Another study published in the journal Obesity (Silver Spring) examined over 1,100 adults and found that when they increased 10 grams of soluble fibre, they reduced their body fat by 3.7% over a period of 5 years! So, try including flax seeds, sprouts, legumes, avocados and other such foods that are high in soluble fibre.
# Take less stressStress can be the real devil in your life! The more you stress, the more problems you tend to have. Turns out, it can also make you gain belly fat! Research published in the journal Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology found that high cortisol levels in your body drive you to eat more and this extra fat directly goes into your abdominal area.
# Reduce your carb intakeToo much carb isn’t healthy for your body and the excess of it gets stored in your body as fat. So reducing your carb intake can be very significant in losing belly fat. A study published in the journal Nutrition and Metabolism found that consuming less than 50 grams of carbs can result in fat loss.
However, you don’t have to completely cut down or go on a restricted diet for it. Research published in the journal Mediators of Inflammation suggests replacing refined carbs with unprocessed starchy carbs.
# Add apple cider vinegar to your dietApple cider vinegar is not only good for your hair and skin, but it also has impressive health benefits. The acetic acid in it helps in reducing abdominal fat. And it has been confirmed in a study published in Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition.
Another research published in the journal Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry that performed a 12-week study in obese men found that those who took 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar every day lost half an inch from their waists. However, make sure you are diluting it with water and then consuming it.
# Drink green teaFor the longest time, green tea has been known to burn fat. And recently various studies have proved this claim too. Since it contains caffeine and the antioxidant epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), it helps in boosting metabolism which promotes fat loss from your belly region.
# Consume more proteinProtein is just not important for building muscle mass, but it is one of the most essential components of your diet and you shouldn’t miss it. Research shows that protein can reduce your cravings by 60% and boost metabolism by 80–100 calories per day. This may sound less, but trust us—when it comes to weight loss, it is huge!