One of the most popular New Year’s resolutions out there is to lose weight – and many people specifically wish to shed those extra pounds around their waists. This is a very healthy goal, as carrying around belly fat, also known as visceral fat, has been found to be highly dangerous.
Belly fat is linked to higher danger levels than other types of fat mainly because it sits deep inside your abdomen, where it coats your organs and can give off toxic hormones. This type of fat is linked to a higher risk of heart disease, heart attack, high blood pressure and even certain cancers.
On top of that, having too much belly fat can interfere with the liver’s ability to properly detoxify the body. And, as we know, if too many toxins build up inside of us, everything can go awry.
The absolute most important thing you can do to get rid of your belly fat is to reinvent your lifestyle towards health. Eating organic, whole, unprocessed foods – including lots of fruits and veggies and healthy proteins and fats – is key, as are regular exercise and quality sleep.
To accent your belly fat-loss efforts even further, try sipping on the following 10 teas. Remember, always choose organic, to keep your tea purely beneficial.
1. Green tea
Our number one pick… green tea. While black tea does have its benefits, green tea is tops when it comes to belly fat dropping, as it retains its maximum levels of antioxidants including catechins, epicatechins and other important flavonoids.
These antioxidants are important elements of effective belly fat loss, because they combat inflammation in the body, which if left unrivaled can hamper metabolism and contribute to fat deposits around your middle.
Additionally, a 2009 study published in the Journal of nutrition found that drinking green tea amplified the belly fat-burning effects of moderate exercise, compared to exercise without tea.
2. Jasmine tea
Jasmine tea is simply a combination of green tea and jasmine flowers. This fragrant tea is an absolute delight to sip on – and it’s been linked to lowering LDL (the bad) cholesterol levels while raising HDL (good) cholesterol. It may also help to boost your metabolism, and help you unwind a little.
How is unwinding related to belly fat you ask? Stress is actually closely linked to accumulating visceral pounds. This is because when you are stressed, your body produces more cortisol, known as the “stress hormone,” which leads your body to pack on the fat in a survival mode reaction.
3. Rooibos (red bush) tea
This naturally sweet, naturally decaf tea is linked to regulating blood pressure, and the reduction of cholesterol-associated blood clots – helping to reduce your risk of heart disease.
Rooibos tea is also rich in an an array of minerals, and is thus linked to promoting relaxation and restful sleep – both of which are important to fighting belly fat.
4. Traditional chai tea
While traditional chai tea blends vary based on region and craftsperson, they usually include black tea, cinnamon, clove, ginger, cardamom, fennel and black pepper. All of these powerful herbal forces combine in chai to make it a powerhouse of antioxidants, and also a metabolism-boosting superstar.
5. Burdock root tea
Burdock root is a common ingredient in traditional detox remedies. On top of that, it has also been used for aiding weight loss, due to its association with reduced cravings. Burdock root may also help to stabilize blood sugar, which is also key to keeping belly fat at bay.
To make burdock root tea, simmer about an ounce of dried, organic burdock root in water for about 15 minutes, then cool and serve.
6. Cinnamon and chile pepper tea
The combination of cinnamon with a little bit of chile pepper makes a great belly fat-melting aid. Cinnamon is linked by research to stabilizing both blood pressure and blood sugar, as well as to lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol. This yummy spice is also associated with improving insulin sensitivity.
The dash of dried (or fresh, if you wish) chile is great because it may help to curb cravings, and rev up your metabolism.
7. Ginger tea
Ginger is great for digestive health, which is important not only for comfort throughout the day, but for keeping toxins out of your body, and for metabolism in general. This rhizome has also been found to help suppress appetite.
To make ginger tea, simply peel and slice a one-to-two-inch section of fresh ginger. Steep in boiling water for 5 to 7 minutes, and enjoy. If you like, sweeten it with a bit of raw honey, but not too much.
8. Lemongrass tea
This fresh and invigorating – yet simultaneously calming – tea has been used in the Ayurvedic tradition for detoxification for hundreds of years. It is full of vitamin C, which is key for immunity, and may also help relieve belly fat-promoting stress.
9. Peppermint tea
Another great one for digestion, peppermint can help soothe your stomach, and make you feel refreshed and ready to go after a meal – without any caffeine.
Peppermint tea also makes a great base for green smoothies – another great addition to an anti-belly fat plan.
10. Kombucha
If you can get the real, homemade deal, and not some processed, bottled version, get yourself some kombucha, which is a fermented tea. When made with traditional, healthy fermentation processes, it can provide important probiotic benefits.
As we know, a healthy gut is absolutely essential to health, and to healthy weight loss.
You can choose to drink the above-mentioned teas on their own, or combine some of the different varieties to get a blend you love.
Before starting to supplement your healthy lifestyle with one of these teas in any large quantity, however, or if you have medical issues, it is wise to consult a health professional you trust, to determine which is best – and how much of each is best – for you.
-The Alternative Daily
Sources:
http://mexicanfood.about.com/od/flavorsofmexico/a/Mexicanflavors.htm
http://www.thealternativedaily.com/5-ways-get-cinnamon-everyday
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19074207
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22538118
http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/burdock-root.html
http://www.thealternativedaily.com/8-health-benefits-jasmine-tea
http://www.thealternativedaily.com/5-health-benefits-red-bush-tea
http://www.thealternativedaily.com/top-15-healthiest-diy-drinks-ever
http://www.thealternativedaily.com/looking-delicious-way-add-years-life-try-organic-tea
