Many people are aware of the existence of fat burning foods but only a few have all the necessary information to seamlessly integrate these foods into their daily diet. There are several foods in this list that aid in breaking down fat because of the thermogenic effect they have on the body. A few foods, such as some nuts and fruits, contain fat-burning macro-nutrients, proteins, healthy fats and complex carbohydrates that give you a feeling of fullness and fight unhealthy fats in the body. Other types of foods listed here are essential to your daily diet because of their strong nutrition profile that indirectly contributes to fat loss. It can be mistaken for magic, but the effects these foods have on the body have been scientifically proven to work for many people across the world.

—————————–

We advise you to use this list as a reference guide and read it in parts. You can bookmark this page for future reference by hitting Ctrl/Command + D.

Use the table below to sort foods by name or calories per 100 grams in ascending or descending order. Click on the choice of your food to take you directly to that food item in article. At the bottom of the table you can navigate through the pages as we have listed 25 in each page for ease of navigability. You can also use the search function to search for a specific food.

Almonds

Right through the ages, the exotic Middle East has always been a place of allure and mystery. In the heart of these civilizations, grew a humble nut whose widespread popularity, in today’s world, none of the fakirs and fortune-tellers of yore could have ever predicted. Meet the almond – the “Jack of all trades” in the nut world! Right from desserts to healthy foods to describing a woman’s eyes, almonds have seen it all! Believed to have originated from the Middle East and western Asia, almonds are today grown in several countries and are widely used, whether in the food industry, in the make-up industry or in healthcare. Usually considered as nuts, almonds are the seeds of the almond tree. Almonds are available in two varieties – sweet and bitter. The former is consumed, while the latter is used to make oil which is used to add flavor to food.

Almonds are available in packaged form (whether shelled or unshelled) throughout the year, a fact that adds greatly to their popularity. Almonds are loaded with minerals, vitamins, protein and fiber. They are a wonderful source of the monounsaturated fatty acids that are good for heart health. The oleic acid present in almonds reduces the “bad” cholesterol levels and risk of heart disease¹. Almonds are also rich in vitamin E that helps to keep your heart healthy and protect your cardiovascular system².

How Do Almonds Help You Lose Weight?

Eating up to 30 soaked or germinated almonds a day can go a long way in reaching and maintaining your ideal weight³. Almonds help in suppressing food craving and hunger, and though they add up to about 350 calories a day, this addition in calories is countered by almonds’ effect in helping you control overeating. Also, 10-15% of the calories in almonds are anyway not absorbed by your body as the fat is difficult to break down⁴. Almonds are also full of essential healthy fats and fibers. The “healthy” monounsaturated fats satisfy your appetite and prevent you from overeating, while the fiber also contributes to the sensation of being full for a longer time⁵.

How Are Almonds Consumed?

Just like the wide variety in their uses, almonds can also be consumed in an equally wide variety of ways. Shelled almonds are available whole, slivered or sliced, in their natural form or blanched (with their skin removed). Almonds can be eaten as they are with the skins or you can soak them overnight and remove the skin before eating them.

A popular garnishing sprinkled over many salads, desserts and dishes, almonds add an extra crunch and taste to the dish, immediately elevating its taste profile! However, just because almonds are added to a dessert, that doesn’t negate the unhealthiness that comes from other elements in the dessert! For the best of both worlds, use almonds as core ingredients in healthy desserts such as gluten-free cakes or a delicious blueberry-chia-almond pudding.

Additionally, almond milk is a delicious beverage and an extremely nutritious drink. You can also use almond butter as a delicious substitute for normal butter or peanut butter. Almond flour can also be used as a gluten free alternative to wheat flour in baking or cooking.

Nutrition Facts of Almonds

Apples

Cliche though something may be, there’s a reason it became a cliche in the first place! One such highly common cliche is that an apple a day can keep the doctor away, and trust us when we say this proverbial saying is completely justified! The apple is a common fruit so full of goodness that it has become quite an inevitable part of our daily diet and life. From delicious apple pies to apple-flavored dog food to apple-scented potpourri to even helping Newton discover gravity, the humble apple is indeed a “core” ingredient in many walks of life! Apples originated in Central Asia and today they are grown in many countries the world over. There are over 7,000 varieties of apples in existence, available in red, green and yellow colors.

Apples are full of goodness and are rich in vitamins A and C, and fiber.  Apples also contain antioxidants that help the body to fight diseases⁶. Apples are also rich in the fiber pectin, which is a soluble, viscous and fermentable fiber that has a huge list of health benefits⁷.

How Do Apples Burn Fat?

Like we said, an apple a day indeed keeps the doctor away. Apples are seen as the ultimate health food. They offer an array of health of benefits and aid in weight loss too. The pectin in the apple binds with water and limits the amount of fat absorption in the body⁸. Also, the high fiber and water content in apples make you feel full for a longer period of time without actually consuming a lot of calories. Apples also contain certain non-digestible compounds that promote the growth of good bacteria that help in weight loss^{9 10 11}.

How Are Apples Consumed?

A common practice many people follow is taking away the peel (especially due to the stories on how wax is used to coat apples in order to preserve them). However, you must wash the apples thoroughly before eating them. However, apples are best eaten fresh along with the peel, as the peel is loaded with beneficial nutrients. You can also eat apples after removing the peel, but this reduces their nutritional value. To mix things up, add apples to a fruit salad along with other fruits, but stay away from the traditional addition of sugar and cream/ice-cream/custard to your fruit salad, instead enjoying the unadulterated, purely natural taste and benefits of the fruits. If you have a sweet tooth (like 90% of the human population!), add apples to healthy and nutritious desserts such as wheat-flour apple muffins, smoothies and juices to enjoy some guilt-free indulgence!

Nutrition Facts of Apples

Artichokes

Castroville, in Monterey County (United States of America) is a pretty place full of rolling green fields and friendly citizens. However, these aren’t just any old rolling green fields! This tiny town is the “Artichoke Capital of the World” and also holds the “Artichoke Festival”, celebrating the humble food in all its glory. In fact, in 1948, Norma Jean (known to the world today as Marilyn Monroe) was crowned Castroville’s first “Artichoke Queen”!

The globe artichoke is a type of a thistle that is usually consumed as a vegetable. This edible flower bud has its origins in the Mediterranean region but was also used by the ancient Romans and Greeks for its medicinal and health benefits. Artichokes are commonly found in Europe, Middle East and America. These wonder vegetables have lobed, arched, silvery-green leaves and purple or light pink flowers develop creating a head of edible buds. Once these flowers are fully bloomed, the artichokes turn hard and become inedible.

Artichokes are low in cholesterol and saturated fat. They are rich in minerals like zinc, iron, calcium, sodium, potassium, phosphorous, and manganese, vitamins such as C, B6, B12, A, D, E, folate, thiamine, niacin and riboflavin, and fiber. Artichokes are mainly eaten for their varied health benefits. They contain more antioxidants than any other vegetable¹², which help protect against incidence of cancer, strengthen the immunity system, and reduce cholesterol¹³, diabetes, heart attack¹⁴ and stroke¹⁵. They help to detoxify the body and keep the digestive system healthy. Artichokes are known to reduce blood pressure and reduce the effects of a hangover. They are also known for their diuretic properties¹⁶.

How Do Artichokes Burn Fat?

Artichokes have been used as a remedy for digestive problems and bloating. They are rich in a compound called cynarin that helps in detoxification of the body, especially in removing toxic lead¹⁷. Artichokes have a very high fiber content that keeps the digestive system working efficiently. Research shows that consuming soluble fiber that is found in artichokes is a wonderful way to keep off visceral fat¹⁸. The fiber expands in your stomach by soaking up the fluids and helps to keep you full and thus assisting in weight loss.

How Are Artichokes Consumed?

Usually, the fleshy base of the artichoke is eaten. You can eat it with vinegar, butter, mayonnaise, aioli, lemon juice or other sauces. Artichokes can be boiled or steamed and then used in several recipes, such as by mixing with beans, vegetables, meat or seafood. The cooked and unseasoned artichoke has a delicate flavor of its own which may require some getting used to. However, cut artichokes usually turn brown due to oxidation. To combat this, you can place them in water with a little lemon juice or vinegar to avoid discoloration. Artichokes can also be barbecued, roasted, chargrilled or sautéed with a little oil, making for great guilt-free snacks!

Artichokes flowers can also be made into herbal tea by putting them into water.

Nutrition Facts of Artichokes

Arugula

Shakespeare rightly questioned “What’s in a name?”, because if this particular herb’s nearly-tongue-twisting name was anything to go by, it wouldn’t have the wide fan following that it does today! Also known as garden rocket, rucola, rugula or simply rocket, this nutritious green leafy vegetable has its origins in the Mediterranean region (like most good things. Look at Gal Gadot, if you don’t believe us!) and is quite the favorite in Italian cuisine, with its elongated, succulent leaves and a rather pungent and peppery flavor. This herb is literally a rocket with respect to how fast it can improve your overall well-being and belongs to the same family as cauliflower, kale and mustard leaves.

Arugula is very low in calories and a wonderful source of vital vitamins such as A, K, C and folate. It is also rich in fiber, calcium, iron, phosphorous, potassium and manganese. Arugula has antioxidant benefits derived from glucosinolates and detoxifying properties from the enzymes, and can help fight cancer¹⁹. Look for arugula in your local organic store and add it generously in your regular cooking for some great taste and even better health!

How Does Arugula Burn Fat?

When added to salads or other green vegetables, arugula significantly improves a meal’s nutrition profile and is very helpful in breaking down fat. Arugula is extremely nutrient-dense and has only 5 calories per cup; however, it is loaded with antioxidants²⁰. Arugula is regarded as a superfood for weight loss. The nutrients and fiber in the arugula help to fill you up as well as provide energy²¹ for physical activity.

How Is Arugula Consumed?

Arugula is mostly consumed fresh in salads. The younger and paler arugula leaves have a milder flavor and are great for making fresh dishes such as salads and pesto, while the darker leaves are more peppery and are suitable for soups and as pizza toppings.

You can also use arugula in whole-wheat pastas, cold meats, fish dishes, casseroles, and sauces (remember to keep away from sauces that are rich in fats that are bad for you!). You can also sauteed arugula in various recipes, or blend arugula into fresh juice or a smoothie. You can also add arugula to your whole-grain bread sandwiches, wraps or healthy pita flatbread.

Nutrition Facts of Arugula

Asparagus

Turns out that China is not just the leading hub of manufacturing, but is also the leading global producer of this amazingly healthy vegetable. In fact, so healthy and widely-loved is this vegetable that it even inspired an ancient Latin saying! Ladies and gentlemen, give it up for asparagus, a vegetable that has starred in the finest French cuisine as well as ancient Chinese medicine dating back 2,000 years!

Asparagus is a perennial that belongs to the Lily family. These fleshy spear-like vegetables with compact bud heads are regarded as a delicacy and have a distinct intense savory flavor and tender texture. British and American varieties of asparagus are green, while the French asparagus is purple and the Spanish and Dutch ones are white in color.

All types of asparagus are full of nutrients and have high levels of vitamins A, B, E, K and C, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, folic acid, iron, phosphate, iron, potassium, magnesium and calcium etc. and they are also diuretic²². Another amazing fact is 93% of asparagus is made up of water, which means no calorie-counting when you eat this wonder vegetable!

How Does Asparagus Burn Fat?

Asparagus is delicious when eaten boiled or when added to eggs. Given its high nutritional value and fiber content, it is not surprising that experts recommend asparagus as an essential item in everyday weight loss diet²³. It is packed with vitamin A that helps in keeping the immune system healthy²⁴, and also contains lean proteins and iron²⁵, making it an important food for people looking to shed fat²⁶.

How Is Asparagus Consumed?

Only the young shoots of the asparagus are consumed as once the buds open, the shoots turn woody and inedible. The shoots are prepared and served in many ways and can be added to many recipes. Asparagus can also be picked or marinated and stored for many years.

The best method to cook asparagus is sautéing. This provides the greatest flavor and also preserves the nutrients. You can add the sautéed asparagus to vegetable or chicken broth. You can also add asparagus to soups and stews. Asparagus can be eaten hot or cold. You can add cold asparagus to your favorite salad or also roast, blanch, steam, grill or stir-fry the asparagus. These waterless cooking methods help to preserve the nutrients and antioxidants present in the asparagus.

Nutrition Facts of Asparagus

Avocado

Despite the long-standing confusion about whether this particular food is a fruit or a vegetable, it probably needs no introduction! Having shot into the limelight from seemingly nowhere, this fruit/vegetable has everyone from celebrities to fitness experts singing its praises and lining up in supermarkets to take it home. Yes, we are indeed talking about the super-hero of super-healthy foods- avocados! Also known as alligator pear or butter fruit, these green-skinned spherical or egg shaped large berries contain a single seed and grow in warm, tropical climates, making it a “hot” native favorite in Mexican and South American cuisine. Ripe avocados have a very creamy, silky texture and a nutty flavor, which explains their widespread acceptance in all kinds of kitchens everywhere!

A lot has been said about avocado. Like eggs, this “eggish” fruit has had the misfortune of being misunderstood by a few as a fatty fruit. That isn’t entirely wrong as avocado does contain fats, but of the healthy type. The monounsaturated fatty acids in avocado help the body to use it as a slow energy consuming source, making them a great weight loss food as well as protector against cardiovascular disease²⁷.  Avocados are also packed with nutrients and minerals, and contain nearly 20 essential vitamins. Eating avocado can help to control blood pressure; due to its high antioxidant content, it is good for your eyes, helps to build immunity and ward off infections and may reduce the risk of cancer²⁸.

How Does Avocado Help To Lose Weight?

Avocados are high in monounsaturated fat that is burned by the body for energy and low in sugar. This helps in weight management. The high fiber content in avocado reduces blood sugar fluctuations and also helps to keep you satiated for longer periods of time²⁹.

How Is Avocado Consumed?

The most popular Mexican dip, guacamole, is made using avocados (however, by reaching for that bag of cheesy nachos, you’re completely negating any good effect the guacamole can have!) You can use avocado as a garnish for soups and make into a dressing for salads or in whole-grain bread sandwiches. Avocados are also a great addition to salads or eggs, or can be blended into a cream for vegan pastas. You can use avocado to make milkshake or add it into healthy desserts or use it to make healthy avocado ice cream. Another way to consume avocado is by including avocado oil into your cooking but you may well need the “Iron Bank” for this one as avocado oil is quite expensive and is usually used for salads and dips.

Nutrition Facts of Avocado

Bananas

Is it possible to “go bananas” over bananas? Seems like it, because everyone from the “Minions” to the Jamaicans are singing its praises, and we believe, with good reason! Believed to have originated in Malaysia 4,000 years ago, bananas today are the most widely consumed fruits in the world. Available all through the year, these fruits grow in clusters made up of tiers known as “hands”. Bananas mostly come in two varieties- the sweet banana and the plantain banana. Though we like big bananas and we cannot lie, the most common banana we all know and love are the smaller ones with the yellow skin, which also come in pink, red, purple and black tones.

Bananas are rich in potassium and pectin (a kind of fiber). They are also a good source of magnesium, vitamin C and antioxidants³⁰. Eating bananas can help to protect against diabetes³¹, strengthen the nervous system, reduce blood pressure³², production of white blood cells and also reduce weight³³.

How Do Bananas Burn Fat?

Bananas have often received mixed emotions from people looking to burn fat. It is thought that they do the opposite, i.e. make you put on weight. This has us in “splits” (sorry, we just couldn’t resist!) as nothing could be further from the truth; eating bananas every day can keep your weight in an ideal range and are also a good source of natural sugars. There’s no “split-ting” (last one, we promise!) any hairs about this one! What’s even more likeable about bananas is that they are no-fuss fat burners and are quick to eat as a snack!

Bananas are loaded with fiber and resistant starch that aids digestion and also supports weight loss³⁴. The resistant starch in the banana also assists in protecting against type-2 diabetes³⁵. Another great feature of bananas is that they are very filling, curbing hunger pangs and helping to maintain sugar levels during workout³⁶. They are great low-energy-density food that supports weight loss.

How Are Bananas Consumed?

You can eat bananas by themselves when they are ripe or along with other fruits. Bananas can be eaten steamed, deep fried (this isn’t the healthiest option as you’ll just be attracting unnecessary fat) or baked in their skin. You can also add chopped bananas to healthy cereals such as organic muesli, oatmeal or porridge. Another great option is to make it into a healthy smoothie or milkshake for a quick on-the-go breakfast. Ripe mashed bananas can be used to make baked goods but make sure you keep these healthy by cutting down on the sugar and using wheat or almond flour instead of all-purpose flour. Remember, two negatives make a positive only in Mathematics and not when it comes to health!

Nutrition Facts of Bananas

Barley

Barley is one of the most cultivated grains and remains the most widely consumed, globally, so much so that it is the 4th most popular grain in the world. A common cereal grain that is used in various cuisines across the world, the popularity of barley has been growing in recent years due to the various health benefits associated with these grains. In fact, gladiators in ancient Rome believed barley gave them more strength than other foods, while ancient Indian “ayurvedic” doctors are believed to have used barley to treat diabetes! The popularity of this grain goes back over 23,000 years, to a time when the United States wasn’t even physically formed, let alone constitutionally!

Barley is an important source of dietary fiber, molybdenum, selenium, manganese, copper, chromium, phosphorous, magnesium, niacin and vitamin B1. It helps to reduce incidences of diseases such as asthma, arthritis, anemia, constipation, diabetes³⁷, hypertension³⁸, kidney problems and heart disease³⁹. The health benefits of barley are mainly attributed to the eight essential amino acids it contains. It is also an excellent resource for both soluble and insoluble fibre, which ensures overall health in the long run⁴⁰.

How Does Barley Burn Fat?

Barley can be eaten just as white rice is, and this can aid you in shedding your belly fat. Since barley is very rich in soluble and insoluble fiber, it does not raise the blood sugar. Also, the fiber content in barley is the secret to burning fat and is an important factor in weight loss, as it functions as a “bulking agent” in the digestive system⁴¹. The fiber helps to reduce appetite and increase satiety, making you feel full for a longer time and reducing your calorie intake⁴².

How Is Barley Consumed?

Barley is a versatile grain that has a nutty flavor and chewy texture. You can find it in stores in its hulled or pearled form. Barley can be used to make many dishes.

Barley can also be added to soups, and stews to make them healthy. You can add barley to make your risotto or pilaf more healthy and flavorful as opposed to white rice. You can also add cold cooked barley to your salads while barley flakes or cracked barley can be used to make hot cereal. You can mix barley flour with wheat flour bake delicious yet healthy cakes and muffins.

Nutrition Facts of Barley (Flour)

Basil

Basil, also known as Saint Joseph’s Wort or great basil, is a culinary herb and spice popularly used in Italian cuisine. Also used in Thai, Indonesian and Vietnamese dishes, it is called the “royal herb” or “king of herbs”. Believed to be a native of India where it is considered sacred, the use of basil has spread far and wide. Not only does basil add flavor to your cooking, it has also has several medical uses. Some of the common types of basil are- sweet basil, Thai basil, lemon basil and holy basil.

Basil leaves resemble peppermint leaves and have a rounded shape with pointed tips. Basil has a strong, pungent and sweet smell with a taste similar to anise. A wonderful source of vitamin K, C, iron, calcium, manganese, and beta-carotene that has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antibacterial properties, basil is widely considered “a herb for all reasons”⁴³. The anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties can be credited to the volatile oils and flavonoids present in basil.

How Does Basil Burn Fat?

Basil helps in reducing cholesterol, especially arising from stress, which in turn helps to lose weight⁴⁴. Basil seeds are also known for their weight loss properties. The seeds help to suppress your appetite so that you don’t overeat⁴⁵.

Mixing basil seeds with water or yogurt and letting them sit for 10-15 minutes make them expand to around 30 times their volume creating a gel-like substance. This along with the high fiber content of basil seeds helps kill your hunger pangs and thereby help you lose weight⁴⁶.

It is recommended that you eat basil seeds or drink a cup of sweet basil seeds in water before your mealtimes to prevent overeating.

How Is Basil Consumed?

Adding basil in your salads imparts a spicy-sweet liquorice-like flavor. You can also add basil to your cooking and to several recipes. Basil is an important ingredient in making pesto. You can also use basil to flavor your soups, stews, stir-fries, vegetables and other dishes.

Alternatively, you can pour boiled water over basil leaves and let it steep. This basil decoction or tea is very relaxing and a great elixir for cough. You can freeze or dry basil leaves and store them, enabling you to use them in your cooking any time during the year.

Nutrition Facts of Basil

Bay Leaf

If you’ve ever eaten in your local Indian restaurant, chances are you’ve already seen, or rather, smelled, this particular food. If you’re a regular at your local Indian restaurant, then you probably know that most of their gob-smacking curries are incomplete without this aromatic leaf. Imparting a great flavor to dishes around the world, the humble bay leaf has adorned the heads of ancient Greek champions and had Pokemon named in its honor. A native to the Mediterranean region, it is a leaf of the evergreen bay laurel tree. The leaves have a pungent aroma and a sharp and bitter flavor similar to that of cinnamon and impart a pleasing and sweet aroma when added to dishes, making them a “hit” ingredient in many cuisines. The dried bay leaves have a very strong aroma and can be stored for many months, while the dried berries are also used for flavoring several dishes. The oil that is extracted from bay leaves has therapeutic properties and is used to treat several ailments.

There are several varieties of bay leaves and their uses are dependent on these varieties. The bay laurel or the Mediterranean bay leaves are used to add flavor to stews, soups, braises, etc. and widely used in Mediterranean cuisine. The California bay leaf, also known as pepperwood or Oregon myrtle, has a stronger flavor when compared to the Mediterranean bay leaves. The Indian bay leaf has the taste and aroma similar to that of cinnamon, which is very mild. The Indonesian laurel or Indonesian bay leaf is used mainly to flavor meat dishes and the West Indian bay leaf is usually used to produce cologne called “bay rum”.

The rich antioxidant, essential oil, tannin and flavonoid content in bay leaves makes them very popular for their antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal and diuretic properties⁴⁷. Bay leaf also protects against cancer⁴⁸ and helps keep diabetes at bay (pun absolutely, unapologetically intended!)⁴⁹.

How Does Bayleaf Burn Fat?

Bay leaves help to enhance fat metabolism in the body. They are also very helpful in reducing sugar levels and reducing the “bad” cholesterol which make bay leaves popular in treating obesity⁵⁰. Bay leaves reduce food cravings and are quite effective in reducing weight. The presence of the compound “limonene” in bay leaves, helps to flush out excess fluids and water from the body, helps in digestion, reduces bloating and prevents gas thereby helping in weight loss.

How Is Bay Leaf Consumed?

Bay leaves are used in fresh, dried or powdered form. Due to the bitter taste and leathery texture, the bay leaf is usually removed before consuming the dishes. Bay leaves are also used to add flavor in soups, curries, poultry, rice, meat, stews, vegetable dishes, seafood and sauces. Additionally, you can use bay leaves to flavor sweet dishes, but remember to keep them healthy! Dried bay leaves can be used to brew aromatic and refreshing herbal tea.

Nutrition Facts of Bay Leaf

Bean Sprouts

Bean sprouts are very common in East Asian cuisine and are usually made from germinating seeds. Commonly, these sprouts are made from mung beans, alfalfa or soybeans. However, other varieties of beans can be sprouted and used too. Sprouted beans are more nutritious than original beans and require much lesser time to cook, making them an easy addition to any diet. Normally, the sprouts have the highest concentration and bioavailability of nutrients one week after sprouting, so it is the best time to consume these sprouts.

All kinds of bean sprouts are low calorie and have a small quantity of carbohydrates and fiber and are rich in protein and vitamins A, B, C, E and K. Bean sprouts have many health benefits that include preventing anemia, boosting metabolism, improving digestion, increasing the enzyme activity in the body, protecting against cancer, improving vision and skin health, and improving immunity⁵¹. No wonder then that when meat was in short supply during World War II, scientists recommended that soldiers eat bean sprouts to stay healthy!

How Do Bean Sprouts Burn Fat?

Sprouts are nutrient-packed but low in calories. The fiber in the sprouts helps to make you feel full by adding bulk⁵² and also inhibiting the release of ghrelin, a hunger hormone⁵³. This reduces snacking and overeating and therefore aids in weight loss.

How Are Bean Sprouts Consumed?

It is important to remember that when heated, the nutritive value of sprouts is lost. So to have maximum impact, sprouts must be eaten raw or added to other foods in their raw form. However, sprouts can also be stir-fried, steamed or microwaved.

Additionally, sprouts can be used in salads, sandwiches and soups or as an ingredient in spring rolls, fried rice and other dishes.

Nutrition Facts of Bean Sprouts

Beans

It’s safe to say that beans are one of the most important foods there are, playing an especially important part in the diets of vegetarians. In fact, these 6,000-year-old plants are considered so important that newlyweds in Nicaragua are given a bowl of beans for good luck. Forming a part of everything from your All-Day English breakfast to fictional character names (Mr.Bean, in case you didn’t get that one!) to furniture to instruments to experiments to jewelry, beans are the large seeds of the bean plant which are consumed by both humans as well as animals. Common types of beans usually eaten are kidney, navy, pinto, and Lima beans, and beans can be eaten both in their fresh as well as dried forms.

There are many benefits of including beans in your diet plan. They are highly nutritious and are low in saturated fat and have a high concentration of phytochemicals and essential nutrients⁵⁴. They are also a very good source of protein, making them a good substitute for animal products, and are high in both soluble as well as insoluble fiber. Eating beans promotes healthy digestion, reduces cholesterol and the risk of colon cancer⁵⁵.

How Do Beans Burn Fat?

Due to their high fiber content, beans also help in digestion⁵⁶ and relieving constipation⁵⁷. The fiber in the beans help you feel full and staves off hunger for longer periods of time⁵⁸. The protein content in beans further helps to curb “hunger pangs”, making it easier for you to lose weight⁵⁹. Furthermore, they naturally burn fat because of their slow-carbohydrate nature and regulate blood sugar levels⁶⁰.

How Are Beans Consumed?

There is already plenty to love about beans, but here are a few more feel-good reasons to love them even more! Beans are super-easy to cook and garnish and go well with a lot of foods as a substitute. You can add beans to your salads or to varied recipes to make them more healthy and delicious.

You can use soft beans such as pinto, adzuki, navy or cannellini to make soups and purees. Black beans, black-eyed peas, and tarbais are versatile and can be used in various side dishes and recipes. Larger beans such as corona, large white and gigante are best for salads and other cold dishes.

Nutrition Facts of Beans (Kidney)

Bitter Gourd

Remember that cliche about how something that tastes amazing can’t be good for your health? Well, many foods have proven this particular belief wrong, but turns out that some foods sadly seem to be the reason this saying came into existence in the first place. If you’ve ever tasted bitter gourd, you completely understand what we’re talking about. The name just says it all! Bitter gourd, also known as bitter melon or Goya, is the edible fruit pod belonging to the same family as cucumber, watermelon, and cantaloupes  and grows on climbing vines. Despite its bitter taste, it is quite popular because of its many health benefits, and is used as a vegetable in many countries.

Bitter gourd has a green uneven pebbly surface with ridges. Internally, it has white flesh with rough edged seeds. Bitter gourd is usually eaten when it is green and when its flesh is crunchy but bitter.  However, as the fruit ripens it becomes tougher and the taste turns more bitter and unpleasant to eat. When the bitter gourd is fully ripe, the flesh turns deep orange or red and becomes mushy and it can be eaten uncooked in this state.

How Does Bitter Gourd Help to Burn Fat?

Bitter gourd is rich in conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) which is a natural fat blocker⁶¹ and this makes bitter gourd a great food for weight loss. The CLA burns the fat rapidly and blocks fat from being stored in the body.

Bitter gourd is also very low in calories and extremely filling which makes you feel full long after you have eaten. The bitter gourd also reduces the “bad” cholesterol levels in the body and this helps in long term weight loss⁶². The bitter gourd also helps to stabilize the insulin levels⁶³, stimulates the liver in secreting the bile juices that help to metabolize fat⁶⁴, and detoxifies the body by flushing out the toxins, all of which help in reducing weight.

How Is Bitter Gourd Consumed?

Bitter gourd is usually consumed when it is green or in the early yellow stage, as mentioned earlier. The bitterness of the gourd can be reduced by marinating it in salt and then drying it under the sun, by boiling the bitter gourd in salt water or marinating it in yogurt before cooking.

You can also use bitter gourd in your cooking, in healthy stir-fries and soups. Make a side dish to go with your mains by sautéing it, stuffing it with potatoes (but don’t go overboard with the amount of potatoes as the starch content can turn out to be quite unhealthy, especially if you’re diabetic) or on its own. You can also use bitter gourd to make herbal tea, or pickle it.

Nutrition Facts of Bitter Gourd

Black Beans

Also known as “turtle beans” because of their hard, shiny, dark, shell-like appearance, black beans are a variety of the common beans. Just like the rest of their family, these beans are also highly multi-faceted, starring in everything from children’s bedtime stories to the family names of ancient Rome’s most esteemed noble families!

Black beans are highly valued for their high fiber and protein content. This makes them perfect for vegans, vegetarians and meat eaters alike, an achievement very few foods can boast of! They also contain other key minerals, vitamins and disease-fighting antioxidants that are beneficial for health⁶⁵. Eating black beans helps to protect against diabetes⁶⁶, inflammation, heart disease and cancers⁶⁷.

How Do Black Beans Burn Fat?

Research states that black beans are closest we have to the “magical” fat burning pill. Black beans are one of the top sources of fiber. They are also a fantastic source of resistant starch which is a slow digesting, insoluble fiber that nourishes the healthy bacteria in your stomach, which triggers the production of the chemical compound butyrate⁶⁸. Butyrate encourages your body to burn fat as fuel and also reduces fat-causing inflammation⁶⁹.

How Are Black Beans Consumed?

Black beans are available all year round in dried, packaged or canned forms. Black beans have a very rich flavor and velvety texture when cooked and this makes them a popular protein-source in vegetarian dishes. You can make black bean soup or it can be served up with rice to make a complete meal. You can add cooked black beans to salads while they can also be used to make dips.

You must soak dried black beans as it reduces the time of cooking and also removes oligosaccharides that may cause irritation to the digestive system. However, you must take care not to soak black beans for more than 12 hours as this makes them bland and mushy.

In case you are using canned black beans, ensure you select those with no sodium content. Alternatively, drain and rinse the beans before use to reduce sodium.

Nutrition Facts of Black Beans

Black Pepper

One of the most common spices in the world, the humble black peppercorn only looks small in size, but can pack a punch when it comes to health and taste. No wonder then that it is justifiably called the “King of Spice”! Native to the tropical evergreen forests of Kerala, South India, peppercorns are on India’s long list of amazing contributions to the world, right on top with Yoga, diamonds and Quantico’s Alex Parrish a.k.a Priyanka Chopra. From here, the use of pepper spread to the rest of the world. However, today, Vietnam has taken over from India and is the largest producer and exporter of black pepper.

The peppercorn is a berry from the pepper plant. When the peppercorns are half-mature, they are harvested and left to dry in sunlight till they dry, shrivel, and turn black. Black peppers are the most commonly used variety and have a strong pungent flavor that comes from piperine. Using pepper in foods imparts spicy warmth to the dishes along with a lively flavor.

Black pepper has several nutritional qualities. Its exceptional mineral, vitamin and oils combination provides benefits such as increased nutrient absorption, healthy digestion, improved heart rate and blood pressure⁷⁰. It also has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant and immunity building properties⁷¹. The health benefits of black pepper are numerous. It provides relief from cold, coughs, constipation, anemia and muscular strains to name a few.

How Does Black Pepper Burn Fat?

The outer layer of black pepper contains phytonutrients that help in the breakdown of fat cells and increases body metabolism⁷². The piperine contained in black pepper reduces the formation of fat cells in your body⁷³. Therefore, foods containing pepper are a good means to lose weight naturally. Eating fresh pepper causes you to perspire and also helps the body flush out the excess water and toxins.

This means that black pepper is not only a great way to add spice to your food but also a great way to drop those pounds!

How Is Black Pepper Consumed?

The use of black pepper is limitless. Fresh pepper can be added to almost anything – to salads, soups, pastas, and buttermilk. It can be used to spice up your cooked dishes, sauces, steaks, salad dressings, and curries. It can also be used as a spice rub for meats before grilling.

However, it is recommended to use freshly ground pepper as it more beneficial than cooked pepper.

Nutrition Facts of Black Pepper

Black Rice

Also known as “emperor’s rice”, “longevity rice”” or “forbidden rice”, black rice has been eaten in several regions of South Asia for thousands of years. In fact, for many centuries it could be eaten only by Chinese royalty! The crop was grown in very limited quantities and reserved for the elite, which led to its unique name of “forbidden rice”. Black rice was introduced to the United States in the 1990s, and though initially less popular than its cousins (brown rice, white rice and wild rice), it is has become quite popular across the world today.

The varieties of black rice include Thai jasmine black rice and Indonesian black rice. Black rice is usually deep black in color that turns deep purple when cooked. The dark purple color is imparted by the anthocyanin contained in the black rice.

This ancient grain has a list of impressive health benefits. Black rice is very nutrient rich. It is plentiful in powerful disease fighting antioxidants⁷⁴. It also contains fiber, anti-inflammatory properties, and can stop the incidence of diabetes⁷⁵, heart disease⁷⁶, cancer⁷⁷ and weight gain. A serving of black rice has only 160 calories, but it is high in flavonoid phytonutrients. Black rice is also a good source of minerals such as copper and iron and plant-based protein. The hull of the grain contains the highest levels of anthocyanin antioxidants, and it is believed that black rice is very good for the stomach, kidney and liver due to all its afore-mentioned properties.

How Does Black Rice Burn Fat?

Black rice is very fiber-rich, which helps to prevent bloating, constipation and other digestive problems⁷⁸. The fiber helps you to feel full after eating and keeps you satiated for a longer time, thus aiding weight loss⁷⁹. Black rice is digested very slowly because of the fiber content and this causes the food to stay in your stomach for a longer time. This reduces hunger pangs. Black rice is also low-calorie and mostly contains healthy carbohydrates, which helps in reducing weight.

How Is Black Rice Consumed?

Black rice can be found in many gourmet stores and has a nutty, earthy flavor that is more intense than brown rice, but it has a glutinous texture closer to that of white rice. Black rice can be eaten in a variety of ways. It can be eaten by itself as a side dish with some salt and pepper. You can also add it to soups, stews, stir fries and salads. Additionally, you can add cooked black rice to healthy veggie burgers, your favorite protein dishes, or to your vegetables.

You can also grind dried black rice and use it for baking healthy desserts, to coat fish, or sprinkle on other foods for an oxidant boost. Black rice can also be used in traditional Chinese snacks and desserts, such as black rice cakes and black rice porridge, but give these a healthy twist by substituting traditional ingredients such as whole milk with low-fat milk and sugar with honey.

Nutrition Facts of Black Rice

Blueberries

Considered the “King of Antioxidant Foods”, blueberries are often classified under the superfood category. Loow in calories and an excellent source of essential nutrients, blueberries are among the most nutrient-dense berries in the world, and are rich in fiber, vitamin C and K and minerals such as manganese. They contain a flavonoid called anthocyanins, which are responsible for their pretty blue color as well as their numerous health benefits. It rarely gets better than blueberries with regard to health!

Studies have suggested that consuming blueberries decrease the risk of diabetes⁸⁰, obesity and heart diseases⁸¹. It promotes healthy hair and complexion⁸², reduced weight⁸³ and increased energy levels.

How Do Blueberries Burn Fat?

The most wonderful thing about blueberries is that it helps you lose weight by burning fat⁸⁴. The colorful antioxidants contained in the fruit, not only make the fruit attractively colored, but also helps to reduce fat while giving you more energy at the same time. The fiber and copper content in blueberries help to burn the extra sugar and fat in the body⁸⁵.

How Are Blueberries Consumed?

Fresh blueberries are “all time” favorites and are the most popular summer treat. They are succulent and sweet and can be eaten fresh, frozen or combined into a variety of recipes. Try and eat the berries plain without adding any sugar to maximize the health benefits of the fruit. Blueberries can also be eaten by themselves or as part of a fruit salad along with other fruits. Blueberries add great flavor to smoothies, yogurt, and frozen treats. You can also add them to your cereals and sauces for added flavor.

Nutrition Facts of Blueberries

Bok Choy

Bok choy, also called “pak choy”, is a kind of Chinese cabbage that has smooth dark green leaf blades that form clusters. Belonging to the same family as broccoli, cauliflower, kale, and cabbage. Originally dating back over 5,000 years in regions of Southeast Asia and China, today, bok choy is quite commonly used in Asian and American recipes and even cultivated as far from home as California!

Bok Choy is very nutrient dense and mainly contains 95 percent water. It is a rich source of vitamin A, C, K, folate, B6, iron, manganese, magnesium, potassium and calcium, making it a true “powerhouse” among vegetables. Bok Choy contains glucosinolate, and if consumed regularly, has shown to decrease the risk of certain cancers⁸⁶. Eating bok choy can also help to build your immunity, build a healthy nerve and muscle function⁸⁷ and increase carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism⁸⁸.

How Does Bok Choy Burn Fat?

Boy choy has very low calorie content, so low that it is actually considered a zero calorie or negative calorie food. Bok choy has thermogenic properties and is very good for fat burn and weight loss⁸⁹.

How Is Bok Choy Consumed?

If you’re a connoisseur of Chinese and Korean food, then you already know the delight that kimchi , or pickled bok choy, can be. Apart from this, crunchy bok choy can be eaten raw in salads and sandwiches, or added to soups and stir-fries. You can boil or steam bok choy too, but sautéing or stir-frying bok choy are the best methods of cooking it. Add bok choy to tofu, chicken, seafood, meat or other veggies to add an extra healthy crunch and make for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts of Bok Choy

Brazil Nuts

Along with and showing us what it really means to play some world-class football and teaching the rest of world how to party (let’s face it, we’ve all been through the phase when we couldn’t stop endlessly singing “Brazil-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la” in our heads and aloud) , the Latin American countries of Bolivia, Brazil and Peru also gave us another blessing- Brazil nuts! No, this isn’t a fancy term for people who are nuts about Brazil, but a unique plant species that is found in the Amazon forest in these three countries. Brazil nuts are the seeds from the Brazil nut tree, which is one of the largest trees in the world. The nut is similar to a coconut and holds around 15-20 seeds in its orange-like segments. The Brazil nut oil extracted from these nuts has medical uses and is also used in the cosmetic industry.

Brazil nuts are packed with healthy nutrients. These delicious nuts are quite high in calories and are packed with proteins, fats, carbohydrates, fiber, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. Brazil nuts have a high fat content, but most of the fat is monounsaturated fats that help to increase the “good” cholesterol levels in the blood while reducing the “bad” cholesterol ⁹⁰. Eating Brazil nuts also helps to boost heart health, improves digestion, balances hormone function, builds the immune system and also helps in weight loss⁹¹. Brazil nuts are the best source of the antioxidant, selenium that provides the body numerous benefits such as reducing the risk of cancer, boosting healthy metabolism, anti-ageing, to name a few⁹².

How Do Brazil Nuts Burn Fat?

Brazil nuts are small “fat burners” that speed up metabolism and activates the thyroid hormones in your body and burn the fat in your body⁹³. Brazil nuts are also “wonder foods” that helps to fight cellulite in the body. The high fiber content⁹⁴, proteins⁹⁵ and complex carbs in Brazil nuts help to fill you up and help to curb unhealthy snacking. Indeed, Brazil nuts are perfect for a mid-afternoon snack.

How Are Brazil Nuts Consumed?

Brazil nuts are available shelled or unshelled and can be eaten raw or blanched.  However, it is recommended that you consume these nuts quickly as the high fat content in the nuts make them go rancid quite quickly.

You can also eat them roasted, sweetened or salted. You can snack on the Brazil nuts or add them to your fruit salad, breakfast cereal, smoothies, healthy desserts or yogurt. You can also add them to soup, vegetable and meat dishes.

Brazil nut oil makes for a great salad dressing or in your recipes. Brazil nut milk is very nutritious and can be used instead of regular dairy, soy or almond milk.

Nutrition Facts of Brazil Nuts

Broccoli

This popular super food probably needs no introduction. The bane of kids’ lives everywhere and the boon of every adult’s life, some of the current millennials may remember seeing huge broccoli monsters terrorize the Powerpuff Girls because they refused to eat their broccoli. Ever since, broccoli has been religiously devoured for its amazing health benefits!

Broccoli originated in Italy and was grown from wild cabbage. An edible green plant whose flowering head is consumed as a vegetable, broccoli has large, green flower heads that branch out from a thick stalk that is also edible. Highly similar to cauliflowers, there are three varieties of broccoli – Calabrese broccoli or broccoli, sprouting broccoli and purple cauliflower.

Broccoli is one of the healthiest veggies in the world due to its excellent nutritional content. It is an amazing source of B vitamins, vitamin A, C, K and manganese. Eating broccoli is good for your digestive⁹⁶ and cardiovascular system⁹⁷ and it builds your immunity⁹⁸. Recently, studies have uncovered the presence of sulforaphane, an anti-cancer phytonutrient in broccoli⁹⁹.

How Does Broccoli Burn Fat?

Your parents weren’t wrong when they forced you to down your broccoli at dinner. Apart from containing a high number of essential nutrients, broccoli helps you fill your stomach to your heart’s content and costs you literally nothing for it, as broccoli has very few calories and almost zero fat content¹⁰⁰. Spicing up broccoli with healthy spices like peppers and cinnamon is a great idea; it not only imparts taste but also aids in kicking out bad fat. The fiber in the broccoli promotes satiety and its phytochemicals content help to break down the fats¹⁰¹.

How Is Broccoli Consumed?

Broccoli can be consumed raw and can also be steamed, stir-fried or boiled. If you are cooking broccoli, then it is recommended that you do so at a low temperature and do not cook it for too long as the nutrients will be lost. You can add broccoli to your salads and other recipes. You also can puree the broccoli with other ingredients to make a healthy soup. You can also add broccoli to your pesto or pasta sauce.

Nutrition Facts of Broccoli

Brown Rice

Rice is a primary crop and a food staple all over the world, with it cultivation dating to around 9,000 years back! This grain is mainly grown in Asia, with China, Thailand and Vietnam being the three largest rice exporters.

There are many varieties of rice, but brown rice is one of the healthiest rice varieties available. A whole grain of rice has many layers. Only the hull or the outermost layer is removed to produce brown rice. This is the least damaging process and preserves the nutritional value of the rice. When the brown rice is milled further and the bran and most of the germ layer is removed, you get white rice that has lost quite a lot of the nutrients.  Brown rice is considered as a whole grain as it has not lost its “wholesomeness” through the refining process.

Brown rice is an excellent source of antioxidants, manganese, selenium, copper, phosphorus, niacin and magnesium and is high in fiber and natural oils.  Brown rice is very beneficial for people suffering from diabetes¹⁰² or for weight loss as it has a low glycemic index that reduces spikes in the level of insulin¹⁰³

How Does Brown Rice Burn Fat?

Brown rice is a healthy staple that helps to boost metabolism and burn fat¹⁰⁴. The high fiber content makes digestion easier and regulates bowel movement¹⁰⁵. It also helps to keep the tummy full which helps to reduce meal portions¹⁰⁶. Brown rice is a low-energy-density food i.e. it is low in calories and at the same time it fills you up. Brown rice helps to tone your belly and flatten it, as it is a complex carbohydrate that is rich in protein and vitamins. The presence of B vitamins helps to burn the calories faster¹⁰⁷.

How Is Brown Rice Consumed?

Brown rice is a wonderful and delicious food for both vegans as well as vegetarians. It has a rich, full and nutty flavor. You can use brown rice to make healthy baked goods, breads and pancakes instead of white rice. Brown rice can be used with vegetables or meats of your choice. It can also be used as a side dish with varied toppings, or in a healthy dessert or pudding.

Nutrition Facts of Brown Rice (Cooked)

Brussels Sprouts

The best things really do come in small packages, if Brussels sprouts are anything to go by. The fact that these little guys currently form a 650,000,000-pound industry is a testament to their popularity! Brussels sprouts belong to the same species as cabbages. In fact, the leafy green vegetables look like miniature cabbages and were probably grown as early as the 13th century in Belgium.

Brussels sprouts are low in calories and fat and have very high protein content. Packed with nutrients such as folacin, potassium, calcium, and vitamin A, Brussels sprouts have remarkable health benefits¹⁰⁸. They contain more vitamin C than oranges; the vitamin K content is twice that of red cabbages and the glucosinolates content in Brussels sprouts is more than other common crucifers. So nutrient-dense, Brussels sprouts are indeed very good for your health.

How Do Brussels Sprouts Burn Fat?

Including Brussels sprouts as part of your regular diet can help you lose weight as they are very low in calories and are low fat too. The large amounts of vitamin C contained in the Brussels sprouts improve your body’s ability to burn fat easily¹⁰⁹. Brussels sprouts are wonderful weight-loss foods as they fill you up and keep you satiated for a long time after you have eaten, thus helping in weight loss¹¹⁰.

How are Brussels Sprouts Consumed?

Did you know that are supposedly over 9,000 ways to cook Brussels sprouts? If we were to list all of them, we’d have a nearly never-ending list. However, the most popular ways to eat Brussels sprouts are to boil, steam, saute, stir fry, grill or roast them. Steaming is a better option of cooking Brussels sprouts as the sprouts will remain intact and the odor will be minimized. Overcooking the sprouts may cause the buds to turn grey and soft and they may develop a strong unpleasant odor. Brussels sprouts can be eaten by themselves as a snack or they can be added to a salad with other vegetables, and can also be pickled.

Nutrition facts of Brussels Sprouts (Boiled)

Bulgur Wheat

Bulgur wheat is the cracked and pre-cooked form of whole wheat grain. It is usually made from the groats of durum wheat. If all that we just said still has you scratching your head, think of “tabbouleh”, the famous dish made of cracked wheat! Most commonly used in Middle Eastern, Indian and European cuisines, bulgur wheat has a wholesome, nutty flavor.

The advantage of bulgur wheat is that it has not been refined, i.e. the bran and germ of the grain has not been removed, so it retains quite a bit of nutrition. Bulgur wheat is rich in fiber and protein and low in fat and calories. It is also a wonderful source of vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients and antioxidants. Consuming bulgur wheat can help to protect you against heart disease¹¹¹, cancer¹¹², digestive disorders, diabetes¹¹³ and obesity¹¹⁴.

How Does Bulgur Wheat Burn Fat?

Bulgur wheat contains filling fiber and vitamins and minerals that aid weight loss¹¹⁵. The fiber absorbs water, making you feel full and satiated¹¹⁶. It helps to curb hunger pangs and overeating.

How Is Bulgur Wheat Consumed?

The major advantage of bulgur wheat is that it is pre-cooked, so it is easier and quicker to prepare. Fine grain bulgur is commonly used in making tabbouleh, as mentioned earlier. Medium and coarse grain varieties of bulgur wheat are also available.

You can add bulgur wheat to your salads, soups and whole grain bread, or in pilafs and stuffing. It is a great substitute for couscous or rice and can also be eaten as cereal or porridge with low-fat milk and honey or other healthy sugar substitutes. You can eat bulgur wheat with a vegetable curry or stir-fry.

Nutrition Facts of Bulgur Wheat

Butternut Squash

You know how they say taste and nutritional value is inversely proportional? Well, meet the example that absolutely kills the cliche! Is it a fruit? Is it a vegetable? No, it’s butternut squash! Also known as butternut pumpkin, butternut squash is a common variety of winter squash that grows on a vine. Though the butternut squash is a fruit, it is commonly used and cooked like a vegetable. It has fleshy orange pulp and yellow skin and has a sweet, nutty taste similar to that of the pumpkin, and because of its thick, tough skin, it can be stored for several months.

Butternut squash is one of the healthiest and most nutritious vegetables. It is packed with nutrients and is a great source of fiber, antioxidants, manganese, magnesium, potassium and vitamins C, A and E.  This vivid colored vegetable is good for your eyes because of the beta-carotene present¹¹⁷ but is also packed with fiber that helps to maintain the sugar levels and lowers cholesterol that aids weight loss¹¹⁸.

How Does Butternut Squash Burn Fat?

Butternut squash not only tastes great, but is also low in calories. It is an excellent “fat burner” and is wonderful for relieving digestive troubles including constipation¹¹⁹. Eating more quantities of this vegetable can go a long way in increasing the fat burn in your body. It is ideal for weight loss as it is very low calorie and has plenty of dietary fiber¹²⁰. One cup of butternut squash contains only 75 calories which makes it a “negative calorie” food that is good for weight loss. The fiber present in the butternut squash takes a longer time to break down and get digested, keeping you satiated for a longer time¹²¹.

How Is Butternut Squash Consumed?

You can prepare butternut squash by removing the stalk, skin and seeds. It can be roasted, toasted, grilled, mashed and used in various dishes, or pureed and used in soup.

The seeds of the butternut squash are edible and can be eaten raw or roasted. The skin can also be roasted and eaten.

Nutrition Facts of Butternut Squash

Cabbage

Easily one of the most popular vegetables in the world, the humble cabbage holds the rare distinction of being featured in almost every cuisine in the world! Not only is it great-tasting, but cabbage is an antioxidant and phytonutrient rich “super veggie” that belongs to the same family as Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and kale, and you’re a “cabbagehead” if you don’t acknowledge the goodness of this veggie. There are several varieties of cabbage: green, purple, savoy and red that are grown worldwide. The green smooth leaf variety is most common while savoy cabbages are rarer.

The cabbage is usually round or oval in shape and made up of superimposed layers of leaves, with a defined taste and crunchy texture. Cabbages are available all through the year, which makes them quite a popular staple in kitchens around the world.

Cabbage is a good source of vitamin C, A and K, calcium, potassium, and magnesium. It is also rich in antioxidants and fiber.

How Does Cabbage Burn Fat?

Cabbage is low in calories and the fiber contained in the cabbage helps to make you feel full for a long time¹²². The fiber also assists in digestion and keeps your bowel movement healthy¹²³.

Cooked or raw cabbage prevents the conversion of sugar and carbs in the body to fat, thereby helping in weight reduction. Cabbage also helps to flush out excess fluids and water from your body, helping you lose weight¹²⁴.

How Is Cabbage Consumed?

Cabbage can be consumed raw or it can be sautéed, braised, steamed, or stewed. It can also be pickled or fermented and made into kimchi or sauerkraut. Cabbage can be added in many recipes or eaten as a side dish.

When cabbage is overcooked, it produces an unpleasant odor. This is because of the production of hydrogen sulphide gas, so it is recommended that you do not cook cabbage for long periods of time and steam or sauté it instead. This also helps to retain its nutrients.

Nutrition Facts of Cabbage

Cantaloupes

If you thought Captain Nemo was mysterious, let us tell you that he’s got nothing on this sweet, mysterious fruits! Cantaloupes may be America’s most popular melons, but no one really knows where they came from! These fragrant fruits belong to Cucurbitaceae or the gourd family (which means they have more members in their family than the Kardashians) and are a variety of the musk melon. The word “cantaloupe” is derived from Cantalupo, an Italian town situated near the Vatican City, and the seeds of the cantaloupe were brought from Armenia and planted in the papal gardens during the Renaissance. (Well, at least we know how they reached America).

Cantaloupes have high water content that helps to combat the heat and ward off dehydration. Their refreshing, sweet and juicy taste provides a guilt-free dessert option. Cantaloupes are high in vitamins such as vitamin A, C, and B6; and minerals such as potassium, niacin and folic acid. The consumption of cantaloupes decrease the risk of diseases like diabetes¹²⁵, arthritis, heart disease¹²⁶, obesity and also promotes healthy hair and complexion¹²⁷ while also increasing energy levels and aiding in overall weight loss.

How Do Cantaloupes Burn Fat?

You would wonder, “Can a fruit like cantaloupes make me lose weight?” Surprisingly, the answer is “Yes!” Cantaloupes are not high in calories and this makes them a very wise choice if you are on a diet. In addition to being low in calories, cantaloupes contain a high percentage of water. So eating a cantaloupe before a meal fills you up and may help you eat lesser during the meal, therefore lesser calorie consumption¹²⁸. Also, cantaloupes contain fiber that stimulates your digestive system¹²⁹ that aids easy bowel movement which helps in weight loss¹³⁰.

How Are Cantaloupes Consumed?

The best way to eat cantaloupes is fresh. You can add it to a fruit salad with other fruits too, or to your smoothies or Greek yogurt for a refreshing and healthy treat. You can even make sorbets, juice and jams with cantaloupes.

Nutrition Facts of Cantaloupes

Cardamom

If peppercorn is the “King of Spices”, it has a very fitting queen in cardamon, the “Queen of Spices”. Another one of the many exotic spices from the land of yogis, curries and Bollywood and one of the most expensive, cardamom is an aromatic, flavor-filled small pod with black seeds within. It is this pleasant and unique fragrance of both the pod and the seeds that makes it an important flavoring ingredient in Indian cuisine, whether savory or sweet. Belonging to the ginger family, the use of cardamom has spread all around the world today.

Cardamom has medicinal properties and is used in Ayurveda¹³¹ to treat digestive problems, mouth ulcers¹³², throat problems, tuberculosis¹³³, gall bladder stones and even depression¹³⁴.

How Does Cardamom Burn Fat?

Cardamom is a medicinal herb with thermogenic properties. It has the ability to increase your body’s metabolism rate and burn fat¹³⁵. Often, cardamom tea is drunk after a meal to aid digestion and process foods more efficiently¹³⁶. It also reduces flatulence and gas.

How Is Cardamom Consumed?

The aromatic seeds of cardamom have been used in medicine and cooking for many years. In the Middle East and Turkey, coffee is drunk that is infused with cardamom. In India, cardamom is added to tea to enhance the flavor and receive health benefits. You can also chew the seeds of cardamom as a “breath freshener.”

You can use cardamom to add flavor to your cooking, spices, curries and garam masalas. It can be used whole or as a powder.

Nutrition Facts of Cardamom

Carom Seeds

Carom seeds, also known as Bishop’s weed or thymol seeds are actually fruit pods which are tiny and oval in shape, native to, you guessed it, India and the Middle East. The unique, pungent and slightly bitter, thyme-like taste of carom seeds makes them very popular in cooking.

Carom seeds are very good for digestive problems and relieve flatulence. They are also used as a remedy for many respiratory problems¹³⁷.

How Do Carom Seeds Burn Fat?

Boiling carom seeds in water and drinking it through the day has amazing benefits including weight loss¹³⁸. The carom seeds help to boost metabolism which in turn helps to burn and shed accumulated fat. The thymol contained in the carom seeds helps to limit weight gain. Carom seeds have a laxative effect and the root of the carom plant is a diuretic which aids in weight loss¹³⁹.

How Are Carom Seeds Consumed?

Carom seeds are not commonly consumed raw; they are usually dry-roasted or fried. This makes the fragrance of the spice more complex. Carom seeds are used in bread, biscuits, cookies, and pastries. However, eating a whole cookie for the few carom seeds in it is in no way justifiable as healthy, so stick to healthier options such as whole-wheat biscuits and gluten-free or wheat flour pastries. Carom seed is also a common ingredient in curry powder and is also used to flavor soups, sauces, savory dishes, lentil dishes, meat and vegetable curries.

Nutrition Facts of Carom Seeds

Cashews

There’s honestly “nut-thing” we like better than bad puns. So here’s one for you- What did the nut say when he sneezed? Well, “cashew”! Get it? Apart from being a base for really bad jokes, the cashew seed, or simply cashew, is also one of the most widely consumed nuts in the world. Bean-shaped and creamy white, these nuts that have a delicate texture and a smooth surface. Native to Brazil, this delicious, sweet and crunchy nut is loaded with antioxidants, energy, vitamins and minerals.

Cashew apples are false fruits that grow on the cashew tree. The cashew nut is actually the fruit that grows at the end of the cashew apple and has a hard outer shell that encloses the edible kernel. The outer shell of the cashew nut contains a phenolic resin, urushiol, that irritates the skin and must be removed before the cashew nut is eaten.

Cashews are very beneficial for health and they help to protect from many diseases and cancers. The “good” fats contained in the cashews help to prevent coronary disease and helps to maintain a healthy lipid profile¹⁴⁰.

How Do Cashews Burn Fat?

Cashews, like other nuts, are a very good source of protein and fiber, which helps to make you feel full for longer periods of time. This helps you eat less and thereby aids to lose weight¹⁴¹. Also, the monounsaturated fat contained in cashew nuts helps in weight loss¹⁴².

How Are Cashews Consumed?

Cashew nuts are not only beneficial for health, the sweet flavour of these nuts make them a favorite in the kitchen and it’s often hard to stop with just one (seriously, have you ever bought a bag of these nuts while on a flight and not polished off the whole pack?) Cashews can be eaten as they are or mixed with other dried fruits as a healthy snack and they can also be eaten roasted, salted or sweetened. Cashews are also used to garnish savory or sweet dishes and as a base for many curries, stews, and gravies. You can also use cashew nuts in your baking to make healthy desserts, but remember that too much of a good thing can also be a bad thing. Eating too many cashews can end up giving you more calories than you bargained for!

Additionally, cashews are also used to make cashew cheese or cashew butter. The cashew apple is a reddish fruit and its pulp can be processed into a sweet fruit drink or made into liquor, and though the latter is a nearly-universal favorite, it’s obvious that you should stay away from it if being healthy is your main focus!

Nutrition Facts of Cashews

Cauliflower

Here’s a question for you. What do the X-Men and cauliflowers have in common? No, it isn’t that both Professor X and cauliflowers are bald, and no, it isn’t because Storm has hair the same color! Turns out, these edible broccoli-resembling vegetables are the result of a genetic mutation, and though they may not be shooting laser rays out of their eyes or controlling minds, cauliflowers are superheroes in their own rights for the amazing health benefits they provide! A cruciferous vegetable like cabbage and broccoli, cauliflowers are a mass of tiny, tightly packed florets (also called curds) that grow from a thick central stem to form a head that is sheathed by green leaves, with a firm and slightly waxy texture. Usually white in color, but also occasionally purple and green, cauliflowers have a delicate flavor that is loved and hated in equal parts around the world. Oh, and turns out Edward Cullen isn’t the only one affected by sunlight. If it weren’t for their thick, green leaves, cauliflowers wouldn’t survive the sunlight!

Cauliflowers contain an impressive array of nutrients and are loaded with vitamins, antioxidants¹⁴³, minerals and other phytochemicals¹⁴⁴ that gives them all the goodness. The cauliflower can easily be termed as a superfood because of all its health benefits. Cauliflower is also an ideal weight loss component for meatless meals¹⁴⁵. The strong flavor of the cauliflower allows it to be consumed alone without being accompanied by any meat or other fatty foods.

How Does Cauliflower Burn Fat?

The crunchy cauliflower belongs to the thermogenic category of foods, which means that your body burns more calories trying to digest them. Including cauliflower into your diet plan can help boost your metabolism and ultimately decrease body fat¹⁴⁶. Cauliflower also keeps you feeling fuller for longer after you have finished eating¹⁴⁷. It also gives you more energy to burn calories and combats fatigue. Cauliflower has chemicals that burns fat and helps to fight leptin resistance which helps to keep you slim¹⁴⁸.

How Is Cauliflower Consumed?

Many people believe cauliflower to be tasteless, but it can be quite tasty when prepared right. Cauliflower can be boiled, roasted, fried, pickled, steamed or eaten raw. You can even mash cauliflower and season it for a super tasty side dish. Mostly, it is the florets that are consumed and though the leaves are typically discarded, they can also be consumed. Overcooked cauliflower has a very unpleasant odor, so ensure it is cooked very briefly.

Nutrition Facts of Cauliflower (Boiled)

Cayenne Pepper

Here’s one food that you can’t live with and can’t live without, as these “red-hot chili peppers” can literally get too hot to handle! Also known as the Guinea spice, aleva, bird pepper, or red pepper, cayenne peppers have a fiery taste and are added to dishes to increase their spiciness, in both their whole and powdered forms. These chilies are what make Mexican, Southwest American, Creole and Cajun cuisines so hot, just like their celebrities (Shakira, Sofia Vergara, J-Lo, Adam Rodriguez; need we go on?). Belonging to the capsicum family (yes, we know it’s hard to believe considering how docile capsicums can be!), cayenne peppers are a surprising storehouse of healthy nutrients!

Capsaicin is the active ingredient in cayenne peppers that makes the powder spicy and is used to treat aches and pains in the body¹⁴⁹. Cayenne pepper has also been used in Ayurveda and Chinese medicine to treat circulatory problems¹⁵⁰. Recently, cayenne peppers have become very popular for cleansing and detoxifying regimes that use the spice to neutralize acidity and stimulate circulation.

Cayenne peppers are very high in vitamin A and also contain vitamins B, C and E, potassium, riboflavin and manganese. However, since the quantity of the spice is very small, the nutritional contribution to the overall required nutrition is negligible.

How Does Cayenne Pepper Burn Fat?

Cayenne pepper has more benefits than just enhancing the heat in your food. It increases the ability of your body to burn fat and swaps it for energy thereby leading to weight loss¹⁵¹. It is also effective in reducing your appetite¹⁵² and boosts your body’s metabolic levels which helps you shed that fat easily and quickly¹⁵³.

How Is Cayenne Pepper Consumed?

Cayenne pepper is an extremely versatile spice which can be used to spice up and add heat to all your dishes. It can be added to spice mixtures, salad dressings and marinades. Just make sure you go “despacito” with the spice addition to ensure that you don’t burn more than what you initially set out to burn.

Nutrition of Cayenne Pepper

Celery

Often, foods are sold with the “superfood” tag to just make you eat weird and not spectacularly healthy foods. However, take it from us when we say that celery is indeed the real deal! a vegetable that belongs to the Apiaceae family, celery stalks are one of the most popular (if not the most popular) weight loss snacks. Available all year round, these seemingly deceptive veggies pack a nutrient-filled punch, making them a “must add” to your diet plan.

Celery is beneficial for the cardiovascular and digestive system¹⁵⁴. It also contains blood pressure reducing properties¹⁵⁵. The presence of compounds called Phthalides help to relax the arterial muscles that regulate blood pressure. Phthalides also reduce stress hormones that cause the blood vessels to contract. Celery is a great source of vitamin C which helps to build the immunity system¹⁵⁶. Celery also provides fiber and essential minerals such as potassium and folacin. The seeds of the celery plant are commonly used in medicine for pain relief¹⁵⁷.  Celery has high water content, around 95 percent which makes it easy to digest. It has highly diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties.

How Does Celery Burn Fat?

A cup of chopped celery is a mere 16 calories, which makes it an ideal diet food component. Celery also has essential nutrients that support weight loss¹⁵⁸. The fiber content in celery helps to control your appetite. The fiber absorbs water and fills your stomach making you feel full for a long time after eating, thus helping you lose weight¹⁵⁹. It also reduces water retention in the body and helps to detoxify¹⁶⁰.

How Is Celery Consumed?

Celery is eaten the world over as a vegetable. In North America, the leaf stalk is used while in Europe it is used as a root vegetable. The leaves of the celery are strongly flavoured and are used to flavor stews and soups or as a dried herb. Celery seeds are used as a spice or as medicine.

Celery can be added to your favorite salad. Root celery can be served as a vegetable dish on its own and you can use celery leaves instead of parsley in almost all recipes.

Nutrition Facts of Celery (Boiled)

Chia Seeds

Chia seeds have become one of the most popular superfoods today and are considered among the healthiest foods on the planet. They are tiny black seeds, related to the mint. Native to South America, chia seeds were considered a very important part of the Aztec and Mayan diet. They were very highly prized for their nutritional value and medicinal properties, something that is still relevant today. Chia seeds can indeed by the “key-a” to your good health!

Chia seeds are packed with nutrients and are very good for your body and brain. They are valued for their ability to provide energy¹⁶¹ and as a matter of fact, the word “Chia” is the age-old Mayan word for strength. In the recent years, chia seeds have gained immense popularity and are being consumed by health conscious people the world over.

Don’t let their tiny size fool you; these seeds pack a powerful punch! Chia seeds are nutrient-dense and are very rich in fiber, protein, omega-3 fats, vitamins A, B, E and D and minerals including iron, iodine, sulphur, magnesium, manganese, niacin and thiamine. They are also a rich resource of antioxidants.

How Do Chia Seeds Burn Fat?

Chia seeds are a nutritional powerhouse and considered as “fat busters.” They are great for weight loss. They can help you feel satisfied and full, as they absorb water 10 times their weight, forming a bulky gel¹⁶². This helps to improve absorption of electrolytes and prolong hydration. They also reduce food cravings by preventing some foods from getting absorbed into your system.

Chia seeds are a wonderful source of protein¹⁶³ which is one of the main reasons for them being consumed to burn fat, balance blood sugar levels¹⁶⁴, and gain lean muscle. As chia seeds are high in zinc content, it helps your body increase leptin levels¹⁶⁵. Leptin is a vital hormone that regulates your appetite, your energy levels, and how your body expends this energy. It also improves endurance and stamina, making chia seeds a great nutrient if you are looking to get into shape and shed those pounds.

How Are Chia Seeds Consumed?

Soaking chia seeds in water before consuming them make them easy to digest as they form a gelatinous coating that helps them pass quickly through the digestive tract. Consuming ground chia seeds are more beneficial than whole seeds as this allows more ALA to reach the bloodstream.

You also can make puddings from chia seeds, which you can make more interesting by adding a variety of toppings such as fruits, nuts, and spices. You can add dried whole or ground chia seeds to juices, smoothies, yogurt, oatmeal or salad, and use them to make healthy desserts and baked goods.

Nutrition Facts of Chia Seeds

Chicken

Honestly, what’s life without chicken? As we all know, chicken is the most common poultry in the world and a common part of everyday diet. The versatility, ease and speed of cooking, makes chicken one of the most popular meats. The texture of chicken and the mild flavor makes it very easy to pair chicken with several ingredients. Chicken, especially the skinless variety, is a good source of protein, vitamin B, iron, selenium and copper.

How Does Chicken Burn Fat?

Here’s a riddle for you. Why did the chicken cross the road? To lose weight, and help you lose yours too! If you are trying to lose weight, chicken is considered to be a powerful fat-burning food. Just 3 ounces of chicken provides you with around 37 percent of your daily protein requirement. This keeps your body energized¹⁶⁶, your stomach satiated¹⁶⁷, and muscles looking sculpted¹⁶⁸.

Skinless chicken breast that has been grilled is a great addition to any weight loss plan due to its low calorie, low fat, and high protein content. Eating chicken breast helps you eat lesser calories and burn extra calories that will help you lose weight. Eating chicken breast can not only help you shed those pounds, but also has a positive result on your body composition.

How Is Chicken Consumed?

You probably don’t need any introduction to this as chicken is one of the most commonly cooked meats and in the most number of ways possible. It can be roasted, baked, broasted, grilled, fried, made into sausages and patties, put in salads, skewered, or breaded. Often, chicken breast is used as a filling for sandwiches. Chicken bones can be used to make soup, broth or chicken stock. Use organic and locally grown chicken whenever possible for maximum health benefits.

Nutrition Facts of Chicken (Meat Only)

Chickpeas

Let’s admit it. “Hummus” is one of the best gifts the Middle East has given us, along with “pita” and some great “falafel”. And these amazing foods just wouldn’t be the same if it wasn’t for the one common link that threads them together- chickpeas! Also known as gram, Bengal gram or garbanzo beans, chickpeas are legumes that are very high in protein. Originally grown in the Middle East and Mediterranean region, chickpeas have spread their culinary impact all over the world and are used in several cuisines. The most commonly found chickpeas are beige in color and round shaped, while other varieties are red, black and green. Chickpeas have a delicious buttery texture and nut-like taste.

Chickpeas are very high in protein and fiber and also contain several minerals and vitamins. Chickpeas help in boosting digestion, keeping blood sugar levels stable, and building immunity against diseases¹⁶⁹.

How Do Chickpeas Burn Fat?

Choline is an important nutrient contained in chickpeas. This helps in absorption of fat and reduces inflammation¹⁷⁰. The protein¹⁷¹ and fiber¹⁷² content in the chickpeas helps to make you feel full and reduces your calorie intake, thereby helping in weight management. They also help to curb unhealthy snacking and food cravings.

How Are Chickpeas Consumed?

Apart from in lipsmacking hummus and falafel, chickpeas are usually eaten after they are cooked. Dried chickpeas need to be cooked for longer; however, if you soak the chickpeas for 1-2 hours, the cooking time can be shortened.

Cooked chickpeas can be added to salads, stews, soup and other hot dishes. You can also make chickpeas into a side dish that can be eaten with brown rice, whole-wheat pasta, lean meat, couscous, and quinoa, to name a few.

Nutrition Facts of Chickpeas

Chilled Potatoes

These foods are probably more controversial than Lindsay Lohan. Are they good for you? Are they bad for you? Commonly perceived to be unhealthy, many a dame and gentleman have run in the opposite direction to these veggies, and justifiably so, given the fact that they’ve acquired a rep that could rival Darth Vader. But what if we told you that potatoes can actually be good for you?

One of the most common foods in the world, potatoes were first brought to Europe in the 16th century, and later again in the 19th century to ward of scurvy. Today, there are more than 5,000 varieties of potatoes, forming the backbone of many kitchens and cuisines around the world.

Contrary to popular belief, potatoes, in their original form, are almost totally fat free and an excellent fiber source. Potatoes are also rich in vitamins, B1, B6 and C, copper, manganese and potassium. The skin of the potato is very rich in 60 different phytochemicals and vitamins, and potatoes also contain a blood pressure lowering compound called kukoamines¹⁷³. In short, potatoes are quite nutrient-dense and have many health benefits¹⁷⁴.

How Do Chilled Potatoes Burn Fat?

Did you know that eating chilled potatoes can help you get a flat belly? You would have probably had the same reaction if we’d told you that the Earth is flat. Or that Tyrion Lannister is actually a Stark (no, he isn’t, and this is in no way a spoiler, so hold before you start theorizing!). And like we said, we completely understand why, given the bad picture that’s been painted of potatoes. When potatoes are cooked, their starch cells swell up and break down. This is known as gelatinisation, which allows the potatoes to be digested more easily. However, if you chill the potatoes after they are cooked, some of the gelatinised starch is converted to resistant starch, a crystalline form that can’t be digested as easily. This produces the compound butyrate, a fat burner, which also reduces hunger pangs¹⁷⁵. The resistant starch also aids weight loss due to its slow absorption rate in the small intestine and also helps improve bowel movement¹⁷⁶.

How Are Chilled Potatoes Consumed?

Cold potatoes are rather bland when served by themselves, so make a healthy salad with cold potatoes along with different ingredients and dressings to make it interesting. You can also combine chilled potatoes with other healthy ingredients to make a healthy meal.

Nutrition Facts of Chilled Potatoes (Boiled)

Cinnamon

Think of what having no cinnamon would have cost us! Seriously, the genius who thought that we should all be using the bark of a tree to flavor our food should be profusely thanked, for without cinnamon, the world’s best gourmet dishes as well as mom’s home cooking would have been incomplete! Cinnamon is a fragrant, warm and delicious spice prized for thousands of years for its medicinal properties and excellent flavor. It is the inner bark of the Cinnamomum tree and is usually reddish-brown in color. In ancient times, cinnamon was so rare and valuable that it was considered a gift for kings. Today, cinnamon is quite a common spice and is found in supermarkets and used in many cuisines. There are two varieties of cinnamon – Ceylon cinnamon or “true” cinnamon and Cassia cinnamon that is the more common variety.

The stems of the cinnamomum tree are cut, the inner bark is taken out and the woody parts are removed. When the bark dries, it curls into quills or cinnamon sticks, which can also be ground into powder and used. The flavor of the cinnamon is due to the aromatic essential oil present. Apart from elevating the taste of most desserts, cinnamon contains essential minerals, vitamins, iron, calcium and fiber that helps to build immunity, boosts metabolism,¹⁷⁷ increases digestion and improves memory¹⁷⁸.

How Does Cinnamon Burn Fat?

A small teaspoon of cinnamon a day, when added to other foods, can help in regulating glucose levels that in turn helps in controlling unhealthy food cravings. Once you get the hang of it, you will be glad you added cinnamon in your fat loss diet! Cinnamon not only helps to burn excess fat but also prevents further accumulation of fat. It increases the body temperature and boosts the body’s metabolism¹⁷⁹. It reduces the “bad” cholesterol in the body and also regulates the blood sugar levels, thereby aiding in weight loss¹⁸⁰. The polyphenols in the cinnamon is effective in losing belly fat¹⁸¹.

How Is Cinnamon Consumed?

For a long time, the only people who ever heard of cinnamon were bakers. Now, however, cinnamon is celebrated as a secondary spice to add to soups and curries. It is used as a condiment and flavouring agent in many dishes. You can use it as flavouring in your healthy desserts as well as savory dishes. You can also use it to add a dash of spice to your occasional indulgences such as milk, coffee, hot cocoa and liqueurs. You can even sprinkle cinnamon over your whole-grain toast or add it to your other recipes.

Nutrition Facts of Cinnamon

Cloves

Cloves are one of the most multi-faceted spices, used for everything from cooking to dentistry! More commonly used as a spice, cloves are well known for their sweet, warm and aromatic taste. They are native to the Maluku islands, also known as the “Spice Islands of Indonesia”. Cloves are the unopened buds of the clove tree. Pink when picked, cloves later develop a hard brown exterior and their flesh contains an oily compound that gives its flavor.

How Do Cloves Burn Fat?

Cloves have very powerful anti-lipid and anticholesteremic properties. In simple words, this means that they help to reduce cholesterol and glucose levels¹⁸². This helps to boost metabolism and reduces obesity and obesity related ailments. Cloves are in fact considered as one of the important thermogenic weight loss spices. It is a “fat burner” that boosts metabolic activity and stimulates digestion¹⁸³.

How Are Cloves Consumed?

Cloves are available all year through and you can use them as an ingredient to “spice up” your cooking. To keep the flavor and fragrance intact, it is recommended that you grind the clove just before adding to your dishes and add it at the last moment, as cooking the cloves for a long time results in the evaporation of essential oils.

You can also add cloves to your ginger bread, pies, soups broths, poaching liquids, your vegetable and meat dishes, and curries. You can also add it to your marinades and preserves of fruits such as apples and pears.  Cloves can be added to rice dishes too, such as brown rice pilaf.

Nutrition Facts of Cloves

Coconut Oil

A super food that both Paleo and Keto dieters swear by, coconut oil has long been considered an “exotic” food in the West. Rich in unique fatty acid combinations that have been found to have positive effects on health, coconut oil has been traditionally consumed for thousands of years by people of tropical cultures.

The use of coconut oil was shunned by the health community for its high saturated fat content. However, in the recent years, it has slowly gained popularity and has become a staple in many kitchens. In fact, coconut oil contains medium-chain triglycerides or MCTs, which are medium-chain fatty acids that go straight from the digestive tract to the liver, where they are utilized as a quick source of energy or converted into ketone bodies that have many therapeutic effects¹⁸⁴.

Coconut oil has many health benefits such as hair care, skin care¹⁸⁵, improved digestion and provides your body immunity against many diseases and infections¹⁸⁶. Coconut oil is also very rich in vitamins E and K and minerals like iron.

How Does Coconut Oil Burn Fat?

Coconut oil is the most natural and one of the healthiest fats you can consume. It helps the thyroid to function smoothly and helps to decrease body weight and fat¹⁸⁷. Replacing your normal cooking oil with coconut oil is a sure-shot way to include another fat burning component to your diet. The MCTs in the coconut oil helps to reduce appetite, increase energy expenditure¹⁸⁸ and fat burning leading to weight loss, especially belly fat, in the long run¹⁸⁹.

How Is Coconut Oil Consumed?

Coconut oil can be used in several ways. It has a high smoking point of around 350-400 degrees which makes it ideal for cooking, sautéing or stir-frying food, and on the rare indulgent occasions, for deep-frying foods. Coconut oil can be used in baking instead of butter, margarine or other vegetable oils. You can add coconut oil to your smoothies, oatmeal, yogurt, chocolate, or nut butter. However, remember to use virgin form of coconut oil is a better option as it is less refined and pure. If the distinct taste of coconut oil is not something that is particularly appealing to you, you can opt to use expeller pressed coconut oil as it has a more neutral taste.

Nutrition Facts of Coconut Oil

Coffee

Whether it is your “wakeup call” in the morning, “a pick me up” in the evening, or your energy booster before your gym routine, coffee has become an indispensable part of our daily lives. Though some differently-wired (read “weird) people may love to hate the daily “cuppa joe”, research in recent years suggests that there are many health benefits to be gained by drinking coffee. The health benefits associated with drinking coffee include reduced risk of type-2 diabetes¹⁹⁰, liver disease, Parkinson’s¹⁹¹, cancer¹⁹² and it promotes a healthy heart¹⁹³.

Coffee is a brewed drink made from roasted coffee beans, which are the seeds from the Coffea plant. Coffee was exported from Africa and is now grown in over 70 countries around the world. There are two common varieties of coffee– Arabica and Robusta. The coffee berries are picked once they are ripe, processed and dried. The dried seeds are then roasted which are later ground and brewed to make a refreshing beverage.

Coffee has a slightly acidic taste and has a stimulating effect because of its caffeine content. These days, with over 400 billion cups of coffee drunk every year, it is indeed a very popular drink.

How Does Coffee Burn Fat?

The caffeine in the coffee stimulates the nervous system, which helps to mobilize fat from the fat tissues¹⁹⁴. The caffeine also increases the level of the hormone epinephrine, also known as adrenaline, in your blood levels¹⁹⁵. This epinephrine breaks down the fat in your body and releases them into the blood¹⁹⁶. Coffee also increases the metabolic rate, caused by an increase in the burning of fat, which in turn helps you lose weight¹⁹⁷. The caffeine in the coffee may reduce your desire to eat which may also cause weight loss¹⁹⁸.

How Is Coffee Consumed?

Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world, available in many forms such as espresso, French press, café latte, cappuccino, and black coffee, to name a few. Usually coffee is drunk hot; however, iced or cold coffee is an equally popular beverage. Coffee powder can be used to flavor desserts, syrups and toppings among other things to add that little bit of healthiness to what could otherwise be an unhealthy meal!

Nutrition Facts of Coffee (Brewed from Grounds, Prepared with Tap Water)

Coriander

If you’re a fan of Indian or Mexican food, you’re probably already familiar with this herb that can be traced back to ancient India and that even finds honorable mentions in the Holy Bible! Also commonly called cilantro or Chinese parsley, coriander is a herb that enhances the taste of any edible item, certain beer included! Native to Europe, Africa and Asia, the fresh leaves and seeds are most often used in cooking, the latter in its whole or ground form. Coriander is every similar to Italian flat leaf parsley as they belong to the same family.

Coriander is filled with nutrients that make it quite beneficial for health, as it comprises essential oils, minerals and vitamins. It is also a great source of iron, manganese and dietary fiber. The health benefits of coriander include treatment of mouth ulcers, diabetes, anemia, high cholesterol levels, indigestion, and skin disorders, to name a few¹⁹⁹.

How Does Coriander Burn Fat?

Fresh coriander when consumed raw reduces sugar level.  Coriander also works wonders for diabetic²⁰⁰ and obese people. It helps to lose weight and also helps in the reduction of fats²⁰¹.

How Is Coriander Consumed?

Did you know that finding coriander tasty depends on your genetic configuration? Some people are just wired to hate coriander, finding it soapy in taste! However, love it or hate, it can’t be denied that coriander is nearly-omnipresent! Fresh coriander leaves are used as an ingredient in several recipes such as the popular “chutney”, as well as to garnish dishes. Dried coriander seeds are also used in cooking in both whole as well as powdered forms. Roasting the coriander seeds intensifies the aroma, and flavor, and is used as a spice to flavor several curries, meat, vegetables, and gravies.

Nutrition Facts of Coriander

Cottage Cheese

The “chicken” of vegetarians, cottage cheese is one of the most common and widely used cheeses. Getting its name from the fact that it can easily be prepared at home, cottage cheese found such wide acclaim that it was President Nixon’s favorite food, even turning out to be his last meal in the White House! A fresh curd cheese made from curdled milk, cottage cheese has a very mild, sweet flavor, as the liquid is drained and the curd is then washed, which removes the residual acids and leaves sweet tasting cottage cheese behind. Cottage cheese that is pressed becomes farmer cheese, hoop cheese or pot cheese.

Cottage cheese is very rich in protein and low in fat. It is a good source of calcium, B vitamins and vitamin C and is good for tooth and bone health²⁰². Consuming cottage cheese also helps to regulate blood pressure²⁰³ and also may prevent incidence of certain cancers²⁰⁴.

How Does Cottage Cheese Burn Fat?

Cottage cheese is low in calories (containing only 98 calories per 100 g) and is quite a favorite among athletes and weight watchers due to its calcium content²⁰⁵. The protein in the cottage cheese aids in weight loss and lean muscle gain²⁰⁶. The calcium contained in the cottage cheese stimulates fat burning and suppresses accumulation of fat²⁰⁷. However, you must keep in mind that using a low fat version of the cottage cheese will be more beneficial to your weight loss process.

How Is Cottage Cheese Consumed?

You can eat cottage cheese in many ways, such as by itself or with some salt and pepper or seasoning sprinkled over it. You can add it to a salad or use it as a dip instead of mayonnaise or sour cream with carrot and celery sticks or cucumber. Cottage cheese can also  be eaten along with fruits such as pears, oranges, peaches as a side dish or used as an ingredient in healthy desserts.

Nutrition Facts of Cottage Cheese (Low-Fat)

Couscous

Couscous is the staple food of North Africa, dating all the way back to the 13th century. So important was couscous to the North Africans that it even symbolized good luck and was prepared on important occasions and house-warming ceremonies, and they evidently loved it enough to say the same name twice. Consisting of small balls of semolina flour or durum wheat, couscous is made from the husked and crushed (not ground) semolina of hard wheat by using water to bind them. In fact, this is same flour that is used to make pasta! To prepare couscous, hot water is added these small balls to them fluff up, and while couscous is usually made from hard wheat, it can also be made from other grains such as rice, maize, sorghum, barley or millet.

The natural form of couscous is available in North African countries and in the Mediterranean region. In other countries, couscous is available usually in the pre-steamed or prepared forms, and requires a small quantity of hot water to be added to it to fluff up the dried or pre-cooked balls before use.

Couscous has a wide range of health benefits that has made it very popular. It is used as a substitute for rice or quinoa and is very versatile. It is nutrient packed and contains potassium, thiamine, selenium, niacin, folic acid, and manganese²⁰⁸. Couscous has the ability to prevent cancers²⁰⁹, prevent viral and bacterial infections, promote heart health²¹⁰, improves digestion, controls fluid levels, builds muscles and immune system and helps to lose weight.

How Does Couscous Burn Fat?

Couscous is an excellent slimming meal and is very beneficial for people trying to lose weight and looking for low calorie sources of food. Each cup of couscous contains only around 200 calories. The extra protein in the couscous helps muscle development²¹¹. On eating, couscous swells in the stomach making you feel full for a long time and you don’t eat much. It is also very low in cholesterol, sodium and saturated fat which aids in weight loss.

How Is Couscous Consumed?

Couscous is very easy to make. You need to just add a little hot water and fluff it with a fork. You can prepare couscous and serve it in a similar manner to rice and pasta with meat, vegetables and sauce.  It can be served as a side dish or in recipes. You can also add it to salads, soups and stews.

Nutrition Facts of Couscous

Crab

No other meat requires as much effort in eating or cooking, but nothing else justifies the effort quite like crab meat. Meat from the crab is prized the world over for its soft, sweet and delicate taste. There are at least 5,000 varieties of crab, but the ones that are commonly available and consumed are the blue crab, red swimming crab, blue swimming crab and brown crab.

Crab is very beneficial as it is very high in protein that helps in tissue repair ²¹². It is also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, DHA and EPA that have anti-inflammatory properties ²¹³. Eating crab can help to reduce the risk of heart disease, lower blood pressure, and improve cognitive ability ²¹⁴. The minerals present in the crab such as zinc, copper and selenium help to protect the immune system ²¹⁵.

How Does Crab Burn Fat?

Crab meat is incredibly low in calories and fat and it is a rich source of protein ²¹⁶. Steamed crab meat is one of the healthiest foods that you can eat. While crab meat has a slightly high cholesterol level, it does not have saturated fat. So if you are a seafood lover, then crab is one delicious dish that you can include when following a low calorie diet to lose weight.

How Is Crab Consumed?

Crab meat can be easily added to several recipes. You can add it to your salad, stir-fries, sandwiches, soups or stews. Some species of crab such as the soft shelled crab can be eaten whole along with the shell. In other cases, only the claws of the crabs are eaten. You can boil crabs or make it into healthy crab cakes. You can also make a bisque using crabs.

Nutrition Facts of Crab (Blue)

Cranberries

Cranberries are one of the most commonly consumed berries in the world. So popular are these berries that they’re used in everything from the best “Breezer” flavor to amazing desserts to juices to jams to preservatives to band names to dyeing fabrics! Whew! You get the point. These small acidic berries that grow on shrubs are native to North America, growing in wet areas such as wetlands and bogs. The shrub has deep green leaves, dark red fruit and pink flowers. Cranberries have been hyped to be super fruits because they are nutrient-packed and have antioxidant properties. Cranberries are available in the frozen form and as juice all year round. Cranberry juice is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, salicylic acid and minerals and has many health benefits ²¹⁷ such as reducing the risk of ulcers and preventing urinary infections²¹⁸. It is also great for weight loss and cancer ²¹⁹.

How Do Cranberries Burn Fat?

Cranberries are very rich in vitamin C and the juice has diuretic properties ²²⁰, which means that it encourages the body to get rid of excess fluids. Cranberry juice also emulsifies the fat deposited in the body which leads to weight loss ²²¹. Also, the fiber content in the cranberry helps to keep you satiated for a longer period of time ²²².

How Are Cranberries Consumed?

Cranberry juice is dark red and not sweetened and is made from whole cranberries. This has a strong and tart taste and you can consume it after diluting it with water. You can also mix it with other beverages and enjoy (no, getting drunk on cranberry-flavored “Breezers” doesn’t count). Cranberries can also be made into jam, sauce or candies, but consuming the juice is the healthiest way to consume cranberries.

Nutrition Facts of Cranberries

Cucumber

Just like avocados, cucumbers don’t need any introduction, whether you belong to the army of the health conscious or otherwise. One of the first foods to be touted as health-friendly, cucumbers remain an evergreen favorite. And what’s not to hate? Whether you need to de-fog your bathroom mirror, freshen your breath, lose weight, get a quick energy fix, or get rid of your Sunday morning hangover, cucumbers can do it all. Belonging to the same family as the cantaloupe, watermelon, squash and pumpkin, cucumbers are low in fat, cholesterol, calories and sodium, and are 95 percent water, which makes them even more ideal for weight loss than sarcasm for Chandler Bing. The high water content along with the mild refreshing taste helps to combat heat and ward off dehydration²²³.

If the fact that cucumbers are one of the healthiest fruits (shocker, we know!) and have long been endorsed by, well, basically everyone, hasn’t convinced you to add them into your diet yet, there are plenty of other reasons why you should include cucumbers in your diet. It is loaded with nutrients such as Vitamins B, K, and C, copper, potassium, and manganese. Cucumbers also contain unique polyphenols and phytonutrients²²⁴ that reduce the risk of many chronic diseases²²⁵ and have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties²²⁶. The peel and seeds of cucumbers are the most nutrient-dense parts and are rich in beta-carotene, fiber and vitamin A.

How Does Cucumber Burn Fat?

As mentioned, cucumbers are very low in calories. When you are on a diet and trying to lose weight (a state many of us find ourselves in many times!), cucumbers help to lower your calorie consumption and shed pounds. In fact, one whole cucumber contains just 45 calories. The soluble fibre contained in the cucumber dissolves in your gut forming a gel-like substance, helping to slow down digestion²²⁷. This helps you feel full for a longer time and therefore aids in weight control²²⁸.

How Is Cucumber Consumed?

Cucumbers can be eaten raw by themselves or with other vegetables in a salad. They can be also be pickled in vinegar or used to make cold gazpacho soup, healthy smoothies, sorbets and juice.

Nutrition Facts of Cucumber

Cumin

One of Egypt’s greatest gifts to the health and culinary world, the humble cumin, so widely used today (second in popularity only to black pepper), was once believed to keep chickens and lovers from running away! It was rightly said that the best things come in small packages because this tiny spice packs a punch and is loaded with flavor. So valuable was cumin that in ancient Egypt, cumin was not only used as a spice, it was used as a key ingredient to mummify pharaohs, as well as pay taxes! Cumin has a peppery, citrusy flavor that imparts complexity and makes it an integral spice in the kitchen. There are many kinds of cumin, but the green and black cumin are most commonly used.

Cumin has several medicinal benefits. Cumin seeds are high in iron²²⁹, thiamine, potassium and protein. It helps in digestion²³⁰, improves immunity²³¹, treats problems such as asthma, bronchitis, common cold, anemia, insomnia, and lactation²³².

How Does Cumin Burn Fat?

Cumin contains potent antioxidants that help to detoxify the liver and stimulate weight loss²³³. The presence of thymol and other essential oils stimulate the salivary glands and aids in the digestion of food²³⁴. The nutrients and antioxidants increase the metabolism of the body and help to burn calories and melt away the belly fat²³⁵.

Soaking 2 tablespoons of cumin seeds in water overnight and boiling them in the morning and drinking it on an empty stomach is a good potion for weight loss.

How Is Cumin Consumed?

Cumin can be used either whole or ground and used in the powdered form. It is a highly popular ingredient in curry powders and spice mixtures, and can be used to add spice to your stews and grills. You can add cumin to your rice, beans, lentils and other side dishes. You can also use cumin while baking to bake healthy cakes, cookies, and biscuits. Additionally, you can make soothing and refreshing cumin tea by boiling the seeds in water and letting it steep for a few minutes.

Nutrition Facts of Cumin

Curry Leaves

Another one of India and Sri Lanka’s awesome gifts to the world, you’re probably already familiar with curry leaves if you’re partial to the cuisines of these countries. The curry plant (or Murraya Koenigii) is a tropical plant that belongs to the Rutaceae family.

Commonly used as seasoning, curry leaves add flavor to dishes when used as an ingredient. But there’s more to this herb than just a seductive aroma and appetite-tickling flavor! Curry leaves have many health benefits, as they contain antioxidant properties²³⁶ and help against various problems such as indigestion, ulcers, and diabetes²³⁷. Curry leaves are also very good for your hair, preventing premature greying of hair and also keeping your skin in excellent condition²³⁸.

They are also packed with the goodness of several nutrients such as carbohydrates, calcium, fiber, phosphorus, iron and vitamins A, B, C and E, amino acids, glycosides and flavonoids that improve your general health.

How Do Curry Leaves Burn Fat?

Usually, you pick out the curry leaves from your food and throw them away. The next time you are about to do so, stop! The myriad of benefits of curry leaves makes it a very valuable part of anyone’s diet and it would do you a world of good to swallow them like pills!

Curry leaves improve your digestion and modify the way your body absorbs fat and helps you lose weight²³⁹. They cleanse the body naturally and detoxify it by flushing out the toxins, thereby helping you lose weight²⁴⁰. Consuming curry leaves helps in burning the extra fat and cholesterol, thereby helping you shed those pounds and become fit.

How Are Curry Leaves Consumed?

Curry leaves are usually used as a flavoring agent while tempering various dishes. You can make chutney with curry leaves or blend it along with other leaves such as coriander, mint or parsley to make a chutney. You can also make a powder with dried curry leaves, which can then be added to lentils, chutneys, vegetables and other dishes. Additionally, you can chew raw curry leaves for weight loss.

Nutrition Facts of Curry Leaves (Powdered)

Dark Chocolate

What is better than chocolate to give you a quick “pick me up”? And isn’t it perfect if you can have an almost guilt-free indulgence of said chocolate? Because you indeed can, with dark chocolate! So delicious as to almost be sinful, dark chocolate is made from the seed or beans of the cocoa tree and is believed to be one of the richest sources of antioxidants on earth²⁴¹. With a rich history going back at least 4,000 years, to a time when it was originally consumed as a beverage, chocolate has been known as “the food of the Gods” throughout time, and is regarded as an icon of wealth, luxury and power.

Dark chocolate with a high cocoa content is quite nutritious and good for your health²⁴². The raw cacao, from which the chocolate is made, is quite bitter due to the presence of around 400 polyphenols. Cacao also has flavonoids²⁴³ and resveratrol that give it its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Dark chocolate is loaded with minerals, soluble fiber and “healthy” fats and dark chocolate that is not artificially sweetened contains powerful antioxidants that help in unclogging arteries²⁴⁴ and preventing heart attacks²⁴⁵.

How Does Dark Chocolate Burn Fat?

There are substances in dark chocolate that lower sugar and junk food cravings, and can significantly improve digestive health keeping you full for longer periods of time²⁴⁶. If dark, unsweetened chocolate isn’t already in your low-fat diet, you ought to include it immediately. The flavonoids in the dark chocolate help to reduce spikes in sugar levels and insulin resistance that stop you from overeating²⁴⁷. Dark chocolate also aids to synthesize fatty acids and reduces the absorption of carbohydrates and fats by the body, helping you lose weight²⁴⁸.

How Is Dark Chocolate Consumed?

If you aren’t already indulging in the irresistibly bitter-sweet (pun totally intended) taste of dark chocolate, what are you waiting for? You can also make your own healthy chocolate treat by using dark chocolate in baking, to make desserts, as toppings or sauces for your desserts, to make ice cream, smoothies, and milk shakes.

Nutrition Facts of Dark Chocolate

Egg White

Egg white is definitely one of the healthiest gifts you can give to your body! This clear liquid or albumen contained in the egg has been used in everything from binding books to making face masks to shampoos to baking to healthy omelettes! Egg white is made up of 90 percent of water with dissolved proteins such as albumins, globulins and mucoproteins.  While the egg yolk is high in fats, the egg white contains almost no fats and the carb content is almost negligible, which is what makes it such a popular diet food.

Eggs, as a whole, have quite a bad reputation because of their high fat and cholesterol content. However, egg whites are loaded with nutrients²⁴⁹ and offer several health benefits without piling on the calories. Egg white is the top source of protein and it has a low fat content. Making it a part of your daily diet can help you reduce the risk of heart diseases²⁵⁰. Egg white is also a good source of folate, selenium, calcium, magnesium and phosphorous.

How Does Egg White Burn Fat?

The high protein content in the egg white curbs hunger pangs by filling you up and keeps you sated for a longer period of time²⁵¹. The protein also helps you expend more calories and this helps you to lose weight²⁵².

How Is Egg White Consumed?

Egg whites can be poached or used to make omelettes. Scrambled eggs using egg whites makes for a highly healthy breakfast and you can make it healthier by adding healthy vegetables to it such as peppers and tomatoes. Egg whites are also crucial in making desserts, so use them to make healthy desserts such as sugar-free chocolate macarons. You can also add egg white into shaken cocktails to create froth.

Nutrition Facts of Egg White

Eggs

Not many people may care whether the egg came first or the chicken, but if the fact that eggs have been consumed by humans for thousands of years is anything to by, it’s safe to assume that majority of the human population does care very much for the taste and health benefits of eggs. One of the most “eggs-tradordinary” foods you can eat (come on, guys, you had to have anticipated that one!), eggs are great in everything, from your shampoo to your cake! Though there are many kinds of eggs from different species that are consumed, the most common of the lot are chicken eggs. Other popular eggs that are eaten are quail, duck, goose, caviar, and roe.

For years, people have debated whether to eat egg yolk or not. Eggs are a good source of protein, useful cholesterol and vital nutrients, so why not take advantage of them? Due to the significant protein²⁵³ and choline content²⁵⁴, eggs are considered very healthy and used widely in cooking. Eggs are considered a powerhouse of nutrition and are loaded with 18 vitamins and minerals.

How Do Eggs Burn Fat?

Some are convinced that while egg whites are nutritious, yolks can be counterproductive to losing weight. However, if you keep your consumption of eggs under control to about three a day, the whites as well as the yolks will provide immense benefits to your overall health and also help enhance weight loss²⁵⁵.

Eggs are naturally low-calorie foods. Eating eggs can make you full and keep you satiated for a long time and thereby reduce your calorie intake²⁵⁶. Consuming eggs can also stabilize any fluctuations in your insulin and blood glucose levels²⁵⁷ and also controlling ghrelin²⁵⁸, the hormone that is responsible for you being hungry. The protein in the eggs also helps you lose weight²⁵⁹.

How Are Eggs Consumed?

If there are over 9,000 ways to cook chicken, the apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree, or in this case, the egg too far from the chicken! Eggs are highly easy to incorporate into your diet. They are widely available (one hen lays an average of 250 eggs a year!), inexpensive, versatile and very easy to prepare. Eggs are widely used in both sweet as well as savory dishes.

You can scramble, poach, steam, fry, hard-boil, soft-boil, and pickle eggs. Eggs can also be eaten raw, or used for baking and in healthy desserts such as sugarless macarons. You can use eggs to make dishes such as omelettes, soufflés, frittatas, sauces, cakes or you can use them to glaze healthy pies and breads. You can add hard-boiled eggs into your whole-grain bread sandwiches. You can also add eggs to your soup or broth to increase the nutritional value and also thicken them, as egg yolks act as emulsifying agents. Egg whites can be separated and used in desserts such as sugarless dark chocolate mousse or meringues.

Nutrition Facts of Eggs

Enoki Mushrooms

Enokitake, or simply enoki mushrooms, are also called “golden needle mushroom” or “lily mushroom”, and are native to Japan, China and Korea. These thin and white mushrooms, that are popular in East Asian cuisine, usually grow on the stumps of trees such as the Chinese hackberry tree or the mulberry tree in the wild. Usually golden or dark brown in color and also known as “Velvet Foot”, the mushrooms that grow in the wild are dark brown in color, while those that are cultivated are usually white.

Enoki mushrooms have a very delicate taste similar to that of green grapes, with undertones of radish. The soft caps of the mushrooms are the most edible parts, while the crisp stalks have a crunchy texture and can sometimes be very fibrous and inedible.

Enoki mushrooms are full of vitamins and are low in calories. They are very beneficial for health and their antioxidant properties fight cancer, help in liver ailments and digestive troubles, and help to control blood pressure and cholesterol levels²⁶⁰.

How Do Enoki Mushrooms Burn Fat?

The large amount of chitosan contained in enoki mushrooms is the best “fat buster” you can get²⁶¹. Cooking the enoki mushrooms after freezing them increases the amount of chitosan that is released. Enoki mushrooms are also a great source of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) that helps in fat reduction, especially the fat around the gut²⁶².

How Are Enoki Mushrooms Consumed?

Enoki mushrooms can be used fresh or canned. They are quite perishable, so they can be refrigerated for only around one week. Enoki mushrooms are the best when they are cooked. However, when cooked, make sure to add the enoki mushrooms at the last minute as heat makes the mushrooms very tough.

You can add  also enoki mushrooms to your egg-white omelettes,barley  risottos, curries and grilled fish. Enoki mushrooms are also great when added to soups, hot dishes, stir-fries, braises, sauces or stews. They can also be enjoyed raw in salads.

Nutrition Facts of Enoki Mushrooms

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Olives are one of the oldest foods and are believed to have originated in Syria or Crete around 5,000 years ago. In ancient times, the olive treewas considered as a symbol of wisdom and peace. Olive oil, made by crushing and then pressing the olive fruit, is one of the healthiest oils there is. Available in various grades that depend on the amount of processing the oil has undergone, olive oil is the staple in the diet of many Mediterranean countries. Owing to the fact that olive oil is very good for heart health²⁶³, it has become popular the world over and is being used in many cuisines around the world, replacing other oils.

Extra virgin olive oil is the unrefined oil that is obtained from the first pressing of the olives. It is not altered by temperature nor treated with any chemicals. It is the of highest quality and is therefore, the most expensive olive oil. Extra virgin olive oil may have a delicate flavor, but it packs a punch in terms of health benefits. It is golden-green in color, retains the true olive taste, and has lower levels of oleic acid than the other types of olive oil.

The advantage of extra virgin olive oil arises from the fact that it contains plenty of antioxidants which help the body to fight diseases²⁶⁴. “Extra-virgin” contains essential healthy fats that keep insulin and blood sugar levels in check²⁶⁵. Olive oil’s healthy fats are known to reduce cholesterol naturally²⁶⁶, and its essential vitamins E and K act as antioxidants for the good health of blood cells and preventing blood clots.

How Does Extra Virgin Olive Oil Burn Fat?

Research shows that replacing other fats with extra virgin olive oil can help you lose weight²⁶⁷. Olive oil helps to break down stored fat. The “healthy” fats in the olive oil help to make you feel full and reduce hunger pangs²⁶⁸. This allows you to eat less and therefore, lose weight.

How Is Extra Virgin Olive Oil Consumed?

It is possible to cook with extra-virgin olive oil; however, since it has a lower smoking point, the oil burns at a lower temperature which does not make it suitable for deep frying or high temperature cooking. Nevertheless, it is a great substitute for your regular cooking oil.

Extra virgin olive oil can be used for salad dressings or in place of butter in garnishes. It can be used for stir-fries and as dips or in cold dishes. You can also drizzle extra virgin olive oil over sautéed vegetables before serving.

Nutrition Facts of Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Fava Beans

Chances are that if you’ve had falafel at some point in your life, the probability that you already know fava beans is also quite high! Fava beans are legumes that are native to Asia and North Africa. Dating back to 6000 B.C, they are also known as broad beans, bell beans, horse beans, or English beans. Very similar to edamame, fava beans are grown for their fruit. The beans are sheathed in green leathery pods and when the pods mature, they turn dark brown.

Fava beans are very rich in nutrients that are good for the efficient functioning of the body²⁶⁹, and at the same time, they are low in calories. These beans are a good source of thiamine, copper, iron, potassium, phosphorous, folate and magnesium. Fava beans are good for heart-health²⁷⁰ and also aid in weight loss.

How Do Fava Beans Burn Fat?

Fava beans are very high in protein and soluble fiber. The high fiber content slows down the digestion and helps you feel full long after you have eaten²⁷¹. This helps you to eat lesser throughout the day thus helping you to lose weight²⁷². The protein in the fava beans also helps in weight loss²⁷³.

How Are Fava Beans Consumed?

Fava beans are usually eaten when they are fresh and tender. The immature pods are also sometimes cooked and eaten while the tender leaves of the plant can also be eaten either in raw or cooked form. Usually, the beans are first removed from the outer pod and then consumed. T

Fava beans can be fried and eaten as a crunchy snack. Fava beans can also be used to make many dishes, such as salads, dips, and soups.

Dried fava beans can be rehydrated by soaking them in warm water and then used in many recipes.

Nutrition facts of Fava Beans

Fennel

Ancient Italian may equate fennel to a traitor or a derogatory person, but fennel is anything but! In fact, it can turn out to be one of the most loyal friends on your healthy weight loss journey! A herb with a mild but unique liquorice fragrance and flavor, fennel is slightly sweet and crunchy. Mainly used in the Mediterranean and Italian cuisine, fennel is now being used in cuisines all round the world. Now, fennel is grown extensively in France, Russia, the United States and India.

Fennel is a pale green or white bulb with overlapping stalks. The stalks have feathery green leaves where the flowers grow and produce fennel seeds. The bulb, stalk, leaves and seeds are all edible. Fennel is not only beneficial in the kitchen but is also very nutritionally rich.

Fennel has many health benefits due to the presence of many essential oils. It helps in relief from flatulence, anemia, constipation, respiratory and menstrual disorders²⁷⁴, and eye troubles²⁷⁵. Fennel is also used in toothpastes, antacids, and mouth fresheners.

How Does Fennel Burn Fat?

Fennel is packed with manganese, potassium and vitamin C and has been used as a remedy for digestive problems²⁷⁶. Due to its high fiber content, it promotes healthy digestion²⁷⁷ and reduces swelling in the body.

Fennel also helps you feel fuller for a longer time and reduces the calories that you consume²⁷⁸. It also helps to flush out excess fluids and toxins from the body. It acts a natural “fat buster” by increasing the body’s metabolism and helping to burn calories faster thereby facilitating weight loss²⁷⁹. Chewing fennel seeds helps to suppress appetite²⁸⁰. Fennel seed water promotes digestion and aids to break down fats in the liver as well.  The antispasmodic effect of fennel suppresses hunger pangs and this helps you consume lesser calories and shed those unwanted pounds.

How Is Fennel Consumed?

You can use the bulb, stalk, leaves and seeds of fennel in cooking.  The stalk can be used in soups, stews and stocks, while the leaves can be used as seasoning or used as garnish for salads. Dried fennel seed is aromatic and has a flavor similar to that of anise and is used as a spice. Dried fennel seeds can be chewed or used as a natural sweetener or mouth freshener. The fennel bulb can be eaten raw, sautéed, braised, stewed, or grilled. You can add fennel to your sandwich toppings or to yogurt. You can also add the bulb as an addition to vegetables, salads, soups or casseroles.

Nutrition Facts of Fennel

Fenugreek Seeds

Fenugreek, a native of Europe and Asia, is one of the oldest grown medicinal plants. It was used in ancient Indian medicine to treat ailments such as boils, tuberculosis, cellulitis, while being used in Egypt to mummify pharaohs, just like cumin! Fenugreek is also considered to be a legume. It produces light green leaves, white flowers and long pods that contain around 10-20 small hard yellowish-brown seeds,

Fenugreek seeds are very rich in micro as well as macro nutrients. Aromatic and filled with flavor, these seeds have a pungent, bitter taste, which they lose on light roasting. Fenugreek seeds are a great source of vitamins such as folic acid, niacin, riboflavin, thiamine, vitamins A, B6, K and C, copper, potassium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, and selenium. Fenugreek seeds are great for treating diabetes²⁸¹, reducing inflammation²⁸², and increasing milk flow in nursing mothers²⁸³, to name a few.

How Do Fenugreek Seeds Burn Fat?

Fenugreek seeds help to lose weight because they contain a compound called galactomannan. Galactomannan is a polysaccharide that metabolizes sugar in the body and helps to break down the fat²⁸⁴. Also, the high fiber content in fenugreek helps to fill you up and prevents overeating²⁸⁵.

Dry roasting fenugreek seeds, grinding them to a fine powder and then consuming this powder with warm water on an empty stomach every morning can help you lose weight. Also, using this powder in your cooking can aid weight loss. Additionally, soaking fenugreek seeds in water overnight and chewing the seeds on an empty stomach can help you feel full the entire day and assist in weight loss.

How Are Fenugreek Seeds Consumed?

You can use fenugreek as a herb in its fresh or dried form, use the seeds as a spice or the fresh leaves and shoots as a vegetable. Fenugreek seeds are a favorite ingredient in curries, gravies and other savory dishes. The tender leaves can be used in certain dishes and can be added to salads. Fenugreek seeds can also be used to make healthy desserts such as ice-creams and biscuits.

Nutrition Facts of Fenugreek Seeds

Flaxseeds

Yes, flaxseeds and the word “tasty” may not feature in the same sentence, most times. Or even flaxseeds and “willingly eaten”, for that matter. But flaxseeds and “healthy’? Nothing could be more on point! Flaxseeds have been consumed by humans for over 6,000 years. Flax seeds, also called linseeds, are tiny, shiny and nutty brown colored seeds that are the richest source of alpha-linolenic acid, a plant-based omega-3 fatty acid in the world. Flaxseeds are also the number one source of lignans in our diet. It is no wonder then that flaxseeds are considered as the world’s first cultivated superfood!

Flaxseeds improve digestion, reduce sugar cravings, improve cholesterol levels and heart health²⁸⁶, fight cancer,²⁸⁷ promote hormone health²⁸⁸ and aid weight loss²⁸⁹. The best part is that you don’t have to load your meal with flaxseeds; just a tablespoon is enough to meet your nutritional needs.

How Do Flaxseeds Burn Fat?

The ALA (Alpha-Linolenic Acid) omega-3 fatty acid found in flaxseed is extremely beneficial in burning bad fat²⁹⁰, so much so that inculcating flaxseed in your diet is highly recommended by dietitians and nutritionists. Flaxseed is also loaded with fiber which helps you reduce weight and stay in shape²⁹¹. Adding a tablespoon of ground flaxseeds to your salads, soups, smoothies or cereal can give a great boost to your weight loss plan.

How Are Flaxseeds Consumed?

Flaxseeds come with a very hard covering, so if they are not chewed properly, they provide no benefit to the body. It is recommended that you soak the flaxseeds or grind it into powder before consuming it. Soaking and then sprouting flaxseeds eliminates the phytic acid, thereby increasing mineral absorption by the body.

There are many ways to include these “super seeds” into your daily diet. You can add them to your baked products such as whole-grain breads, cookies and muffins. You can add powdered flaxseeds to your smoothies, yogurt, porridge, shakes, dips, salads, soups, and your hot or cold breakfast cereal.

Additionally, you can make flaxseed oil at home with an oil presser and use it for a variety of things!

Nutrition Facts of Flaxseeds

Garlic

If you’re anything like us, the first time you were exposed to Bram Stoker’s Count Dracula, you probably kept a sharp stake close and the garlic even closer, smell be damned! But evidently garlic is good for more than just warding off vampires, seeing as how it’s been used throughout history to aid in good health by the Greeks, Indians, and World War I soldiers alike! Widely used as a cooking ingredient in many cuisines around the world and belonging to the lily family, garlic is closely related to the onion, leek, chive and shallot. Garlic is composed of many individual cloves sheathed in a thin mauve or white papery skin. It is quite crunchy, fiery and pungent when raw, but when cooked, it becomes creamy and mellow.

Throughout history and till ate, garlic is used to prevent and treat several diseases²⁹². It is believed that Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, prescribed the use of garlic to treat several ailments such as respiratory problems²⁹³, poor digestion, fatigue and parasites²⁹⁴.

How Does Garlic Burn Fat?

Many people shy away from it because no one wants to suffer “garlic breath”, but garlic is an effective “fat buster.” It contains a sulfur compound called Allicin that not only has anti-bacterial qualities²⁹⁵, but also aids in reducing cholesterol and bad fats²⁹⁶. Garlic is a powerful detoxifying agent. It has diuretic properties that help in flushing out the toxins from the body²⁹⁷. Garlic also regulates the blood sugar level fluctuations in your body that cause food cravings and activate the fat storing hormones²⁹⁸. It boosts your metabolism and also eliminates fats from the cells.

How Is Garlic Consumed?

Garlic can be consumed in fresh (green or wet garlic) or dried form. Dried garlic is usually available in the market loose, in bunches or on plaited strings. The smaller the bulb of garlic, the stronger the flavor it has.

To get the maximum benefit out of garlic, crush the clove and let it sit in the open for 10 minutes before using it. The raw garlic must interact with the oxygen to form allicin, the compound that is responsible for the benefits of garlic.

Garlic is also used in a variety of foods and beverages. Various forms of garlic such as fresh garlic, garlic oil and garlic powder are used to add flavor to various foods including salads, vinaigrettes, marinades, sauces, meat and vegetable dishes. Garlic can be chopped, minced, sliced, crushed or even used whole to flavor dishes.

Nutrition Facts of Garlic

Ginger

One of the healthiest foods around, ginger is just as amazing as its best friend, garlic. Often paired together, especially in the culinary world, ginger and garlic together in a dish can make one as happy as seeing Batman and Robin together. Since we’ve already extolled the virtues of garlic, let’s focus on ginger! Ginger root or ginger is native to Southeast Asia and is a common ingredient used in Indian and Asian cuisine, as a spice. However, it has a long history of medicinal use for relieving digestive problems²⁹⁹. Ginger belongs to the same family as turmeric, galangal and cardamom.

Ginger has a firm and striated texture and a pungent, hot and aromatic taste. Ginger is covered with a thick or thin brownish skin, and the color of the flesh of ginger varies from yellow, white and red.

Besides the immediate digestive-relief effect that ginger can have on the body³⁰⁰, consuming ginger daily has numerous long-term benefits ranging from improving skin quality³⁰¹ to contributing to fat loss³⁰². You can make this a part of your daily diet by adding pounded ginger in your morning tea.

How Does Ginger Burn Fat?

Ginger helps in digestion and keeps the digestive system active and healthy. It also acts as a natural appetite suppressant that staves off hunger and keeps you feeling satiated for a long time after you have eaten, thereby helping you lose weight³⁰³. Ginger is also considered a fat burner as it accelerates the body’s metabolism by encouraging fat burn, and keeps the belly fat away.

How Is Ginger Consumed?

Ginger can be consumed fresh, dried as a spice, powdered, as juice, or in an oil form.

You can add grated ginger to your fresh beverages such as lemonade and cane juice, or to your salads to spice it up. You can also use ginger in your savory recipes and vegetables, seafood and meat dishes, or pickle it in vinegar or sherry. Even better, ginger can be made into candy or ginger wine, ginger beer, ginger ale, or in your baking to make cookies, gingerbread, cakes, and crackers. You can also add fresh ginger to make yourself a cup of hot refreshing tea.

Nutrition Facts of Ginger

Grapefruit

A cross between an orange and a pomelo, the grapefruit is a citrus fruit that was grown in the 18th century, acquiring the name “grapefruit” as these fruits grew in clusters like grapes. Grapefruit comes in varied hues such as white, yellow, pink or red and can taste acidic, sweet or even bitter. The largest grapefruit growing region in the world is Florida.

The grapefruit is low in calories and is full of nutrients. It is an excellent resource for vitamins A and C, folate, fiber, lycopene and choline. Grapefruit is known for its immunity boosting and antioxidant properties³⁰⁴. Consumption of grapefruit decreases the possibility of diabetes³⁰⁵, heart disease³⁰⁶ and obesity. It promotes overall health, increases energy and reduces weight.

How Does Grapefruit Burn Fat?

Grapefruit is acknowledged as a popular diet food as it is believed to boost weight loss³⁰⁷. Eating grapefruit can be very beneficial and help you lose those stubborn pounds. The compounds present in the fruit help in burning fat and stabilizing the insulin and blood-sugar levels³⁰⁸. Hence, it is touted as a “hunger-buster.”

How Is Grapefruit Consumed?

Grapefruit is best when eaten fresh. You can combine grapefruit with other fruits in a fruit salad. If you don’t have the time to eat an entire grapefruit, you can make fresh grapefruit juice for an on-the-go energy fix!

Nutrition Facts of Grapefruit

Grapes

Grapes don’t need any introduction whatsoever. These fruits probably sparked your curiosity the first time you heard the story of “The Fox and the Grapes”! The history of grapes goes back to around 8,000 years ago when grapevines were cultivated in the Middle East. Grapes are actually berries that grow on vines in clusters and are very versatile fruits.

There are different varieties of grapes- table, raisin and wine grapes. Table grapes are usually larger in size with thin skins and are usually seedless. Wine grapes are smaller and have seeds and thick skins. Grapes also come in a variety of colors. While green, black and red are most common, you can also find grapes that are yellow, blue black, pink, purple and crimson.

Grapes are packed with antioxidants and nutrients that are very beneficial to health³⁰⁹. The high content of the phytonutrient, resveratrol, make grapes very good for heart health³¹⁰. Consuming grapes can also help to prevent high blood pressure, cancer, constipation, diabetes and obesity³¹¹.

How Do Grapes Burn Fat?

Grapes contain moderate calories and are very suitable as weight loss foods. Studies show that the resveratrol contained in the grapes not only has antioxidant properties, but is also very good for weight loss³¹². It helps to burn energy in the body and boosts metabolism. Resveratrol also helps to regulate the insulin in the body³¹³, which in turn controls the sugar fluctuations and keeps hunger pangs at bay³¹⁴. The water and fiber content in the grapes also helps you feel full for longer periods of time and help you lose weight³¹⁵.

How Are Grapes Consumed?

There are many ways that you can consume grapes. You can eat them by themselves or add them with other fruits and make a healthy fruit salad or fruit cocktail (minus the alcohol for better benefits!). You can make grape jelly, jam, juice, sorbets or add grapes to your cereals, yogurt or smoothies. Dried grapes or raisins can also be eaten as a healthy snack. You can also make grapes into wine. (This kind of alcohol, we like! But well within limit, of course.)

Nutrition Facts of Grapes

Grass-Fed Beef

Beef is a nearly universal favorite, let’s face it. Who doesn’t love a juicy steak done to preference with a side of veggies and good ol’ mash? How could it get better than this? Well, we’ve got news for you. Say hello to grass-fed beef! Grass-fed beef comes from the cattle that eat only grass and other foraged foods. Unlike grain-fed animals, the focus is on providing the animals the closest thing to a natural diet. You know, sunlit grassy slopes, happy cows with bells around their necks munching on healthy green grass, the whole deal? Grass-fed beef is healthier and more flavorful; hence, it is becoming a very popular part of many diets. Though more expensive than other options, grass-fed beef is a more recommended option.

Grass-fed beef contains less fat. It has healthy omega-3 fatty acids³¹⁶. It also contains conjugated linoleic acid that reduces the risk of heart disease and cancer³¹⁷. Grass-fed beef is also rich in antioxidants, beta-carotene, and vitamin E.

How Does Grass-Fed Beef Burn Fat?

Grass-fed beef is rich in the amino acid leucine that helps to build muscle mass, which is required to burn the excess fat from your body. It also jumpstarts the process of building the muscle mass³¹⁸. In addition, the omega-3 and conjugated linoleic acids present in the grass-fed beef helps to reduce the inflammation in your body that causes fat to be stored³¹⁹.

How Is Grass-Fed Beef Consumed?

Grass-fed meat has lesser fat content and so it must be cooked on low heat for a longer time. You can grill, barbecue, roast, braise or stir fry grass-fed beef. You can include the grass-fed beef prepared in the above ways as part of other dishes, such as with a healthy salad or a serving of brown or black rice.

Nutrition facts of Grass-Fed Beef

Greek Yogurt

Who wouldn’t want to be Greek, given the chance? One of the oldest civilizations, amazing sun and beaches, beautiful people, and the best part? In our opinion, Greek yogurt. Touted as a healthier version of regular yogurt, Greek yogurt has been gaining popularity around the world, and how! Packing a bigger protein punch, it also contains lesser sugar as compared to regular yogurt. Greek yogurt is made by removing the liquid whey and lactose that results in the thicker and richer texture, lesser sugar, carbohydrates and more proteins than ordinary yogurt.

A bowl of Greek yogurt can keep you fortified with vital nutrients such as protein, vitamin B12, potassium, iodine and calcium. It is packed with probiotics that keeps your digestive system healthy³²⁰.  Greek yogurt helps to increase your metabolism, and at the same time, burn fat.

Greek yogurt is emerging as a popular substitute for foods like sour cream, cream cheese, and mayonnaise. It is such a healthy alternative, that it is slowly edging out ordinary yogurt and taking its place in everyone’s diet and kitchen.

How Does Greek Yogurt Burn Fat?

Greek yogurt is associated with weight loss. The protein in the yogurt fulfills the desire to consume extra food; it makes you feel energetic while reducing fat³²¹. Greek yogurt is packed with iodine that is an essential element for proper thyroid functioning which in turn is essential for healthy metabolism³²². An increase in iodine levels keeps the thyroid working efficiently that increases the body’s metabolism, leading to weight loss.

Greek yogurt also has high calcium content which is a key factor for overall health as well as weight loss³²³. Calcium regulates the body’s cortisol output. Elevated levels of cortisol can cause the body to store fat³²⁴. By including more calcium into your diet, you can partly limit the fat production in the body.

How Is Greek Yogurt Consumed?

Greek yogurt can be eaten plain or used to replace other unhealthy toppings such as sour cream and mayonnaise. You can replace oil and fats in your baking with Greek yogurt. You can enjoy your Greek yogurt and make delicious variations by adding fruits and nuts to it. Another alternative is making healthy smoothies and desserts using Greek yogurt.

Nutrition Facts of Greek Yogurt

Green Peas

Delicious and sweet green peas, also called garden peas, are vegetables consumed for their nutritious seeds. Peas are versatile legumes that are soft, sweet and green and are encased in green pods. Peas are grown throughout the world and consumed as part of various cuisines in their fresh, frozen as well as dried forms. As hard as we tried, we could find absolutely no blemish on the spotless records of these little guys!

Green peas are one of the most nutritious vegetables and are very rich in phytonutrients, antioxidants, soluble and insoluble fiber, vitamins and minerals. Eating green peas can help to build immunity, lower cholesterol levels in the blood, build healthy bones, and maintain healthy hair and skin³²⁵.

How Do Green Peas Burn Fat?

Green peas can be your new secret to weight loss. These mini “fat busters” are filled with phytonutrients, fiber and resistant starch. The resistant starch helps to lower the carb and calorie count and help you lose weight³²⁶. Green peas are low in calories, which makes them perfect food to include in your weight loss meal plan. In addition, the high fiber content in the green peas help to fill you up and keeps the food cravings away³²⁷.

How Are Green Peas Consumed?

You can eat green peas raw by themselves or add them to green salads or stir-fries. Even better, make delicious pea soup or stew!. You can also add peas to various dishes and recipes by sauteing, boiling, steaming, or stir-frying green peas. You can also roast the peas and eat them as a crunchy snack.

Nutrition Facts of Green Peas

Green Tea

Green tea has become very popular in recent years as the best antioxidant beverage. A lesser refined avatar of regular tea, it thus retains all its natural qualities. The remarkable properties of green tea make it quite the “celebrity” among the superfoods.  It is recommended that you drink green tea regularly to refresh your body and mind. Also, if consumed on a regular basis, it will flush out the “bad” fat from your body very quickly³²⁸ and you can lose weight³²⁹. Green tea is also a rich source of minerals such as manganese, zinc, chromium and selenium.

How Does Green Tea Burn Fat?

Green Tea is a fantastic detoxifying agent and can help you lose those unwanted pounds. Green tea increases the fat and calorie metabolism in the body. It contains a natural phenol called “catechin” that has powerful antioxidant properties and triggers the release of fat from cells, which in turn increases the ability of the liver to turn the fat into energy³³⁰. This helps you reduce weight and stay fit.

How Is Green Tea Consumed?

For a refreshing cuppa, boil some water and add green tea leaves. Simmer for a few minutes on low flame, strain and enjoy. Alternatively, you can add green tea leaves or a tea bag to a mug of boiling water and let it steep for a while, strain and drink your cup of tea. It is recommended that you brew your own tea rather than opting for the sugar-filled bottled variety readily available in the market.

Nutrition Facts of Green Tea

Hemp Hearts

“Hemp hearts”. Go on, indulge the little child in you and admit that something about those two words together makes you feel like we’re talking about soft toys or other snuggly things. Well, turns out there’s a lot more to love hemp hearts for than just their name (oh, and a very close relation to marijuana). Hemp hearts are versatile, tasty food that is also extremely nutritious. They are usually cold-processed from live, raw hemp seeds. The outer shell of the hemp seed is very hard, which is removed, leaving behind the nutty flavored, soft and creamy hemp heart.

Hemp hearts or shelled hemp seeds are the best and most concentrated source of vitamins, proteins, and “healthy” fats in nature. Hemp hearts are so full of nutrients that they are categorized as “superfoods” and deserve every bit of the tag, as they are very beneficial to health.

Hemp hearts are very rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, iron, vitamin E and gamma linoleic acid, which is a type of omega-6 fatty acid ³³¹.It is very good for people suffering from diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, chronic health problems, and high cholesterol³³². Eating hemp hearts is also very good for the brain, skin³³³, joints, bone and heart health. Hemp hearts are one of the richest plant sources of protein and offers great benefits to vegetarians and athletes looking for healthy sources of protein.

How Do Hemp Hearts Burn Fat?

Hemp hearts are a nutritious source of plant protein, essential omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, and fiber, which makes it ideal “fat burning” food. They stabilize the blood sugar and also fill you up quickly, which makes you sated and in turn you eat less³³⁴. The omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids help to reduce inflammation in the body³³⁵, which supports overall health and also helps to burn fat, especially around the belly³³⁶.