1. Chili Peppers aren’t just a hot property when it comes to cooking. They are equally fiery when it comes to body fat and are one of the few foods in the world that have proven fat burning ability. Their prowess as a fat burner can be attributed to a component called capsaicin or capsicum (found in Capsiplex)
Several tests conducted on animals show capsaicin can speed up the metabolism and cause the body to burn more calories. Other studies indicate the component can increase fat oxidation and there are even indications that it may have appetite suppressing qualities.
In a study conducted by the Department of Human Biology at Maastricht University in Holland, overweight volunteers were given daily doses of capsaicin and the researchers noted: “Capsaicin treatment caused sustained fat oxidation during weight maintenance compared with placebo.”
A few additional Chili Pepper Benefits:
- Rich in vitamins and minerals
- Provides antioxidants that can be beneficial for the health
- Reduces LDL cholesterol levels in obese people
2. Raspberry ketone is a chemical obtained from several types of fruits, but is more commonly extracted from raspberries—hence the name. Chemically it is very similar to the capsaicin found in chili peppers and to synephrine (a weight loss-enhancing stimulant extracted from the fruit citrus aurantium). Tests conducted on mice indicate raspberry ketone has a great deal of potential as a fat burner, and Dr. Oz (US TV weight loss expert) was so impressed he called it a “miracle fat burner in a bottle”.
Pills may come in a bottle, but raspberry ketones originally come packed inside a fruit that is easy to source and buy and also provides a generous helping of fiber, along with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
A few additional Raspberry Benefits:
- Provides anti-inflammatory phytonutrients
- May protect against cancer
- May improve cognitive function.
3. Chicken provides quality protein without the high amount of fat that gives many red meats their “marbling”. The benefits of choosing a meat that is high in protein and low in fat are pretty obvious, but few people are aware that eating lean white meats such as chicken can initiate fat burning.
Eating carbohydrates and fats can quickly provide the body with more calories than it needs, but the process of digesting chicken typically burns off around 30% of the calories it contains. There’s a reason why so many people choose high protein diets when they wish to lose weight and there is also a reason why chicken is one of the favored meats used in such a diet. Now you know what that reason is.
A few additional Chicken Benefits:
- Boosts serotonin levels and improves the mood
- Protects against osteoporosis and arthritis
- Suppresses homocysteine (an amino acid that contributes to heart disease)
4. Tofu. Chicken (fresh and organic if possible) is not an option that everyone can enjoy, but fortunately for vegetarians there are other options. One of those options is the soybean curd known as tofu. Each 100g serving of tofu provides 8g of protein and just 76 calories. It is also free from saturated fats. Tests show eating tofu can speed up the metabolism and create an environment more conducive to the fat burning process.
A few additional Tofu Benefits:
- Lowers cholesterol levels
- Gluten free
- Provides phytoestrogens that acts as an estrogen substitute and can ease the symptoms of menopause
5. Grapefruit. Ever hear of the grapefruit diet? It was popular back in the 1930 and never really went away. It’s a high protein diet backed up with plenty of grapefruit. Many people swear by it, but it’s a tough regimen to follow. Fortunately dieters can still reap the fat burning benefits of grapefruit without the need for adherence to such a strict diet plan by simply eating a portion of fruit.
Grapefruit contains enzymes that can fire up the fat burning process, but it is generally accepted that in order to get the most from these enzymes the grapefruit should be eaten before other food.
In one study the fat burning powers of grapefruit were put to the test by a group of obese volunteers. The study lasted 12 weeks. Some of the volunteers were given half a grapefruit before their meals. The rest were spared the bitter taste of the fruit, but failed to match the weight loss results attained by the group who did receive the grapefruit.
A few additional Grapefruit Benefits:
- Suppresses the appetite
- High in vitamin C
- Contains components that can protect against cancer
