As summer approaches, many people embark on diets to get in shape for the season. If you’re hesitant to indulge in your favorite foods because of your diet, consider incorporating foods that can actually help with weight loss. Surprisingly, there are a number of foods that are beneficial for dieting.
The capsaicin in peppers stimulates and activates beige fat, which burns energy and helps prevent obesity. There are three types of fat in the body: white, brown, and beige. Brown fat burns energy to prevent obesity, while beige fat can function similarly to brown fat in certain situations. When you eat spicy foods, both beige and brown fat become activated. Sweating after consuming spicy foods is also a result of beige fat burning energy and generating heat. However, be careful not to eat too much spicy food, as it can be hard on the stomach.
Coffee is also a food that helps stimulate beige fat. A study from Anglia Ruskin University in the UK found that women who drink 2-3 cups of coffee per day have 3.4-4.1% less body fat than women who don’t drink coffee. The caffeine in coffee not only stimulates beige fat, but also promotes fat breakdown by enhancing metabolism. However, since the appropriate amount of coffee varies from person to person, it’s important to consider this when consuming it. Consuming too much coffee can lead to side effects such as palpitations or tremors.
Greek yogurt is yogurt that has been fermented from milk without any artificial additives, originating from the Mediterranean coast of Greece. The protein and fat in Greek yogurt are slowly digested compared to carbohydrates, making you feel fuller for longer periods of time. This is also true when compared to regular yogurt. Although Greek yogurt has slightly more calories than regular yogurt, it helps promote weight loss by providing a long-lasting feeling of fullness. Additionally, the abundant protein in Greek yogurt increases levels of the hormone GLP-1, which raises the feeling of fullness, while lowering levels of the hormone ghrelin, which increases appetite.
