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When it comes to losing fat, the best thing you can do is fill your diet with healthy, nutrient-rich foods. In fact, some experts say that following an anti-inflammatory diet is an effective way to combat stubborn belly fat.
“Belly fat has been linked to inflammation and elevated cortisol (the stress hormone). Belly fat is even thought to be ‘toxic’ to your system as it releases chemicals into your body that wreak havoc on your appetite and the way your body metabolizes food,” Dr. Mehmet Oz, M.D., says. “That’s why anti-inflammatory foods are thought to be effective in fighting belly fat and breaking the vicious cycle.”
Not sure which anti-inflammatory foods you should be incorporating to your diet for fat loss? Dr. Oz says that you should opt for foods that are rich in flavonoids as they’re loaded with powerful antioxidants that fight inflammation–starting with apples.
Apples are rich in phytochemicals, in particular, flavonoids such as quercetin, catechin, phloridzin and chlorogenic acid. They have been found to have the second highest level of antioxidants among all fruits, making them an excellent anti-inflammatory food to add into your diet.
Research shows that the peels have more antioxidants than the flesh. The peels contain pectin, a soluble fiber that has been shown to lower cholesterol and inhibit cancer cell growth. Now we understand why an apple a day keeps the doctor away!
Other flavonoid-rich foods include:
-Blueberries
-Broccoli
-Cabbage
-Onions
-Strawberries
-Red grapes
-Red wine
-Tea (all kinds)
