Facts and misconceptions about foods that promote fat burning.
Our specialist is dietitian and nutritionist Anna BELOUSOVA.
Ginger
There is an opinion that this root activates metabolism and thus helps in the weight loss process.
In fact. This is indeed true. Ginger accelerates fat metabolism and promotes the breakdown of fat cells.
However, ginger is not as safe as it may seem. Even small pieces of fresh root (just five centimeters) can cause severe tachycardia in healthy individuals in 99% of cases. For people with heart diseases, ginger can be even more dangerous, as it can cause serious heart rhythm disturbances, which sometimes require hospitalization.
Nevertheless, ginger is a powerful aphrodisiac for both men and women. Therefore, adding a small amount of ginger or ginger juice to a salad can help burn some calories in the bedroom.
Celery
It is believed that this vegetable has negative calorie content, meaning that the body expends more energy digesting it than it gains from it.
In fact. Raw celery root is quite hard, and it does take more calories to chew than are contained in the vegetable itself. However, if you grate the celery, this effect disappears.
Additionally, celery contains essential oils that can increase appetite. Therefore, if you do not control your diet, the calories expended on chewing can easily come back.
Celery also stimulates bile secretion, which can cause discomfort in the right upper abdomen and even diarrhea. Considering the diuretic properties of celery root, it becomes clear that being on a celery diet is best done close to a bathroom.
Grapefruit
There is an opinion that grapefruit suppresses hunger, and eating half of this citrus a day is enough to stay slim and lose a few extra pounds.
In fact. Scientists have been trying for 20 years to determine whether grapefruit can suppress appetite, but no convincing evidence has been found. Indeed, grapefruit contains a substance called naringenin, which slightly reduces appetite. However, the highest concentration of naringenin is found in the grapefruit peel, so those looking to lose weight should carefully peel the fruit to retain as much of the skin as possible. Unfortunately, the beneficial properties of naringenin are neutralized by the acids present in grapefruit. Like any acidic fruit, grapefruit increases gastric juice secretion, which, in turn, raises appetite.
Those who suffer not only from excess weight but also from atherosclerosis and take statins should completely avoid grapefruit, as it blocks the action of these medications.
Everyone else should wait for the grapefruit to fully ripen before eating it, so it becomes less acidic. To do this, place the grapefruit in the refrigerator and leave it for four days.
As a consolation for grapefruit lovers, it can be said that this fruit helps to eliminate uric acid salts from the body, the accumulation of which can lead to gout (this disease is often found in overweight individuals). To prevent gout, it is recommended to drink grapefruit juice diluted with water in equal proportions.
Pineapple
Many who strive for weight loss believe that pineapple contains bromelain, which aids in fat burning.
In fact. Bromelain is a complex of enzymes with anti-inflammatory properties, but unfortunately, it does not burn fat.
Moreover, pineapples, especially unripe ones, can make the mouth feel very astringent, leading to a desire to wash them down with water. If too much liquid is consumed, especially at night, this can lead to weight gain due to fluid retention in the body.
Unripe pineapples can also cause constipation. Therefore, with large fruits that often turn out to be green, one should treat them the same way as grapefruits — let them ripen in the refrigerator. Caution should also be exercised with juice extracted from unripe pineapples. It should not be stored for more than four to five days, preferably in the refrigerator in a glass bottle wrapped in foil, otherwise, the beneficial enzymes will break down. By the way, regular consumption of a quarter cup of freshly squeezed pineapple juice may help reduce the appearance of cellulite.
Spicy Spices
It is believed that spicy food warms the body and therefore may contribute to fat breakdown.
In fact. Unfortunately, spicy spices are not capable of burning fat, especially if after consuming them you simply lie on the couch. However, to prevent spicy food from irritating the stomach and esophagus, the body produces a lot of mucus, which requires a certain caloric expenditure. But, alas, this is only a small amount — from 5 to 15 kcal.
Nevertheless, it has been proven that spicy food invigorates and creates a desire to move. It is no coincidence that salsa, one of the most energetic Latin American dances, shares its name with the sauce!
However, it should be remembered that spicy food is contraindicated in gastrointestinal diseases, hypertension, ischemic heart disease, increased nervous excitability, and skin diseases (eczema, psoriasis, neurodermatitis may worsen after consuming spicy food).
