8 drinks to boost weight loss
By Jessah Robinson, Adv Dip (Nut Med)
When used in conjunction with key dietary changes and lifestyle changes, certain beverages can be very efficient for aiding weight loss. While we may be aware of soft drinks and energy drinks hindering weight loss, here are 8 drinks that boost weight loss:
1. Green tea
Green tea has been touted for its health benefits for good reason. Not only is it a powerful weight loss aid, it has also been linked to other health benefits such as boosting metabolism, lowering blood pressure and protecting against certain diseases such as heart disease, certain cancers and diabetes. Green tea promotes weight loss as it contains catechins, which are powerful antioxidants that increase fat burning and boost metabolism, and caffeine which boosts energy levels and exercise performance.
2. Coffee
The good old ‘cuppa joe’ is consumed by many around the world to lift mood, boost energy levels or simply get them out of bed in the morning. It is the caffeine in coffee that causes an increase in energy and metabolism that may promote weight loss. A study in over 2,600 people discovered that individuals who drank significantly more caffeinated beverages than a control group were more successful in maintaining weight loss. Caffeine also acts as a diuretic in the body, so it is essential to ensure adequate hydration between cups.
3. Black tea
Black tea is brought about by undergoing more oxidation (exposure to air) than other teas which results in a stronger flavour and darker colour. Black tea contains caffeine as well as powerful antioxidants called polyphenols, which may reduce body fat. Studies have shown that the polyphenols in black tea can promote weight loss by reducing calorie intake, stimulating fat breakdown and boosting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.
4. Water
Not that this should come as a surprise but increasing water intake is one of the easiest ways to benefit overall health. Water is needed to keep all our cells hydrated resulting in improved mood, energy and a faster metabolism. Often people are dehydrated without even knowing it, as they get their hunger signals mixed up and eat when their body is trying to tell them to drink. Thus, increasing water intake can help you lose weight by keeping you full in between meals and increasing the rate at which you burn calories.
5. Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid, a compound that can aid weight loss by lowering insulin levels, boosting metabolism, curbing appetite and burning fat. Apple cider vinegar is also excellent for digestion and keeping you regular. It is best to have apple cider vinegar mixed in warm water before meals to prevent tooth erosion. A study that was conducted on 144 obese adults indicated that drinking a daily beverage that contained 2 tbsp of vinegar each day, resulted in significant loss of body weight, waist circumference and belly fat compared to a placebo group.
6. Ginger tea
Ginger is a popular spice used to add flavour to dishes such as curries or stir-fries and has also been used as a known herbal remedy for ailments such as nausea, colds and arthritis. Human and animal studies have also shown that this zingy flavoured root can benefit weight loss. A study that was done on 10 overweight men discovered that after drinking 2 grams of ginger powder dissolved in hot water with breakfast, they experienced increased fullness and decreased hunger compared to days when no ginger tea was consumed. This same study also showed that the ginger tea increased the thermic effect of food (the number of calories needed to digest and absorb food) by 43 calories.
7. High-Protein drinks
Protein is a macronutrient that can curb cravings, decrease appetite and promote satiety. Therefore, consuming protein powders such as whey, pea and hemp are very effective for promoting weight loss. A study of 90 overweight adults found that those who consumed 56 grams of whey protein daily for 23 weeks lost 2.3 kg more than a control group that consumed the same number of calories but no whey protein. Ultimate Superfood powder contains 28 different superfoods and greens plus superior golden pea protein to provide potent vegetarian protein and optimise fat burning in the liver.
8. Vegetable juice
Vegetable juices are unique as they allow the gut to receive very concentrated amounts of phytonutrients that could not be obtained by eating a normal amount of raw vegetables and fruits. Raw vegetable juices can benefit weight loss by stimulating the ability of the liver to burn fat as well as increasing energy levels to provide the energy to exercise. There are excellent juices for weight loss on page 134 of Dr Cabot’s book ‘Raw Juices Can Save Your Life’.
Dr Cabot has recently released her 15-day Cleanse which includes healthy delicious meals in conjunction with three daily therapeutic powders to heal the gut, boost liver detoxification and improve overall health. Cleansing the body often brings about weight loss as the toxins that are stored in the fatty deposits of the body are eliminated which increases your metabolic rate (the rate at which you burn calories).
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