These Four Fruits Encourage Weight Loss
Smoothies are a cool, refreshing way to get in your fruits and veggies this summer and slim down in the process. Here are eight surprising fruits you should include for weight loss success:
- Mangoes – Mangoes are rich in vitamins A, B6 and C and full of folate and other nutrients that help the body or abdomen feel fuller. Mangoes are also high in fiber and low in energy density, which boosts the digestive function of the body that burns additional calories, ultimately encouraging weight loss. Surprising tip? Keep the skin on the mangoes – it helps prevent the development of human fat cells with its phytochemicals that acts as natural fat busters.
- Blueberries – Blueberries are high in water and fiber content, making you feel full for a longer period of time. The little bit of sweetness will satisfy your sweet tooth and they’re loaded with powerful antioxidants. Blueberries also contain catechins, natural antioxidants that help to kick start fat-burning genes in abdominal fat cells, aiding in weight loss, particularly in the belly. In one study by Tufts University, researchers found that ingesting catechins can boost the rate of abdominal fat loss by upward of 77 percent and double total weight loss.
- Watermelon – What says summer more than juicy, ripe watermelon? It also makes a perfect summer smoothie. Watermelon is considered a “high volume food”. High volume foods have a large amount of air, water and fiber and, conversely, a low calorie count. Watermelon is made up of almost 92% water. This alone helps curb your appetite and increases your feeling of satiety (feeling full). There are only 50 calories in one cup of watermelon. Plus, it’s sweet, helping to satisfy those sugar cravings. Watermelon is also rich in vitamins and minerals, especially potassium and vitamins A, C and B6 as well as the antioxidant lycopene.
- Pineapple – Just hearing the word almost puts you on a tropical island soaking up the summer sun, right? Fresh pineapple contains the proteolytic enzyme bromelain, which aids in the digestion of protein and blood clot formation. As an anti-inflammatory super food, pineapple can help reduce swelling and in turn, leave you with a flatter belly. And since it’s low in calories and rich in fiber, you’ll feel fuller for a longer period of time. A word of caution – avoid using canned pineapple in syrup as the syrup adds an unhealthy amount of unwanted sugar and calories!