The Christmas party season is drawing to a close – and many of us will feel bloated from all that eating and boozing.
Thankfully, you don’t need to agree to a restrictive meal plan to cleanse your body in the new year.
According to nutritionist Georgios Tzenichristos, incorporating three foods into your diet can help detox the body.
The benefits to cleansing after the festive period are endless.
Not only will it work to fight off the sluggish feeling, it could also make your diet more likely to succeed.
Here are the common ingredients that will help you beat the bloat and reduce belly fat:
Green tea
Health experts have been encouraging dieters to drink green tea for years.
This is because it contains a molecule called EGCG, known for its detoxifying properties.
Green tea’s polyphenols help to speed the metabolism and boost fat-burning during exercising.
As the drink is high in caffeine, you shouldn’t consume more than a few cups a day.
Nutritionist Georgios said: “If I had to choose one of those famous super ingredients, that would be the humble green tea.
“A cup is easy to prepare, costs next to nothing and provides you with a whooping 7% active molecules (EGCG), the most of any other drink or food.”
Cocoa
Yes, you read that right – chocolate does actually have some health benefits.
Cocoa that is high in flavanols, or plant chemicals, is good for the heart and brain.
According to research from Harvard Medical Schools, it can ward of diseases and help to cut cholesterol.
It’s also believed that consuming the sweet treat aids serotonin production in the brain.
This feel-good chemical helps to regulate the mood and suppress your appetite.
To reap the benefits, it’s best to consume dark chocolate that contains a high percentage of cocoa.
These products tend to be lower in calories than the sugar-filled options that you may typically be drawn to.
Turmeric
Turmeric has been one of the top health trends of 2017 – and Starbucks even added the ingredient into one of their menu items.
The spice contains curcumin, a powerful antioxidant.
Research from the University of Maryland Medical Center reveals that the component triggers the production of bile.
This substance helps to rejuvenate the liver and eliminate toxins.
There are several ways to work turmeric into your everyday diet. You can take it in capsules, sprinkle it onto your food for flavour or add it to hot drinks.
