Japan is one of the countries with the lowest obesity rate in the world, thanks to its diet rich in natural foods, especially plants that can support fat loss.
Here are 5 plants that effectively help reduce belly fat, commonly used by the Japanese.
Seaweed
Seaweed is a familiar food in Japanese cuisine, containing fucoxanthin, a compound that can burn visceral fat and reduce belly fat.
According to research from Hokkaido University (Japan), fucoxanthin helps increase lipid oxidation in fat tissue, thereby reducing belly fat accumulation.
Fucoxanthin activates protein UCP1 in brown fat tissue, helping to burn calories effectively.
Seaweed is rich in iodine, which supports thyroid function and helps control weight.
Japanese people often eat seaweed in miso soup, salad or sushi rolls.
Green tea
Green tea contains catechin, especially epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which helps promote the process of burning belly fat.
People who drink green tea every day burn fat 17% faster than those who do not drink it.
EGCG helps increase fat metabolism and limit the absorption of fat from food.
Green tea also helps stabilize blood sugar, reducing cravings.
Japanese people drink hot green tea or matcha at meals to aid digestion and reduce fat.
Konjac cu
Konjac contains glucomannan, a type of soluble fiber that can reduce fat and sugar absorption, helping to limit belly fat accumulation.
Glucomannan helps create a feeling of fullness for a long time, thereby reducing the amount of calories consumed during the day.
The fiber in Konjac slows digestion, reducing sugar and cholesterol absorption.
Konjac is very low in calories but helps boost metabolism.
The Japanese use Konjac as shirataki noodles, cook soups or process them into dietary jelly.
Salted vegetables
Fermented pickled vegetables such as cabbage, radish, and cucumber contain probiotics, which help balance the intestinal microflora, thereby supporting belly fat loss.
According to research from the European Journal of Nutrition, people who regularly consume fermented foods have a 15% lower percentage of belly fat than the control group.
Probiotics help reduce inflammation and improve digestion, thereby reducing visceral fat accumulation.
The beneficial bacteria in fermented foods help regulate leptin hormones, which help control hunger.
Japanese people eat pickled vegetables with rice, fish or as side dishes for main meals.
Japanese ginger
Ginger contains gingerol, a compound that enhances metabolism and burns fat, especially in the abdomen.
Daily ginger consumption can help increase fat burning rate by 10 - 15%.
Gingerol stimulates thermogenesis, helping the body consume more energy.
Ginger also helps improve digestion, reduce bloating and prevent fat accumulation.
Japanese people often drink ginger tea, use vinegar- soaked ginger (gari) or add ginger to dishes to support weight loss.
