Sunday, February 27, 2011

12 Indian Foods That Cut Fat

12 Indian Foods That Cut Fat
Garlic
An effective fat-burning food, garlic contains the sulphur compound allicin, which has anti-bacterial effects and helps reduce cholesterol and unhealthy fats.
Cardamom
This is a thermogenic herb that increases metabolism and helps burn body fat. Cardamom is considered one of the best digestive aids.

Cabbage
Raw or cooked cabbage inhibits the conversion of sugar and other carbohydrates into fat. Hence, it is of great value in weight reduction.

Buttermilk
The probiotic food contains just 2.2 grams of fat and about 99 calories. Regular intake provides the body with all essential nutrients and does not add fats and calories to the body.

Chilies
Chilies contain capsaicin that helps in increasing the metabolism. Capsaicin is a thermogenic food, so it causes the body to burn calories for 20 minutes after you eat the chillies.

Cinnamon and cloves
The spices have been found to improve the function of insulin and to lower glucose, total cholesterol, LDL and triglycerides in people with type 2 diabetes.

Curry leaves
Incorporating curry leaves into your daily diet can help you lose weight. These leaves flush out fat and toxins, reducing fat deposits that are stored in the body, as well as reducing bad cholesterol levels. If you are overweight, incorporate eight to 10 curry leaves into your diet daily. Chop them finely and mix them into a drink, or sprinkle them over a meal.

Honey
It is a home remedy for obesity. It mobilises the extra fat deposits in the body allowing it to be utilised as energy for normal functions. One should start with about 10 grams or a tablespoon, taken with hot water early in the morning.

Millet
Fibre rich foods such as millets – jowar, bajra, ragi, etc – absorb cholesterol and help increase the secretion of the bile that emulsifies fats.

Moong dal
 The bean sprouts are rich in Vitamin A, B, C and E and many minerals, such as calcium, iron and potassium. It is a rich source of protein and fibre, which helps lower blood cholesterol level. The high fibre content yields complex carbohydrates, which aid digestion, are effective in stabilising blood sugar and prevent its rapid rise after meal consumption.

Mustard oil
This has low saturated fat compared to other cooking oils. It has fatty acid, oleic acid, erucic acid and linoleic acid. It contains antioxidants, essential vitamins and reduces cholesterol, which is good for the heart.

Turmeric
Its regular intake may help reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high BP, increase blood circulation and prevent blood clotting, helping to prevent heart attack.