Additionally, the UMMC regards green tea as an effective method of preventing atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries. The National Institutes of Health grants ginseng a B rating, meaning that there is good scientific evidence for its use as a complementary treatment for certain forms of heart disease.
Examples of this second category of âflat-belly foodsâ are green tea, cayenne pepper, vinegar, as well as anything high in protein, such as eggs, meat, and fish. These foods supposedly boost your metabolism, causing your body to burn through your fat reservesâincluding the fat around your middle.
Belly fat is associated with inflammation, so eating too many processed foods will hinder your ability to lose belly fat. Natural foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are full of antioxidants, which have anti-inflammatory properties and may therefore actually prevent belly fat, Patton says.