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.
Limit unhealthy fat sources, such as margarine and other foods containing hydrogenated oils, which tend to promote belly fat. Because fat contains twice as many calories as protein and carbohydrates, keep your portion sizes modest. Columbia Health: Go Ask Alice!: Losing Fat and Building Muscle Mass.