12 Healthy Foods That Help You Burn Fat
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Boosting your metabolic rate can help you lose body fat.
However, most “fat-burning” supplements on the market are either unsafe, ineffective or both.
Fortunately, several natural foods and beverages have been shown to increase your metabolism and promote fat loss.
Here are 12 healthy foods that help you burn fat.
1. Fatty Fish
Fatty fish is delicious and incredibly good for you.
Salmon, herring, sardines, mackerel and other oily fish contain omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to reduce inflammation and decrease heart disease risk (1Trusted Source, 2Trusted Source, 3Trusted Source).
In addition, omega-3 fatty acids may help you lose body fat.
In a six-week controlled study in 44 adults, those who took fish oil supplements lost an average of 1.1 pounds (0.5 kilograms) of fat and experienced a drop in cortisol, a stress hormone that’s associated with fat storage (4).
What’s more, fish is an excellent source of high-quality protein. Digesting protein leads to greater feelings of fullness and increases metabolic rate significantly more than digesting fat or carbs (5Trusted Source).
To boost fat loss and protect heart health, include a minimum of 3.5 ounces (100 grams) of fatty fish in your diet at least twice a week.
2. MCT Oil
MCT oil is made by extracting MCTs from coconut or palm oil. It is available online and at natural grocery stores.
MCT stands for medium-chain triglycerides, which are a type of fat that’s metabolized differently than the long-chain fatty acids found in most foods.
Due to their shorter length, MCTs are rapidly absorbed by the body and go straight to the liver, where they can be used immediately for energy or converted into ketones for use as an alternative fuel source. Medium-chain triglycerides have been shown to increase metabolic rate in several studies (6Trusted Source, 7Trusted Source).
One study in eight healthy men found adding 1–2 tablespoons (15–30 grams) of MCTs per day to the men’s usual diets increased their metabolic rate by 5% over a 24-hour period, meaning they burned an average of 120 extra calories per day (8Trusted Source).
In addition, MCTs may reduce hunger and promote better retention of muscle mass during weight loss (9Trusted Source, 10Trusted Source, 11Trusted Source).
Replacing some of the fat in your diet with 2 tablespoons of MCT oil per day may optimize fat burning.
However, it’s best to start with 1 teaspoon daily and gradually increase the dosage in order to minimize potential digestive side effects like cramping, nausea and diarrhea.
3. Coffee
Coffee is one of the most popular beverages worldwide.
It’s a great source of caffeine, which can enhance mood and improve mental and physical performance (12).
Moreover, it can help you burn fat.
In a small study including nine people, those who took caffeine an hour before exercise burned nearly twice as much fat and were able to exercise 17% longer than the non-caffeine group (13Trusted Source).
Research has shown that caffeine increases metabolic rate by an impressive 3–13%, depending on the amount consumed and individual response (14, 15Trusted Source, 16Trusted Source, 17Trusted Source).
In one study, people took 100 mg of caffeine every two hours for 12 hours. Lean adults burned an average of 150 extra calories and formerly obese adults burned 79 extra calories during the study time period (18Trusted Source).
To get the fat-burning benefits of caffeine without the potential side effects, such as anxiousness or insomnia, aim for 100–400 mg per day. This is the amount found in about 1–4 cups of coffee, depending on its strength.
4. Eggs
Eggs are a nutritional powerhouse.
Although egg yolks used to be avoided due to their high cholesterol content, whole eggs have actually been shown to help protect heart health in those at increased risk of disease (19Trusted Source, 20Trusted Source).
Additionally, eggs are a killer weight loss food.
Studies have shown that egg-based breakfasts reduce hunger and promote feelings of fullness for several hours in overweight and obese individuals (21Trusted Source, 22Trusted Source).
In a controlled eight-week study in 21 men, those who ate three eggs for breakfast consumed 400 fewer calories per day and had a 16% greater reduction in body fat, compared to the group who ate a bagel breakfast (23Trusted Source).
Eggs are also a great source of high-quality protein, which increases metabolic rate by about 20–35% for several hours after eating, based on several studies (5Trusted Source).
In fact, one of the reasons eggs are so filling may be due to the boost in calorie burning that occurs during protein digestion (24Trusted Source).
Eating three eggs several times a week can help you burn fat while keeping you full and satisfied.
5. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is loaded with health benefits.
Adding coconut oil to your diet appears to increase “good” HDL cholesterol and decrease your triglycerides, in addition to helping you lose weight (25Trusted Source, 26Trusted Source).
In one study, obese men who added 2 tablespoons of coconut oil per day to their usual diet lost an average of 1 inch (2.5 cm) from their waist without making any other diet changes or increasing their physical activity (27Trusted Source).
The fats in coconut oil are mostly MCTs, which have been credited with appetite-suppressing and fat-burning properties (28Trusted Source, 29Trusted Source).
However, some studies suggest that its metabolism-boosting effects may decrease over time (7Trusted Source, 30Trusted Source).
Unlike most oils, coconut oil remains stable at high temperatures, making it ideal for high-heat cooking.
Consuming up to 2 tablespoons of coconut oil daily may help maximize fat burning. Make sure to start with a teaspoon or so and gradually increase the amount to avoid any digestive discomfort.
6. Green Tea
Green tea is an excellent beverage choice for good health.
Studies suggest that it may help reduce heart disease risk and protect against certain types of cancer (31Trusted Source, 32Trusted Source).
In addition to providing a moderate amount of caffeine, green tea is an excellent source of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), an antioxidant that promotes fat burning and the loss of belly fat (33Trusted Source, 34, 35, 36).
In a study of 12 healthy men, fat burning during bicycling increased by 17% in those who took green tea extract, compared to those who took a placebo (37Trusted Source).
On the other hand, some studies have found that green tea or green tea extract has little to no effect on metabolism or weight loss (38Trusted Source, 39Trusted Source).
Given the difference in study outcomes, green tea’s effects likely vary from person to person and may also depend on the amount consumed.
Drinking up to four cups of green tea daily may provide a number of health benefits, including potentially increasing the amount of calories you burn.
7. Whey Protein
Whey protein is pretty impressive.
It’s been shown to promote muscle growth when combined with exercise and may help preserve muscle during weight loss (40Trusted Source, 41Trusted Source).
In addition, whey protein seems to be even more effective at suppressing appetite than other protein sources.
This is because it stimulates the release of “fullness hormones,” such as PYY and GLP-1, to a greater extent (42Trusted Source, 43Trusted Source).
One study had 22 men consume different protein drinks on four separate days. They experienced significantly lower hunger levels and ate fewer calories at the next meal after drinking the whey protein drink, compared to the other protein drinks (44Trusted Source).
Moreover, whey appears to boost fat burning and promote weight loss in lean people and those who are overweight or obese (45Trusted Source).
In one study of 23 healthy adults, a whey protein meal was found to increase metabolic rate and fat burning more than casein or soy protein meals (46Trusted Source).
A whey protein shake is a quick meal or snack option that promotes fat loss and may help improve your body composition.
8. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is an ancient folk remedy with evidence-based health benefits.
It’s been credited with reducing appetite and lowering blood sugar and insulin levels in people with diabetes (47Trusted Source, 48Trusted Source).
What’s more, vinegar’s main component, acetic acid, has been found to increase fat burning and reduce belly fat storage in several animal studies (49Trusted Source, 50Trusted Source, 51Trusted Source).
Although there isn’t much research on vinegar’s effect on fat loss in humans, the results from one study are pretty encouraging.
In this study, 144 obese men who added 2 tablespoons of vinegar to their usual diets every day for 12 weeks lost 3.7 pounds (1.7 kilograms) and experienced a 0.9% reduction in body fat (52Trusted Source).
Including apple cider vinegar in your diet may help you lose body fat. Start with 1 teaspoon per day diluted in water and gradually work up to 1–2 tablespoons per day to minimize potential digestive discomfort.
Shop for apple cider vinegar online.
9. Chili Peppers
Chili peppers do more than add heat to your food.
Their powerful antioxidants may reduce inflammation and help protect your cells from damage (53Trusted Source).
In addition, research suggests that one antioxidant in chili peppers called capsaicin may help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
It does this by promoting fullness and preventing overeating (54Trusted Source).
What’s more, this compound may also help you burn more calories and lose body fat (55Trusted Source, 56Trusted Source).
In a study of 19 healthy adults, when calorie intake was restricted by 20%, capsaicin was found to counteract the slowdown in metabolic rate that typically occurs with decreased calorie intake (57Trusted Source).
One large review of 20 studies concluded that taking capsaicin helps reduce appetite and can increase the number of calories you burn by about 50 calories per day (58Trusted Source).
Consider eating chili peppers or using powdered cayenne pepper to spice up your meals several times a week.
10. Oolong Tea
Oolong tea is one of the healthiest beverages you can drink.
Although it receives less press than green tea, it has many of the same health benefits, thanks to its content of caffeine and catechins.
A review of several studies found that the combination of catechins and caffeine in tea increased calorie burning by an impressive 102 calories per day, on average (59Trusted Source).
Small studies in men and women suggest that drinking oolong tea increases metabolic rate and promotes weight loss. What’s more, one study found that oolong tea increased calorie burning twice as much as green tea did (60Trusted Source, 61Trusted Source, 62Trusted Source).
Drinking a few cups of green tea, oolong tea or a combination of the two on a regular basis may promote fat loss and provide other beneficial health effects.
11. Full-Fat Greek Yogurt
Full-fat Greek yogurt is extremely nutritious.
First, it’s an excellent source of protein, potassium and calcium.
Research suggests that high-protein dairy products can boost fat loss, protect muscle during weight loss and help you feel full and satisfied (63Trusted Source, 64Trusted Source).
Also, yogurt that contains probiotics can help keep your gut healthy and may reduce symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, such as constipation and bloating (65Trusted Source).
Full-fat Greek yogurt also contains conjugated linoleic acid, which seems to promote weight loss and fat burning in overweight and obese people, according to research that includes a large review of 18 studies (66Trusted Source, 67Trusted Source, 68Trusted Source, 69Trusted Source).
Eating Greek yogurt on a regular basis may provide a number of health benefits. But make sure to choose plain, full-fat Greek yogurt, as non-fat and low-fat dairy products contain little to no conjugated linoleic acid.
12. Olive Oil
Olive oil is one of the healthiest fats on earth.
Olive oil has been shown to lower triglycerides, increase HDL cholesterol and stimulate the release of GLP-1, one of the hormones that helps keep you full (70Trusted Source).
What’s more, some studies have shown that olive oil may boost metabolic rate and promote fat loss (71Trusted Source, 72Trusted Source, 73Trusted Source).
In a small study in 12 postmenopausal women with abdominal obesity, eating extra virgin olive oil as part of a meal significantly increased the number of calories the women burned for several hours (71Trusted Source).
To incorporate olive oil into your daily diet, drizzle a couple of tablespoons on your salad or add it to cooked food.
The Bottom Line
Despite what certain supplement manufacturers may suggest, there isn’t a safe “magic pill” that can help you burn hundreds of extra calories per day.
However, a number of foods and beverages may modestly increase your metabolic rate, in addition to providing other health benefits.
Including several of them in your daily diet may have effects that ultimately lead to fat loss and better overall health.