It’s a fact that as we age, losing weight, especially abdominal fat, becomes a real challenge. After the age of 50, hormonal changes, including the decrease in hormones like estrogen and testosterone, along with a slower metabolism, contribute to the accumulation of fat, primarily around the stomach. This fat, often more stubborn, poses problems not only from an aesthetic standpoint but also from a health perspective.
To combat abdominal fat, it is crucial, in addition to exercising, to pay close attention to one’s diet by choosing foods with recognized fat-burning properties. Among these beneficial foods is amaranth, which stands out for its weight loss benefits.
Amaranth: The Must-Know Food to Fight Abdominal Fat
Hormonal changes related to menopause in women and andropause in men inevitably alter the distribution of fats in the body. The metabolism slows down, leading to reduced energy expenditure. Without altering eating habits in response, it becomes easier to gain weight, particularly around the abdominal belt.
Moreover, the loss of muscle mass also makes calorie burning more difficult, meaning those extra pounds will be harder to shed later on. For this reason, alongside physical exercise, diet plays a key role in losing abdominal fat after 50. It’s important to choose foods rich in fiber, lean proteins, and healthy fats to stimulate the metabolism.
Certain slimming foods are particularly recommended, including amaranth. Packed with proteins, fiber, and antioxidants, this plant from Central and South America, often categorized as a grain (though it’s not quite one), promotes lasting satiety and improves digestion, thus aiding in fat reduction. Its tiny seeds are indeed nutrient-rich and are used for their high nutritional value in the diet.
How to Incorporate into Your Diet?
Amaranth also stands out for its richness in minerals like magnesium and iron, which help regulate blood sugar levels, thereby avoiding insulin spikes that lead to abdominal fat storage. Furthermore, its high content of soluble fiber helps reduce the absorption of fats and promotes better weight management.
Amaranth is gluten-free, making it ideal for those with gluten intolerance or those looking to diversify their carbohydrate sources. Integrating amaranth into your daily diet is quite easy, as it can be consumed in several ways. Amaranth seeds can be cooked like rice or quinoa, boiling them in water for about 20 minutes to achieve a soft texture. They can accompany vegetables, lean meats, or be used in salads.
You can also use amaranth flour to make bread, pancakes, or crepes. Additionally, amaranth can be puffed like popcorn and added to cereals, yogurts, or smoothies.
This article first appeared on grazia.fr – Author: Luce Picat
