1. Does Fiber Help You Lose Weight and Belly Fat?
Fiber is important for weight loss and belly fat loss. Many studies have shown that increasing fiber intake helps you lose weight and belly fat effectively. A study published in The Journal of Nutrition found that people who increased their fiber intake lost significantly more weight than those who did not increase their fiber intake.
In addition, according to a study published in Nutrition Reviews, which synthesized many studies on the relationship between fiber and body weight, the results showed that increasing fiber intake was associated with reduced body weight and belly fat.
Both soluble and insoluble fiber play an important role, but soluble fiber has been shown to be more effective in weight loss and belly fat loss than insoluble fiber.
Soluble fiber: Is a type of fiber that can dissolve in water, forming a gel in the intestines that slows down digestion, helps you feel full longer and helps reduce bad cholesterol (LDL). According to some studies, soluble fiber can help reduce belly fat by reducing calorie intake and increasing beneficial bacteria in the intestines.
Insoluble fiber: Is a type of fiber that does not dissolve in water, creating large mass in the stool, helping to prevent constipation. This type of fiber is beneficial for digestive health but has little effect on belly fat.
While most people know about subcutaneous fat, there are people who do not know about visceral fat, located deep in the abdomen. It surrounds important organs and can cause serious health problems such as some cancers, stroke, type 2 diabetes, etc. Consuming beans rich in soluble fiber not only helps to shrink the waist, helps you feel comfortable but is also better for your health.
2. Some beans help lose weight and reduce belly fat
2.1. Peas
Green peas are a nutritious food, rich in vitamins, minerals and fiber, especially soluble fiber. Estimated nutritional content in 1 cup (about 160 g) of boiled green peas:
Calories: 134 kcal
Carbohydrates: 2 g
Fiber: 8.8 g
Protein: 8.2 g
Fat: 0.4 g
In addition, green peas also contain: Other B vitamins, potassium, magnesium, zinc, antioxidants (such as flavonoids and carotenoids).
Green peas are rich in fiber and antioxidants, making them an ideal food to support weight loss. Although there are many reports that green peas contribute to bloating, there is no denying that these delicious little beans are packed with nutrients.
Boiled peas are one of the best ways to eat when trying to lose weight and reduce belly fat because they have a low glycemic index, meaning they promote steady energy levels, preventing blood sugar spikes that can lead to sudden drops in blood sugar. 1 cup of about 160g of peas contains 8.8g of fiber, which helps you feel full longer without consuming more calories.
2.2. Japanese soybeans
Japanese soybeans, also known as edamame, are a nutritious food that provides many vitamins, minerals and fiber. Nutritional composition may vary depending on processing and packaging, but in general, 100 g of packaged Japanese soybeans usually contain:
Energy: 120 - 140 kcal
Protein: 11 - 13 g
Fat: 5 - 7 g
Carbohydrates: 8 - 10 g
Fiber: 4 - 5 g
Vitamins and minerals: Vitamin K, C, folate (vitamin B9), manganese, iron, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, calcium, zinc. In addition, soybeans also contain beneficial plant compounds such as isoflavones, which have antioxidant effects and provide many health benefits.
Japanese soybeans are a great one-ingredient snack with a balance of protein, carbohydrates, unsaturated fats and fiber to help control hunger and blood sugar levels. While there is no specific food that can burn belly fat directly, eating meals and snacks that contain protein, fiber, and healthy fats can help reduce overall calorie intake to support weight loss and reduce belly fat.
2.3. Lentils
Lentils are a nutritious food and an excellent source of essential nutrients. Nutritional composition in 100 g of boiled lentils:
Calories: 116 kcal
Protein: 9 g
Carbohydrates: 20 g
Fiber: 8 g
Fat: 0.4 g
Lentils are a good source of many vitamins and minerals, including: Folate (vitamin B9), iron, manganese, phosphorus, potassium.
Lentils are the basis of many delicious and nutritious recipes. Lentils are high in soluble and insoluble fiber, which aids digestion and helps regulate appetite by helping you feel full longer. Their high protein content also aids in muscle maintenance, which can boost metabolism and aid in fat loss, especially around the midsection. Lentils are great for vegetarians and those looking to lose weight and belly fat while eating a higher protein diet.
2.4. Black Beans
Estimated nutritional content in 100 g of cooked black beans:
Calories: 132 kcal
Protein: 8.9 g
Carbohydrates: 23.7 g
Fiber: 8.7 g
Fat: 0.5 g
Black beans are a good source of many vitamins and minerals, including: Folate (vitamin B9), manganese, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, potassium. In addition, black beans also contain other B vitamins and trace minerals.
Black beans are rich in soluble fiber and protein, both of which promote feelings of fullness and help regulate appetite, reducing overeating. Adding black beans to meals can aid in weight loss and reduce belly fat. Black beans are used as an addition to soups, stews, salads, and pureed black beans are also used in baked goods as a substitute for oil or butter.
2.5. Green Beans
Estimated nutritional content per 100 g cooked green beans:
Calories: 105 kcal
Protein: 7 g
Carbohydrates: 19 g
Fiber: 7.6 g
Fat: 0.4 g
Green beans are a good source of many vitamins and minerals, including: Folate (vitamin B9), manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, vitamin K, vitamin B1. In addition, green beans also contain other B vitamins and trace minerals.
Green beans can be a useful part of a weight loss plan, reduce belly fat because they are low in calories, high in fiber and rich in nutrients, create a feeling of fullness, support blood sugar control and promote healthy digestion.
Green beans are a very low calorie food, with a low energy density, meaning they provide a lot of volume without many calories.
Green beans are a good source of soluble and insoluble fiber, which helps keep you feeling full and satisfied, potentially reducing overall calorie intake. Green beans are rich in essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A and C, as well as folate and potassium. These nutrients support overall health and well-being, indirectly contributing to weight control.
2.6. Chickpeas
Estimated nutritional content per 100 g cooked chickpeas:
Cal: 164 kcal
Protein: 8.9 g
Carbohydrates: 27.4 g
Fiber: 7.6 g
Fat: 2.6 g
Vitamins and minerals, including: Folate (vitamin B9), manganese, copper, phosphorus, iron, magnesium... In addition, chickpeas also contain other B vitamins and trace minerals.
Chickpeas can be a useful addition to a weight loss, belly fat loss diet due to their high protein and fiber content, which helps promote feelings of fullness and aid in weight control. Chickpeas have a low glycemic index, meaning they do not cause spikes in blood sugar, which can help prevent overeating and weight gain.
Studies have shown that people who regularly eat chickpeas may experience reduced appetite and calorie intake, which contributes to weight loss. One study found that people who regularly eat chickpeas are 53% less likely to have a body mass index (BMI) over 30 and are more likely to have a smaller waist circumference than those who do not eat chickpeas.
Legumes like chickpeas have a high thermic effect, so they require more energy to digest, which helps boost metabolism and aid in weight loss.