A drink that single-handedly melts away belly fat doesn’t exist. Sure, you may try a short cleanse, but these can have negative side effects on your mental and physical health—and they definitely won’t provide lasting results.
The safest and most effective way to lose abdominal fat is to exercise and adopt a healthy diet. But while there is no miracle weight loss ingredient out there, there are certain foods and drinks that may aid in your overall health and exercise goals.
For example, drinking a smoothie with fruits and veggies can’t help you lose weight on its own, but drinking them on a regular basis along with a balanced diet can help you incorporate more fiber and antioxidants into your daily routine.
Another drink that can be helpful to incorporate into a balanced diet to help with weight loss is tea, which is full of antioxidants and very low in calories. And according to Courtney D’Angelo, MS, RD, author at Go Wellness, one of the best drinks for helping in the process of getting a flatter belly is hot peppermint tea.
Read on to learn why this tea can help burn belly fat, and for more healthy weight loss tips, make sure to check out 5 Natural Ways To Burn Fat Everywhere, Expert Says.
Peppermint tea can aid in digestion
When it comes to choosing a drink that will help with a flatter stomach, your easiest option is something low in calories and added sugar, which is why peppermint tea can be a great choice. “Peppermint tea is a calorie-free drink and has a sweet flavor that can help reduce appetite and satisfy your sweet tooth,” says D’Angelo.
And not only does peppermint tea make for a nice calorie-free drink option, but it is also packed full of nutrients that can aid in weight loss. “Peppermint has antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties,” says D’Angelo, “and because it acts as an anti-inflammatory, it can help improve digestive issues as well.”
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In fact, a review published in the Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology found that participants who consumed peppermint oil had better symptom relief regarding their IBS (irritable bowel syndrome). These improved symptoms can result in less bloating, something that can help with a flatter belly.
Peppermint tea can also act as a muscle relaxant
Although D’Angelo says there more research needs to be done to prove it fully, there is some evidence that shows peppermint can act as a muscle relaxant. “Peppermint can soothe your muscles, and, in turn, can help pass food and gas more easily, which is the reason why a lot of herbal teas use peppermint as an ingredient.”
The best way to burn belly fat is to find a workout you love and want to do regularly while finding healthy foods you love to eat. This is the safest, most sustainable way to see lasting changes. And if you want a delicious drink to help you along in this weight loss journey, peppermint tea is a great choice.
A previous version of this story was published in December 2021. It has been updated with additional information.
Samantha Boesch
Samantha was born and raised in Orlando, Florida and now works as a writer in Brooklyn, NY. Read more about Samantha
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