Healthy Eating

5 Foods That Starve Fat Cells

“By indirectly targeting fat cells, through their dependence on blood supply, we can starve them to death.” – Dr. Mitchell Gaynor.

In his TED talk, Dr. William Li passionately discusses angiogenesis and its role in cancer development and recession. For reference, angiogenesis is simply the development of new blood vessels in the body. Dr. Li believes manipulating this physiological function can end cancer and promote health.

As he explains:

Angiogenesis: the physiological process through which new blood vessels form from pre-existing vessels.

“Anti-angiogenic therapy is the method of cutting off blood supply to cancer. This can be done because tumor vessels, unlike healthy vessels, are abnormal and poorly constructed and are highly vulnerable to treatments that target them.”

Deficient and excessive angiogenesis

For the sake of this article, it is essential to explain the scientific rationale linking the consumption of certain foods and “starving” fat cells. Blood vessel production and maintenance imbalances can manifest in various diseases and conditions. Angiogenetic imbalances arise from insufficient or excessive angiogenesis.

Insufficient angiogenesis is when the body has too few blood vessels and is linked to several diseases and medical conditions, including erectile dysfunction, heart disease, inability to heal wounds, neuropathy, and stroke.

Excessive angiogenesis and excessive production of blood vessels have also been linked to various diseases and conditions. Arthritis, blindness, cancer, endometriosis, and multiple sclerosis have been associated with excessive blood vessel production.

Obesity = Excessive Angiogenesis

Obesity, the massive accumulation of fat cells, is a byproduct of excessive angiogenesis. As such, steps can be taken to counteract the effects. “Like tumor cells, fat cells grow when blood vessels grow,” says Dr. Li.

Dr. Joseph Mercola, a world-renowned osteopathic physician and surgeon, afgrees, “…obesity is also highly dependent on angiogenesis.” Dr. Mercola explains that fat cells, like cancer cells, can potentially be eliminated through diet.

What does this mean? Simply that we can starve fat cells through proper dietary habits. To achieve this, we must eat foods that inhibit abnormal angiogenesis (i.e., anti-angiogenetic foods ).

Here are the five foods that will effectively target the blood supplies of fat cells:

1. Curries

Curcumin is the ingredient that gives curry its yellowish hue, but this is far from its only property. Curcumin is a potent polyphenol, and a proliferation of scientific research continues to reiterate its cancer-fighting properties. Recently, complementary investigations have attributed these properties to the antiangiogenetic properties of the compound.

In a 2009 study, Tufts University scientists concluded: “Curcumin’s suppression of angiogenesis…with its effect on lipid (fat) metabolism…may contribute to reduced body fat and increase body weight. Our findings suggest that dietary Curcumin, present in turmeric, may potentially benefit in preventing obesity.”

2. Garlic

Ajoene is a sulfuric compound found in garlic that gives the food its fat-reducing properties. At the genetic level, ajoene activates hydrogen peroxide, initiating a process that results in fat cell death (i.e., apoptosis). Along with its anti-angiogenetic properties, garlic is considered one of the most potent fat-burning foods.

Aside from its fat-burning properties, garlic is one of the most nutrient-dense foods and is linked to no fewer than eleven proven health benefits.

3. Almonds

In his TED Talk, Dr. Li presents a PowerPoint slide that ranks 27 drugs and dietary factors for their anti-angiogenic properties. In first place is vitamin E. “Vitamin E beats the best drugs in the world … (they) eliminate any man-made attempt to kill tumors,” Li said.

As almonds contain the highest levels of vitamin E (7.3 mg per 1-ounce serving), they are probably the most potent fat-burning foods. Also, almonds contain high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

4. Spinach

We should include some green leafy vegetables on this list for their fat-burning properties and cumulative health benefits. Using this barometer, spinach far outperforms any other vegetable and 99 percent of different foods and food types.

Returning to vitamin E, spinach contains the second highest level of any food (6.9 mg per serving). Of course, they are exceptionally rich in nutrients, antioxidants, enzymes, minerals, and vitamins. Dr. Josh Ax explains some other benefits:

“As a natural source of glucosinolates, these (leafy vegetables) contain antibacterial and antiviral properties, are inactive carcinogens, help reprogram cancer cells to die, and prevent tumor formation and metastasis.

5. Citrus fruits

Citrus fruits, particularly oranges and tangerines, are among the most potent fat-burning foods.

In an article titled “Citrus Fruits Shown to be Anti-angiogenic and Reduce Risk of Some Types of Cancer,” the author cites several studies citing the anti-angiogenic properties of citrus fruits. Citrus fruits have a large quantity of two flavonoids: nobiletin and ascorbic acid (vitamin C), which have been proven anti-angiogenic.

The article also cites a link between citrus consumption and reduced cases of certain types of cancer, “including lung cancer and colorectal cancer, among people who consume large amounts of citrus regularly.”

Other tips to help eliminate fat cells and reshape your body

Keep these additional tips in mind as you eat right to transform your body.

1. High-intensity intermittent exercise

High-Intensity Intermittent Exercise (HIIE) is an effective way to melt fat cells. This exercise consists of short, repeated high-intensity sprints followed by low-intensity movement or rest. The time you run or rest can vary.

2. Walk briskly

Walking fast helps you get in shape. Keeping a brisk pace while walking speeds up your metabolism to burn fat cells. Try to walk briskly for at least thirty minutes a day. You can divide the time by walking fifteen minutes in the morning and fifteen minutes at night. Try running interspersed with your walk to speed up your metabolism even more.

3. Cycling

Whether you ride a standard or stationary bike, cycling is a great way to melt fat cells. Increases heart rate and burns calories. Riding a bike helps you lose weight on your waist and thighs. Be consistent. Ride on a bike at least three days a week to reduce belly fat.

4. Weight training

Weight training is a great way to burn fat cells. Aim for three days a week of weight training combined with cardio experiences the other days. The best weight training exercises include:

  • lunges
  • dumbbells
  • squats
  • dead weight
  • Lizards
  • chin up

5. Running

Running or jogging is an exercise that many athletes use to build strength and endurance and keep weight down. It is relatively inexpensive and requires good shoes and comfortable clothing.

Try to run or jog for 20 to 30 minutes at least three times a week. If you have one, you can use a treadmill, but many runners enjoy being outside. If you run outdoors, try to run on a soft surface like grass to avoid joint or foot injuries.

6. Jump rope

Jumping rope is an overlooked fat-burning exercise. It was fun when you were a kid, but you can use this high-intensity workout to get in shape.

All you need is a good jump rope and some supportive shoes. Jump, skip, or run for short periods for two minutes. Change the routine and add high-intensity parts to speed up your metabolism and melt away fat cells.

7. Battle ropes

Battle ropes are popular high-intensity workouts. They challenge your entire body as you bang, swing, and shake the thick ropes. Most athletes add squats, jumping jacks, and lunges to their battle rope routine. This exercise increases your heart rate and burns fat.

8. Don’t sit still

You can melt fat cells just by not sitting too much. Prolonged sitting decreases your body’s ability to burn fat. Your blood pressure increases, your blood sugar level rises, and your metabolism slows down.

Try to stand at work, at home, or school. If you live close enough, walk to the store or school. Avoid long periods in front of the television. Or, if you’re watching a show, do some sit-ups, jog, or lunges while watching.

Final Thoughts on Starving Fat Cells

Exercise speeds up your metabolism and melts away fat cells, so you look and feel your best. Try any of these exercises to speed up burning fat and getting fitter.

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