Would you love to learn how to turn up your metabolism while tuning up your gallbladder? The great news is, I bet many (maybe even all) of these Fat Flushing powerhouses are probably already in your daily diet. They’re not only great for shedding those extra pounds, but they’re also critical for quality bile production, which we know is key for optimum health, fat digestion, and correcting “mystery” illnesses.
Read on to get the skinny about these fantastic 10—and do make sure they’re all on your next grocery list.
Fat-Flushing Foods and Spices
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Beets
Beets contain betaine which thins the bile and helps prevent gallstones. Betaine is also a rich source of hydrochloric acid, which is critical for digestion and triggers your gallbladder to release bile. Beetroot protects your liver from chemical toxicity.
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Artichokes
Artichokes are a fabulous bile-producing food and liver protector. They may boost your glutathione levels as much as 50 percent.
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Bitters
Bitter foods trigger your pancreas to secrete digestive enzymes and your gallbladder to release bile. Although digestive bitters are particularly important if you’re vegan or vegetarian, they are really helpful for everyone, with or without a gallbladder. Bitter greens such as arugula, endive, dandelion and radicchio offer wonderful benefits—as well as horseradish, which is also anti-cancer. Orange peel, gentian root, bitter artichoke and Angelica root are also excellent bitters. Stay away from Swedish bitters, which typically contain herbal laxatives such as rhubarb and senna.
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Choline
Choline is an essential nutrient that acts as an emulsifier, assists fat digestion, reduces cellulite, decongests the liver, improves nerve and brain function, and builds hormones. Ninety percent of us are choline deficient.
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Lecithin
Lecithin is one of the primary emulsifying agents in bile, containing significant choline. Lecithin breaks down fats making them more digestible. Lecithin also helps keep your homocysteine levels low, thereby reducing your cardiovascular risk. Lecithin from non-GMO soy or sunflower seeds makes a great fat-flushing supplement.
Apple cider vinegar. I call apple cider vinegar a “miracle in a bottle!” ACV contains malic acid, which helps your body digest protein and thins the bile. Take one tablespoon of raw ACV in a glass of water before meals.
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Taurine
Taurine is a key component of bile acids, made in the liver. Many are deficient, especially vegans and vegetarians, because taurine is derived from organ meats and other animal proteins. Taurine helps thin the bile, assists detoxification, improves lipids, and lowers the risk for obesity.
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Capsaicin
Capsaicin will ignite your fat burning engine! Found in sweat-inducing foods and spices like cayenne, capsaicin stimulates metabolism by activating brown fat, as well as helping optimize your cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
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Cumin
The smoky-peppery spice cumin can boost your metabolic rate, promote weight loss, reduce body fat and LDL, and stimulate pancreatic enzymes. In one study, just one teaspoon of cumin increased weight loss by 50 percent. I use cumin in just about everything from soups to salad dressings to casseroles.
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Omega-7s
Omega-7 (palmitoleic acid) is the amazing omega you might not yet know about. Omega-7 operates as a “lipokine”: a hormone-like molecule that optimizes energy utilization and storage in body tissues at very low concentrations. Omega-7s really shine when it comes to improving your blood glucose, insulin and lipid levels. Omega-7s will even help build collagen! Where do you find them? Macadamia nuts, sea buckthorn, and deep sea anchovies.
Further Reading
For even more superstar foods that you (and your family) will love, pre-order your copy of The NEW Fat Flush Foods. And, for tips on how to whip them up in delicious dishes, add The NEW Fat Flush Cookbook to your shopping cart, too.
Bon appétit!
