The food you eat can affect the way you age, especially when it comes to developing wrinkles and storing fat in your body. Fried, baked, and grilled desserts, sugary snacks, and meals can age and damage your skin, according to a study published in Nutrients, while consuming refined carbs, sugary drinks, white bread, and too much saturated fat can contribute to more abdominal fat, as per Harvard Health. However, some drinks can help burn belly fat and slow down visible aging, provided they are hydrating, low in added sugar and calories, and rich in nutrients or antioxidants. Experts have shared their insights with Eat This, Not That! on the drinks you can add to your diet to maintain your desired abdominal fat levels and youthful looks.
1) Chlorophyll Water
Chlorophyll water may be a trendy drink, but it contains an active ingredient that can aid in burning belly fat while keeping you looking youthful. Trista Best, a registered dietitian at Balance One, says that chlorophyll water is an easy way to detox, improve skin health, and provide the body with significant amounts of antioxidants. The antioxidants in chlorophyll water remove and reduce toxins and free radical damage, preventing aging skin and other more serious side effects. Chlorophyll water contains natural anti-inflammatory compounds, which reduce skin inflammation that causes wrinkles and loose skin. Additionally, a study found that topical use of chlorophyll reduces skin photoaging caused by sun damage.
Chlorophyll's namesake ingredient enhances digestion and fat burning. Best explains that chlorophyll improves the quality of red blood cells, allowing them to carry more oxygen. The increased oxygen circulation means that more nutrients and energy flow into the body, promoting weight loss by enabling more physical activity and better nutrient absorption.
2) Kombucha
Kombucha is a reliable drink that can help you lose weight and slow down aging. The secret behind kombucha's benefits is its fermentation process. The probiotics that result from this process help to maintain a healthy microbiome in your gut, promoting weight regulation and healthy aging, according to Hayley Miller, MS, RDN, LDN, a registered dietitian at Persona Nutrition.
A healthy and diverse gut microbiome, according to a study published in Scientific Reports, has been linked to reduced visceral fat, the type of fat that accumulates around your abdominal organs and leads to belly fat.
Not all kombucha brands are the same, so it's essential to choose the right kind for you. You can choose from the 11 Best Low-Sugar Kombucha Brands You Can Buy to get the most out of your kombucha.
3) Water
If you're looking for a simple and effective beverage to burn fat and keep your skin youthful, look no further than water. "Water provides hydration, which can support a healthy metabolism and a healthy lifestyle," says Katie Tomaschko, MS, RDN, a registered dietitian nutritionist at Sporting Smiles. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help with weight management and may help slow down certain effects of aging, such as cognitive impairment and skin aging.
According to a report published in Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water is key to keeping your skin hydrated and looking younger. While moisturizers and creams can help, drinking water is essential for healthy and youthful-looking skin.
4) Black Coffee
Black coffee is not only a popular beverage to wake up with, but it may also be one of the best drinks for reducing belly fat and keeping your skin looking youthful. "Black coffee is a calorie-free drink that has many anti-inflammatory antioxidants and is hydrating, both of which help with both fat burning (by revving up the metabolism—as does caffeine) and anti-aging by keeping skin plump and hydrated," says Dana Ellis Hunnes, PhD, MPH, RD. A study published in Nutrients on Japanese adults found that daily consumption of coffee was linked to lower incidence of abdominal fat.
If you're not fond of drinking black coffee, be mindful of how much sugar you add to your cup. Higher levels of added sugar consumption were linked to more abdominal fat, according to a study published in the European Journal of Preventative Cardiology.
5) Green Tea
If you're not a fan of black coffee, fear not, as green tea could be the beverage to help you burn belly fat and maintain youthful skin. Green tea is rich in antioxidants that can combat inflammation and keep you hydrated, according to Dr. Dana Ellis Hunnes, PhD, MPH, RD.
A study published in the Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found a connection between high consumption of green tea and lower chances of abdominal obesity. Another study, published in the Journal of Functional Foods, revealed that participants who drank green tea for twelve weeks had less visceral fat than those who didn't at the end of the study.
While there are limited studies on green tea and skin aging, one animal study published in Toxicological Research suggests that green tea's polyphenols may have anti-aging effects on the skin.
With these combined benefits, incorporating green tea into your diet can help slow down the aging process and keep belly fat at bay.
6) Black tea
According to Dr. Hunnes, black tea is another drink that can help you burn belly fat and slow down aging, just like green tea. This beverage is also rich in antioxidants that can prevent inflammation, fight wrinkles, and promote weight loss. In fact, a report published in Molecules states that black tea contains polyphenols that can help manage weight and decrease the risk of obesity. Additionally, black tea is hydrating and can help keep your skin looking plump and healthy. So, the next time you're thirsty and want to support your body, reach for a cup of black tea.