5 Nigerian fruits for losing belly fat

“Look at your tummy; are you proud of it?” is a poke aimed at forcing dietary discipline on social media. You don’t deserve to be teased about your body, but belly fat—the fat under your skin (subcutaneous) and internal organs (visceral)—is worthy of attention. That’s because belly fat affects confidence and is the leading cause of heart-related diseases, type 2 diabetes, and cancer. 

While tummy jibes are naively reserved for individuals perceived to have excess fat, you’re not automatically safe from belly fat because you’re not overweight. Unlike the fat under your skin, visceral fat, which is responsible for the majority of belly fat-induced diseases, is active and constantly interacts with your body, irrespective of your size. Soluble fiber, however, regulates the fat in your body. 

Fruits are rich sources of soluble fiber and other weight-friendly nutrients in this regard. In this piece, we explain Nigerian fruits for burning belly fat. 

5 Nigerian fruits for losing belly fat

Flash news: You can’t (and shouldn’t) target belly fat alone during dieting. Weight control should consider the overall wellness of your body. The more fat your body loses, the less unhealthy fat will remain around your stomach and internal organs. Start your fat-control journey with the fruits listed below. 

1. Berries

Berries are proof that size is irrelevant regarding nutritional value. They are unlikely to raise your blood sugar because of their low glycemic index (GI), the scale that determines the impact of food on blood sugar levels. Berries contain soluble fiber, which regulates cholesterol in the body. Similarly, strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries slow down digestion speed, making you feel full, eat less, and stay satisfied longer. 

Although different berries have distinct nutritional values, they all contain vitamins, essential minerals, antioxidants, and phytochemicals like flavonoids. In 2016, following a 24-year research period, flavonoids from blueberries contributed to low belly fat, lower cholesterol, and improved blood sugar levels. 

Health tip: You can take berries alone or as part of fruit salads or smoothies for breakfast, lunch snacks, or dinner. Be sure not to mix berries with unhealthy, processed junk foods when combining them with other foods. 

2. Apples

An apple a day keeps your weight in check. The reason isn’t far-fetched: Apples contain fiber and a lot of water, which reduces the calorie density of foods. Both nutrients decrease calorie intake and promote fullness. The fewer calories you consume, the less weight you gain. 

Health tip: Green apples contain more acid than red apples. Red apples are the healthiest choice for individuals with ulcers because they’re unlikely to cause inflammation or worsen your symptoms because of their low acidity. 

3. Guava

The Mayo Clinic believes women should consume at least 21–25 g of fiber per day, while men should consume 30-38 g. Guava supplies almost 9g of fiber. That’s not the only weight-friendly box guava ticks. Its glycemic index is low (12–24). As a result, it’s unlikely to increase your blood sugar levels. Guava fruit and leaves also contain proteins, vitamins, and health-boosting phytochemicals, which lower lipid metabolism and obesity.

4. Watermelon

Watermelon is a low-calorie fruit full of water (roughly 92%) and vitamins A, B, and C. Its high water content improves hydration and satiety. Besides, it contains arginine, the amino acid that prevents lipid metabolism in the body.

Its disease-preventing antioxidants fight cardiovascular diseases and obesity by preventing slow cell damage. This is why 33 obese people showed lower weight, body mass index (BMI), and waist-to-hip ratio after consuming watermelon for four weeks in 2019. 

5. Banana

Bananas rank high in the league of high-fiber fruits. But its ripeness determines the glycemic index. Unripe, green bananas have a low glycemic index. They’re also better for managing your weight because they contain low sugar.

Additionally, it contains resistant starch—a long chain of glucose that’s resistant to digestion like soluble fiber, which boosts fat burning. 

Which online grocery store sells fresh fruits in Lagos? 

Despite the nutritional benefits of fruits, it’s easy to exclude them from your regular diet, especially if local markets aren’t close to you. But Pricepally, the online grocery store for fresh fruits and vegetables, brings fruits to you in bulk and retail supply. 

All you need to do is order the fruit you want through WhatsApp, the mobile app, or the web. In case you’re low on cash, use Pally to split the price of fruits with your friends or other shoppers. 

Frequently Asked Questions about Nigerian fruits that burn belly fat 

Are watermelon seeds healthy for me? 

Watermelon seeds are as nutritious as the flesh. It contains iron, magnesium, zinc, and “good” fats. For instance, a 4-gram serving of watermelon seeds contains fewer calories (23 kcal) than a bag of potato chips. 

Can I eat watermelon if I have diabetes?

Watermelon contains decent amounts of lycopene, which reduces the risk of diabetes-induced cardiovascular diseases like stroke. It also contains dietary fiber and antioxidants that improve blood sugar regulation. 

But watermelon contains natural sugar and high GI, which may increase your blood sugar levels. As a result, diabetics should eat watermelon in moderation, keeping an eye on the portion sizes and monitoring their body’s response after eating it. 

What should I eat to lose weight? 

There are no magic foods for weight loss. But some foods support weight management better than others. Examples of such foods are: 

• Lean proteins, e.g., lean beef, lean goat meat, and skinless chicken breast 
• Eggs
• Fruits and vegetables, such as cruciferous vegetables (e.g., broccoli and kale) and dark green vegetables (e.g., spinach and cabbage)
• fish, e.g., salmon and mackerel (aka Titus fish)
• Beans