Fat Blocker Foods

A certain component in food called fiber (you have probably heard of it) can help aid your digestive system and add bulk to your stool, increasing the rate at which foods travel through your body. Certain foods that are high in fiber can "block fat" by helping control your fat and sugar intake. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, women should eat at least 20 grams of fiber per day and men should eat at least 30 grams of fiber each day.

Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are among the healthiest and best fat-blocking foods on the planet and are loaded with fiber. Some of the types of fruits that are highest in fiber and therefore contain the most fat-blocking potential are raspberries, which have 8 grams of fiber per 1 cup serving; pears, which have 6 grams of fiber; apples, which have 5 grams of fiber; and strawberries, which have 4 grams of fiber per 1 cup serving. Vegetables are wonderful sources of a variety of healthy nutrients and are arguably the best fat-blocker foods on the planet. Some of the types of vegetables that are highest in fiber are artichokes, with 10 grams of fiber per serving; peas, with 9 grams of fiber per 1 cup serving; broccoli, with 5 grams of fiber per 1 cup serving; and corn, which contains 4 grams of fiber per 1 cup serving.

Grains

Grains are among the healthiest fat-blocker foods. Grains and carbohydrates have received a bad rap in general, but the fact remains a diet high in whole grains can lower your risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and cancer, according to the Harvard School of Public Health (Resource 1). In addition, the fiber in whole grains can help regulate your digestive system and help regulate your blood sugar levels, which prevents you from eating foods high in fat and sugar. The bran and fiber contained in whole grains can make it hard for digestive enzymes to break down starches in your body into glucose, which essentially means fiber can help act as a fat blocker. Choose whole grains such as whole wheat pasta, bran, barley, oatmeal, brown rice and whole wheat bread.

Legumes and Nuts

Legumes, also known as beans, and nuts are chock full of healthy benefits and are some of the best fat blocker foods you can eat. Nuts are high in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are actually "good" fats that your body needs that can unclog your arteries and help prevent heart disease. Eating more monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats instead of saturated and trans fats can actually help you maintain a healthy body and can help you lose weight. Nuts are also an excellent sources of fiber. Case in point: most nuts, including sunflower seeds, almonds, pistachios, and pecans contain 4 grams of fiber per serving. Legumes may be some of the healthiest foods and overall best source of fiber there is. Some of the best choices include lentils, pinto beans, kidney beans and black beans which contain a whopping 16 grams of fiber per 1 cup serving; lima beans and garbanzo beans, which contain 14 grams of fiber per 1 cup serving; and baked beans, which contain 10 grams of fiber per 1 cup serving.

References

• Harvard School of Public Health
• We Heal NY: Fiber Content Chart
• Mayo Clinic: High Fiber Foods

Resources

• Harvard School of Public Health: Health Gains from Whole Grains