Weight loss can be aided by adding mustard to your diet plan, a nutritionist has revealed.
Dr Marilyn Glenville claims that the tasty condiment, great on burgers, hot dogs and steak, can also help you lose some weight (if eaten in moderation).
This is because mustard has a special ingredient that boosts your metabolism, helping your body to burn calories and therefore shed some weight.
You can burn 16 per cent more fat after eating mustard, the weight loss expert claimed.
Dr Marilyn said: “The capsaicin’s heat may help with a process called thermogenesis where your body can convert fat into heat, so helps to burn more fat, which aids to weight loss.
“Including thermogenic ingredients in your diet may boost your metabolism by up to 5 percent, and increase fat burning by up to 16 percent.
“If you are buying ready-made mustard make sure that it does not contain sugar as this is going to be counterproductive for your weight.”
Capsaicin is prominent in many foods that have a hot or spicy taste.
This is the reason many promote eating chillies as a method to lose weight.
The same goes for jalapeños, and the theory has been backed up by scientific studies.
One study titled “Could capsaicinoids help to support weight management? A systematic review and meta-analysis of energy intake data”, claimed spicy food will help with weight loss.
The report concluded: “Meta-analysis findings suggest that daily consumption of capsaicinoids may contribute to weight management through reductions in energy intake.
“Subsequently, there may be potential for capsaicinoids to be used as long-term, natural weight-loss aids.”
Another addition dieters can add to their meal plans is a dietary fibre, which helps to fill the stomach.
Drinking water before meals is also said to aid to weight loss.
According to scientifically-proven studies, drinking water can boost metabolism by 24 to 30 per cent over a period of 1 to 1.5 hours, helping you burn off a few more calories.