The best weight loss tricks from around the world

We investigated what people in other countries do to lose weight - and found the best weight loss tricks to combat excess pounds

Mit den besten Abnehmtricks purzeln die Pfunde tatsächlich einfach nebenbei.© fotolia
With the best weight loss tricks, the pounds really do just tumble off by the way.

Many of us want to get rid of a few rolls on our hips. If only we didn't have to starve and starve all the time. But you don't have to! Women and men all over the world are showing us how. We just have to take a closer look and learn from them. With the best weight loss tricks, the pounds really do just tumble off by the way.

Greece: Olive oil curbs excessive appetite

The Greeks know the best weight loss tricks: hardly any other people in Europe consume as much olive oil per year as they do. And they know why. Because the "green gold" is not only rich in natural antioxidants and vitamin D, which makes the skin age less quickly. It also contains valuable oleic acid. This produces a hormone during digestion that creates a long-lasting feeling of satiety. In this way, olive oil regulates the appetite. The ideal dosage for the effect is at least one tablespoon a day, for example in a salad.

Thailand: Ginger heats you up from the inside

The essential oils and enzymes contained in ginger produce a pleasant warming effect in the body. This accelerates the digestion and burning of fat. And this is how it's done: Simply drink a small cup of ginger tea before or with your main meals. To do this, peel a small piece of fresh ginger root (approx. 4 g), scald with 200 ml of hot water and leave to infuse for at least 10 minutes. It's best to try it right away, the effect is impressive!

South Africa: Rooibos tea stops unbridled sweet tooth

In South Africa, rooibos is a kind of national treasure. The tea made from it tastes naturally sweet and fruity and satisfies cravings for sweets without any calories. The good thing about this popular drink: as the tea is completely caffeine-free, you can enjoy it around the clock without any worries. Another positive side effect: Rooibos tea has a calming effect on the nervous system and promotes sleep - the basic prerequisite for a functioning fat metabolism. So just brew a cup when you get a craving for chocolate, cream cake or cookies.

Australia: tropical fruits burn fat deposits

In faraway Australia, the best weight loss tricks literally grow around every corner. The climate in the southern hemisphere is simply ideal for tropical fruits. Mangoes with their pantothenic acid ensure that the body utilizes the food it consumes more quickly. Pineapples promote digestion thanks to the enzyme bromelain. This makes food more digestible and less likely to stick. Another insider tip for slimming Australians is papaya: rich in the protein-splitting enzyme papain, the fruit boosts the metabolism.

France: Red wine puts the brakes on fattening foods

No meal is complete without a good glass of red wine. For many French women, this is simply part of their lifestyle. In fact, drinking red wine is one of the best weight loss tricks at home and has a positive effect on the scales. This is because red grape juice contains the substance resveratrol, which neutralizes the fat in food. The plant substance OPC also strengthens the connective tissue and ensures radiant, smooth skin. It is very important that the positive effect is not negated: Please drink a maximum of 1/8 liter of the intoxicating stimulant every day.

Sweden: Salmon destroys calories

On average, every Swede eats no less than 29 kilograms of fish per year. So it's no wonder that the Scandinavians are much less likely to be overweight than we are. Although not exactly lean, salmon in particular is ideal for a diet. It contains vitamin B12, iodine, zinc and potassium. Omega-3 fatty acids keep the blood vessels clean and improve cholesterol levels and the valuable proteins increase calorie burning.

India: Lentils fill you up

Who isn't familiar with the tormenting craving for hearty food or snacks? The answer is clear: Indian women. Because they love lentils - one of the best weight loss tricks for everyday life. They have very few calories (316 kcal/100g), but are packed with protein, carbohydrates and fiber, which fill your stomach for a long time. And if you then refine the lentils with curry, as is customary in this exotic country, they have a double effect. This is because the up to 30 spices they contain stimulate digestion.

Russia: beet stimulates the liver

Borscht is the national dish of the Russians. The most important ingredient, beet, not only tastes delicious, it also helps you lose weight. This is because it contains lots of betaine, a protein building block that stimulates liver activity and promotes fat loss. Eat a portion of beet every day, e.g. grated raw as a salad, cooked or pickled.

Japan: Rice helps with drainage

In Germany, around 23 percent of all women are overweight. In Japan, this only applies to three (!) percent of the female population. One of their best weight loss tricks is rice. Almost 70 kilograms of this healthy grain are eaten by every inhabitant there every year. Rice contains a lot of potassium, which flushes uric acid and excess water out of the body. It is best to replace pasta, potatoes and side dishes made from wheat flour with wholegrain rice at least three times a week.

Mexico: Chili effectively boosts digestion

Capsaicin, the substance that makes chilies or cayenne pepper so hot, boosts the body's metabolism and fat burning. And the good news for all those who prefer it lightly spiced: researchers from Taiwan have recently discovered that even small amounts of this pungent substance can destroy fat cells. So go for chili con carne & co.

Argentina: Mate tea curbs hunger

The traditional Argentinean drink contains a particularly large amount of tannins, which have a dampening effect on hunger. This makes it easier to eat less. Simply drink a large cup of freshly brewed mate tea before every meal. Then you will automatically eat less and easily save calories. But please don't sweeten it with sugar, otherwise the little weight loss trick will soon be gone.