4 Refreshing drinks that boost your fat-burning potential

A major part of weight loss is keeping your body hydrated with the right liquids. Many people don't like to drink plain water. If you're one of them, check out four incredibly refreshing drinks that hydrate your body and nourish it with the essential nutrients, enzymes and other compounds needed to melt those unhealthy fat deposits away.

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That's right, you can lose weight by sipping on these fat-shedding drinks below__:__

1. Jamaica water: Also known as Hibiscus tea, this gorgeous deep red tea has been touted for its weight loss ability by many. This exotic tea contains Amylase inhibitors, like phaseolamin, that several research studies have backed its ability to oxidize fat while preserving lean muscles. Hibiscus flowers also are diuretic and have calcium and potassium electrolytes along with Vitamin C that keeps bloating at bay. The Bioflavonoids and antioxidants in hibiscus repairs damaged cells, protects heart and flushes out fat as part of its cleaning mechanism.

2. Cucumber water: If you don't find the flavor of water appealing, then just add a few cucumber slices to it. It will make it much more delicious and add to its benefits of weight loss. Cucumber is a diuretic that breaks down fat cells and eliminates water weight from your body. It is rich in sulfur and silicon. These two compounds help flush out the accumulated uric acid from the kidneys, which often occurs in those who are overweight. Cucumbers are also rich in Vitamins A, C and E, which eradicate fat cells and cleanse our body at a cellular level, removing fat pockets present under your skin. It has fiber which ensures smooth functioning of the digestive tract. Another compound called tartrate acid in cucumber stimulates the conversion of carbohydrates to energy conversion, which then promotes weight loss.

3. Water with lemon: Not only is lemon water absolutely refreshing on a hot summer day, but drinking it the first thing in the morning will revitalize your body, putting it in a much cleaner form. It is incredibly rich in Vitamin C which strengthens your immune system and keeps flus and colds at bay. It cleanses out the intestines and stimulates the production of important gastric juices which aid digestion–which means no more bloating, indigestion or heartburn. Lemon also contains a soluble fiber called pectin, which increases satiety and curbs hunger for a longer period of time. Its diuretic properties purify the body by increasing the production of urine. It also detoxifies and stimulates the functioning of liver by aiding the production of bile, an acid that helps digestion.

4. Oolong tea: Native to China, Oolong tea has been long known for its weight loss effects. Research has shown that individuals who consumed two cups of Oolong tea each day burned more than 157 percent of fat when compared to the green tea drinkers. The tea also contains polyphenols that suppress fat absorption. Research has also shown how it spikes your metabolism rate to up to two hours for every cup you drink. What makes Oolong tea so special is that it derives its power from both black and green teas, which makes it rich in antioxidants as well as caffeine. These compounds increase your metabolism, which subsequently boosts energy expenditure, making it easier for you to reduce and maintain weight.

This summer, make these drinks a part of your diet. They will truly revitalize every cell of your body, making you feel lighter and much more healthier.

This post was originally published on May 22, 2014.