Belly-flattening smoothies

Flush out “false fat” with these hydrating refreshers packed with nutrient-rich melon

HOW MELON SPEEDS SLIMMING Converts fat into fuel

The rich stores of vitamin C in melons help the body convert fat into usable energy. In fact, a study in The Journal of Nutrition found that this effect helped women who increased their intake of vitamin C–rich foods boost their metabolism enough to lose 13 pounds in as little as 8 weeks without dieting.

Releases “false fat”

Enjoying melon-enriched sips is twice as effective as water at hydrating the body, according to British researchers. That’s because melons deliver electrolytes that balance fluid levels within cells. This in turn prompts the body to release the excess fluid that causes bloat.

Soothes inflammation

The antioxidants in melons clear up harmful free radicals before they can cause cellular inflammation. The payoff? Research published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition shows that a fruit-rich diet is linked to a 24 percent reduction in levels of a key inflammatory marker that’s known to trigger metabolic issues like obesity and diabetes.