Kicking a bad habit to lose weight is no easy task. But if you’re considering giving it a try, these vegetables can help you eliminate visceral fat from your stubborn belly, according to a recent study.
According to Dr. Josh Axe from Ancient Nutrition and author of the upcoming book Ancient Remedies:
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It’s important to reduce belly fat because this visceral fat lies in close proximity to vital organs of the body, including the kidneys, liver, and digestive organs.
This type of fat can more easily enter the bloodstream and cause health issues like clogged arteries and hypertension.
A study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics sought to examine the relationship between vegetable consumption and visceral fat reduction.
Specifically, researchers were interested in the impact dark green and deep orange/yellow vegetables, also known as nutrient-rich vegetables, have on visceral fat.
To examine this impact they conducted a cross-sectional study of 175 overweight Latino youth over five years.
Over the five-year period, the researchers found consumers of dark green and deep orange/yellow vegetables had 17 percent less visceral fat than non-consumers.
Intake of nutrient-rich vegetables was also positively associated with improved insulin sensitivity.
Insulin resistance – the driver of type 2 diabetes – is linked to visceral fat gain.
In conclusion, consumption of specific vegetable types by overweight Latino youth is associated with positive metabolic outcomes, including reduced visceral and liver fat and risk factors for type 2 diabetes, even when consumed in small quantities
the researchers wrote.
Dark green vegetables include beet greens, broccoli, collard greens, endive, escarole and kale.
Deep yellow vegetables include carrots, pumpkins, sweet potatoes and winter squash.
Besides, protein can also be a helpful way to lose weight because it makes you feel fuller than carbs and fat do.
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Good sources include chicken breast, tuna, mackerel, salmon, eggs, milk, red lentils, chickpeas, brown bread, nuts and soya.
According to Harvard Health, spot exercises, such as sit-ups, can tighten abdominal muscles but won’t get at visceral fat.
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