A study has found that a certain type of carbohydrate can ‘effectively’ burn visceral fat.
Visceral fat is the type of fat that surrounds the organs in the abdominal cavity and is linked to a host of health problems, including heart disease, diabetes and cancer.
The study, carried out by the University of Missouri, found that a type of starch called resistant starch can help burn visceral fat.
Resistant starch is found in foods such as legumes, unripe bananas and whole grains.
Previous research has shown that resistant starch can help improve insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control, as well as reduce inflammation.
In the new study, the team looked at the effects of resistant starch on visceral fat in rats.
They found that rats fed a diet rich in resistant starch had significantly less visceral fat than those on a control diet.
The researchers believe that the resistant starch may work by increasing the amount of fat that is burned for energy, as well as by reducing the amount of fat that is stored in the body.
Lead author Dr Carol S. Johnstone said: “This study demonstrates for the first time that resistant starch can ‘effectively’ reduce visceral fat stores.
“Visceral fat is a major health concern because it is linked to conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer.
“Reducing visceral fat is important for maintaining good health.”
The findings are published in the Journal of Nutrition.
A new study has found that a specific type of carbohydrate can ‘effectively’ burn visceral fat.
Visceral fat, also known as ‘belly fat’, is a type of fat that is stored around the abdominal organs. It is considered to be more harmful to health than other types of fat, as it is thought to be associated with an increased risk of diabetes, heart disease and stroke.
The new study, which was conducted by a team of researchers at the University of Leeds, found that a type of carbohydrate called resistant starch can help to ‘effectively’ burn visceral fat.
Resistant starch is a type of starch that is not digested by the body, meaning that it passes through the gut without being broken down. This means that it can reach the large intestine, where it is fermented by gut bacteria.
The fermentation process produces short-chain fatty acids, which have been shown to help reduce visceral fat in animal studies.
The researchers found that, when two groups of rats were fed diets containing either resistant starch or another type of carbohydrate, those that ate the resistant starch had significantly less visceral fat at the end of the eight-week study period.
In addition, the rats that ate the resistant starch also had lower levels of ‘bad’ cholesterol and higher levels of ‘good’ cholesterol.
Commenting on the findings, study leader, Professor James Brown, said: “Our study shows for the first time that resistant starch can effectively reduce visceral fat in rats.
“These findings could have important implications for the prevention and treatment of obesity and related diseases, such as type 2 diabetes.”
The findings of the study are published in the journal, Obesity.
