Extra virgin olive oil could be the secret weapon in the battle against belly fat, groundbreaking research has suggested. Italian scientists have examined the remarkable impact this kitchen staple has on weight loss and determined how frequently it needs to be consumed for optimal results.
This marks the first research to indicate that extra virgin olive oil might independently reduce abdominal fat. Published in the Frontiers in Nutrition journal, the investigators found that the Mediterranean ingredient was directly linked to a reduced body mass index and a trimmer waistline.
The research revealed that completely avoiding extra-virgin olive oil represented a “strong risk factor” for accumulating fat around the midsection, regardless of overall diet quality.
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The scientists studied how regularly consuming extra virgin olive oil affected obesity(Image: GETTY)
More precisely, steering clear of the oil heightens people’s chances of developing visceral adiposity, the study warned. This particular fat type often remains hidden as it wraps around vital organs, including the stomach, liver, and intestines.
This dangerous fat poses serious health threats as it elevates the chances of numerous complications, including heart disease, metabolic disorders, diabetes, and elevated cholesterol levels. One of the simplest methods to detect visceral fat is by measuring your waist circumference.
According to News Medical, those who seldom included the oil in their diet or consumed it irregularly were found to have five times higher odds of being categorised as having abdominal obesity, or a larger waist circumference, than those who regularly indulged in extra virgin olive oil.
Non-regular consumption was defined as having two tablespoons on fewer than six days per week. The researchers are hopeful that their findings will encourage the medical community to recommend regular extra virgin olive oil consumption as part of a healthy diet to achieve and maintain weight loss, especially for those battling with central obesity.
The researchers scrutinised data from 16,237 adults, including their height, weight, sex, waist circumference and frequency of extra virgin olive oil consumption. Their intake was categorised by the number of days they consumed approximately 25 grams, or two tablespoons, of extra-virgin olive oil.
They were then split into three groups:
Sporadic – less than three days a week
Frequent – between three and six days a week
Regular – more than six days a week
Certain methods of incorporating olive oil into a meal may be more beneficial than others(Image: GETTY)
In general, it was found that individuals who regularly consumed olive oil tended to be older. However, despite their age, they were also more likely to be in better health than their younger counterparts.
Olive oil, a key component of the Mediterranean diet, is renowned for its numerous health benefits, including reducing the risk of diabetes, cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.
However, incorporating more of this ‘liquid gold’ into your meals isn’t as straightforward as simply using it for cooking. When heated, olive oil can lose some of its nutritional value, although it can boost the nutrient content of the food being cooked in it.
To retain all its health benefits, consider using olive oil as a finishing touch, dressing or drizzle on already cooked dishes. It can also serve as a healthier alternative to fats in various recipes, from baking to replacing butter on sandwiches.
Dining and Cooking