Plant Oil Could Help Fight Belly Fat

April 5, 2011 - PRLog -- A new study has uncovered a type of plant oil that might reduce belly fat in humans. Excess fat in the abdominal area is a dangerous element, leading to potentially serious medical problems, including diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, and stroke. The new oil on the scene is called "sterculic" oil. Obesity has a new foe and it hails from the realm of herbal medicine.

Sterculic oil is extracted from seeds of the 'Sterculia foetida" tree. The oil contains unique fatty acids known to stop an enzyme in the body that is linked to insulin resistance. This could help in both diabetes prevention and belly fat reduction. Older studies on rodents found that the enzyme in rodents improves a number of factors associated with heart problems and diabetes.

This piece of research paves the way for use of this oil in people. Being able to reduce abdominal fat is a major benefit in reducing incidence of serious disease. The researchers believe it could become a supplement in the near future.

To test it, they added sterculic oil to the feed of rats disposed to a high level of belly fat. Over 13 weeks, the rats on sterculic oil had less belly fat and a lower risk of diabetes. It was a small dose of oil, comparable to three grams in a 250-pound human.

Belly fat is known as "intra-abdominal" fat. It sits between internal organs and the torso, which can trigger health problems that may disrupt the body's ability to maintain blood sugar levels. Initially your body will produce more insulin to balance this, but eventually the pancreas can't produce enough insulin and sugar builds up in the bloodstream.

More studies of sterculic oil are on their way, hoping to prove effectiveness and safety in people. This oil is similar to other vegetable oils, with the same sort of natural chemicals in it, so it could one day be substituted for an olive or canola oil in the kitchen. And, of course, supplements may be on their way.

Of course, it goes without saying that nobody should rely on any one or two remedies to try to reduce the weight-scale numbers. Exercise remains a vital part of any effort to shed pounds, and no product used to reduce fat will ever be effective without ensuring that you're also exercising sufficiently.

And remember, you can always get more natural health advice, the latest alternative health breakthroughs and news, plus information about nutrition, alternative remedies and cures and doctors health advice, all free when you sign up for the Doctors Health Press e-Bulletin. Visit http://www.doctorshealthpress.com now to find out how to start your free subscription.

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