Dr Zoe Williams discusses visceral fat on This Morning
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info
Visceral fat is also often referred to as belly fat. Visceral fat ensures that there is some distance between each organ. Too much of it though can lead to inflammation and high blood pressure, which increases the risk of serious health problems. Eating one type of bread in moderation, however, has been shown to help reduce your belly fat and keep you feeling fuller for longer.
Barley is rich in vitamins, minerals and other beneficial plant compounds.
It’s available in many forms, ranging from hulled barley to barley grits, flakes and flour.
When consumed as a whole grain, barley is a particularly rich source of fibre, molybdenum, manganese and selenium.
It also contains good amounts of copper, vitamin B1, chromium, phosphorus, magnesium and niacin.
Barley may reduce hunger and promote feelings of fullness it said to help lessen hunger largely through its high fibre content.
A soluble fibre known as beta-glucan is particularly helpful, said Healthline.
The site added: “That’s because soluble fibres, such as beta-glucan, tend to form a gel-like substance in your gut, which slows the digestion and absorption of nutrients. In turn, this curbs your appetite and promotes fullness.
“What’s more, soluble fibre may target belly fat associated with metabolic disease.”
In a study published in the National Library of Health, the effect of high beta-glucan barley on visceral fat in Japanese men was investigated.
A randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled intervention study was conducted on 44 Japanese men with a body mass index (BMI) >22 kg/m2.
The subjects were randomly assigned to groups consuming either rice (placebo group) or a mixture of rice and pearl barley with a high beta-glucan content for 12 weeks.
The pearl barley intake significantly reduced serum concentrations of LDL cholesterol during the trial.
“Significant differences between the test and placebo groups were found for the visceral fat, BMI, and waist circumference at the end point,” noted the study.
It concluded: “The consumption of pearl barley with a high beta-glucan content reduces not only LDL-C but also visceral fat area.”
Another study found that barley has various health benefits.
It can help to reduce blood levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, thereby lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease.
It is also low on the glycaemic index which assists with blood glucose and insulin management.
These benefits are renowned for gut health and its ability to reduce visceral fat.
Source: Read Full Article