KEY POINTS

  • Visceral fat is the dangerous type of fat that can lead to hypertension, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases
  • By avoiding certain foods, you may be able to  get rid of visceral fat
  • One of the foods in the list is simple carbohydrates

Visceral fat or belly fat is sometimes called active fat because studies have shown that this fat type can affect the function of hormones. Having excessive amounts of this fat can increase the risk of developing serious medical problems. This is because this fat wraps itself around vital organs like the liver, pancreas, heart, and kidneys, and also streaks through your muscles.

Medical experts are at a loss as to what causes the accumulation of visceral fat, though it is strongly believed that a high-fat diet is a major contributing factor. If you are trying to get rid of your visceral fat, what foods should you avoid?

Visceral Fat Facts

According to Dr. David Haslam, belly fat is precariously toxic. On closer look, it may appear as an inert lump of lard, but it is actually extremely active and continuously pump poisons into your bloodstream.

reduce visceral fat belly fat
reduce visceral fat belly fat jarmoluk - Pixabay

Known to cause swelling and inflammation in the colon as well as in the artery walls, visceral fat is a leading cause of diabetes, some cancer types, and heart disease. Studies even show that visceral fat can affect your mood just by increasing the production of cortisol, a stress hormone, and lowering the levels of feel-happy endorphins.

Worst Foods Best Avoided

To get rid of the dangerous belly fat, you should avoid foods that only increase the stored belly fat amount. Scientists were able to identify three major culprits.

Simple Carbohydrates

These include items like processed flour products like white rice and white bread. These food items will only increase the amount of visceral fat in your body.

According to Dr. Aviva Romm, simple carbohydrates are not like complex carbohydrates that make use of blood sugar levels and energy for daily activities. Instead, simple carbohydrates can lead you to develop insulin and sugar spikes. In the end, it may cause insulin resistance, inflammation, obesity, and many more.

Unhealthy Fats

Three kinds of dietary fat that contribute hugely to inflammation are omega-6 fats, trans fats, and saturated fats. Omega-6 fat is a type of polyunsaturated fat usually found in nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils. When moderately consumed, it can be good for your heart. Excessive consumption of this fat results in the opposite.

Trans fats are among the worst kinds of fats and can become an issue in itself beyond waistline size troubles. According to Mayo Clinic experts, trans fats, which are oftentimes found in fried foods and baked goods, increases the risk of developing heart disease. Dr. Romm advises that instead of consuming trans fats, you should eat foods that are rich in good quality fats such as avocado and like oil.

Processed Meats

This food type is known to have high saturated fat and calorie content. It is not only hazardous for your belly, but it can also trigger a stroke or heart disease.

According to Julie Rothenberg, a nutritionist, processed meats is very difficult to digest. They can remain in the intestines for a long time because of the difficulty in breaking them down.